DefinePK

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate the markers of oxidative stress in dogs suffering from hind quarter weakness (HQW) and treated with conventional drug therapy (CDT, n=8, group II) alone, and along with electro-acupuncture therapy (EAT, n=8, group III). Eight healthy dogs were used as control (group I). The erythrocytic oxidant-antioxidant balance was recorded before and after the respective therapies. For oxidant level, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and antioxidant levels reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were evaluated in erythrocytes before (day 0) and after 3,7,14 and 28 days of therapy. In dogs with HQW, LPO in terms of malondialdehyde (MDA) production, was found significantly (P<0.05) increased as compared to healthy control on day 0. Thereafter, a significant (P<0.05) decrease in the level of LPO was noticed till day 28 post treatment. Amongst antioxidant enzymes, activities of GSH and CAT decreased significantly (P<0.05) whereas, the level of SOD increased significantly (P<0.05) as compared to healthy control. Excess free radicals production was lowered and antioxidant defense system was activated in dogs treated by EAT along with CDT followed by those treated by CDT alone. Results denote that incorporation of EAT in the therapeutic regimen might be helpful to curb the oxidative stress in the course of HQW in dogs. Hence, EAT was effective in minimizing oxidative stress in dogs suffering from hind quarter weakness.