The development of blood picture parameters in the cape hunting dog (Lycaon pictus)

Abstract 1. Data were collected in various developmental stages of the Cape hunting dog pups from 1986 to 1989. 2. 231 examinations were performed during this period in six age groups and eight blood picture parameters were recorded. 3. A significant increase of the red cell count, haematocrit values and haemoglobin content was noted from the groups of youngest pups (aged 2 months) to the subadult group (aged between 8 and 12 months). 4. No differences were seen between this subadult group and the group of adult animals (aged 2–6 years). 5. No sex-related differences were registered. 6. No significant changes in the leukocyte count were noted. 7. Our results were compared with those abstracted from the literature and discussed.