Blood lead levels, clinico-pathological findings and erythrocyte metabolism in dogs from different habitats

Biological markers of lead exposure were measured in 20 dogs from five different habitats chosen on the basis of the degree of anthropogenic influence. None of the dogs had clinical signs of lead poisoning. Compared to controls, blood lead concentrations were significantly higher in dogs from industrial areas, confirming the role of lead emissions in environmental pollution and the possible role of dogs as biomonitors of lead exposure in these areas. Whole blood lead concentrations were similar in dogs living in urban and rural areas, probably due to "indirect" lead sources and due to decreased urban lead contamination. As in humans, individual variability was detected. No significant correlation between clinico-pathological changes (hematology, clinical chemistry, δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity and other intra-erythrocytic metabolic parameters) and lead concentration were observed. Our findings suggest dogs can be useful as sentinels of environmental lead exposure.