Diagnosis of lead in the blood of dogs and cats in urban and rural areas of the Calceta parish, Manabí

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine blood lead levels in dogs and cats from urban and rural areas in Calceta parish, Bolívar canton, Manabí, Ecuador, where 32 blood samples (20 from dogs and 12 from cats) were collected. These samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, additionally, surveys were conducted with pet owners to assess animal management conditions. The results showed that most samples had concentrations below the detectable limit (0.005 ppm). Animals from rural areas presented a mean of 0.01 mg L^-1, exceeding the reference values. However, statistical analysis did not reveal significant differences between species or location (urban vs. rural). On the other hand, a significant variation was found according to sex (p = 0.0274), with females being more susceptible to higher blood lead levels than males. This finding is attributed to physiological processes involving bone mobilization of lead into the bloodstream during gestation and lactation. Furthermore, several risk factors were identified, including mixed feeding practices (62.5%), constant outdoor exposure (53.1%), a marked lack of veterinary check-ups (59.4%), and absence of prior blood testing (93.8%). Although 87.5% of the animals did not show clinical signs, lead levels were detected in asymptomatic individuals, highlighting the importance of preventive diagnosis. In conclusion, companion animals in Calceta act as environmental sentinels for lead exposure, emphasizing the need to promote education on animal welfare and preventive veterinary medicine.