The aim of this article is to obtain the correct specification of reference ranges of TT4, fT4 and cTSH with regard to the influence of physiological factors on thyroid gland functioning, including breed size, age and season. The reference range for TT4 was divided according to the size of the dog breeds. In large breeds, over 27 kg of live weight, it should be represented by the interval TT4 = 17-43 nmol/l; in medium size breeds, from 12 to 27 kg of live weight, it should be TT4 = 23-50 nmol/l and in small breeds, up to 12 kg of live weight, the reference range should move within TT4 = 27-55 nmol/l. The reference range of free thyroxin does not depend on the size of the breed and it is represented by a uniform standard: fT4 = 10-22 pmol/l. The reference level for cTSH in healthy dogs should not exceed cTSH = 0-0.35 ng/ml.
The presence of antibodies against Chlamydophila (Chlamydia) psittaci in small mammals (Insectivora, Rodentia) in the region of East Slovakia are presented. The hosts were caught in several areas of Slovakia in habitats with different levels of anthropogenic disturbance. Research was carried out during 2000-2002. The authors examined 1,947 sera coming from 4 insectivore and 10 rodent species. Each serum was examined by micromethod of complement binding reactions using antigen Chlamydophila (Chlamydia) psittaci. Chlamydial infections were found in 251 individuals (prevalence 12.9%) of 8 mammal species. The antichlamydial antibodies were proved at levels ranging from 1:32-1:1024. The highest prevalence of antibodies was detected in the most abundant rodent species Apodemus microps (14.8%), Apodemus agrarius (13.9%), Apodemus flavicolis (12.4%), Microtus arvalis (12%), and Clethrionomys glareolus (10.9%). Positive hosts were registered in all studied localities. Testing of prevalence values in the individual research years confirmed significant changes. Our results showed that small mammals probably play an important role in the circulation of chlamydiae in nature.