Effect of sex on the levels of total arsenic (As) and As(III) in dog urine: a preliminary study

Abstract

The aim of the study was to analyze differences in the concentration of total arsenic (As) and As(III) in urine depending on the sex of mixed-breed dogs. Therefore, a research hypothesis was put forward that sex is a variable determining the degree and efficiency of urinary arsenic excretion. Two study groups were established: female (group 1) and male (group 2) mixed-breed dogs of similar body weight (9-13 kg) and aged 8-11 years. Urine samples were collected using a device designed specially for this purpose (utility model registered at the Patent Office of the Republic of Poland, no. WUP 13/2023). Samples were wet-digested following the protocol presented in the PN-EN 13805:2014 standard and analysed using an EcaFlow 150 GLP coulometer integrated with an E-53 Au electrode and EcaCell. Arsenic content in dog food was also measured to verify the effect of this variable. Results were analyzed using Statistica 13.1 software. Sex had a significant effect on the urinary arsenic excretion. The levels of total As and As(III) were significantly higher in urine from male dogs (18.45 and 2.92 [μg L-1]; p≤0.05) with compared to urine from female dogs (13.43 and 1.67 [μg L-1], respectively).