Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) pollute the environment and food, adversely affecting living organisms. It is known that exposure to EDCs increases the risk of various diseases in humans, but in veterinary medicine, the pathogenic impact of these substances is usually marginalised. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine whether exposure to EDCs is associated with a higher risk of chronic degenerative valve disease (CDVD) in dogs. The study included hair samples collected from 60 male and female dogs of various breeds and ages ranging from 9 months to 15 years. Hair samples collected from healthy dogs and dogs with CDVD were analysed for the presence of 15 EDCs (including bisphenol A, parabens, benzophenones and polyfluoroalkyl substances) using liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) technique. Concentration levels of methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, perfluoroheptanoic acid and perfluorooctanoic acid in samples collected from dogs with CDVD were statistically significantly higher than those noted in healthy dogs. Differences in concentrations of other EDCs studied between ill and healthy dogs were not statistically significant. The results may suggest that greater exposure of dogs to certain EDCs (such as methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, perfluoroheptanoic acid, and perfluorooctanoic acid) may increase the risk of CDVD, but further comprehensive clinical and toxicological research is necessary to fully clarify this issue.