Study on Diabetes Mellitus and its Management in Dogs
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Date
2022-11-14
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Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology, Jammu (J&K)
Abstract
To know the prevalence of diabetes in dogs from the Jammu region study was carried out. During the period from July 2021 to June 2022, 2480 dogs were presented for various ailments and regular health check-ups in medicine OPD of the university hospital. Diabetes was confirmed in 10 dogs, thus indicating an overall prevalence of 0.40%. Labrador breed of dogs had the highest (80%) prevalence followed by Pug (10%). Ninety percent of the diabetic dogs were >6 years of age and the majority (80%) were male dogs. All diabetic dogs exhibited clinical signs of polydipsia and polyuria, weight loss was recorded in 60 % (6/10) cases, 40% (4/10) dogs developed polyphagia and cataracts, 30% (3/10) had skin infections whereas, 20% (2/10) dogs showed signs of recurrent urinary tract infection, vomiting, anorexia, and ketonic breath. Diabetic dogs were scored for health status as per the body condition score (BCS) index and it was observed that 80% were overweight (BCS 4/5). Hematology of the diabetic dogs revealed a significant (p<0.05) increase in TLC and neutrophil count. Blood biochemical profile revealed a significant (p<0.05) increase in blood glucose, AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, triglyceride, and fructosamine levels in diabetic dogs. Blood gas analysis revealed acid-base derangement which included decreased blood pH, bicarbonate (HCO3-), and increased anion gap values indicating that diabetic dogs are mildly acidotic. Diabetic dogs showed hyponatremic, hypokalemic, hypocalcemic, and hypochloremic. Urine analysis revealed lower pH and high specific gravity along with glycosuria, ketonuria, and proteinuria. Insulin premix preparation containing regular crystalline and NPH insulin (30/70) effectively controls diabetes in dogs. However, the dose of insulin varies from case to case and needs to be standardized by initiating the lowest dose and monitoring glucose levels on an hourly basis to plot curves every time a dose is adjusted.