Prevalence, Clinical Picture, and Risk Factors Associated with Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs in Alexandria Governorate, Egypt

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence, clinical picture, complications, and risk factors associated with Diabetes Mellitus in dogs in Alexandria governorate, Egypt. One hundred and thirty-nine dogs representing fifteen breeds from the Directorate of Veterinary Medicine in Alexandria governorate were involved in the study between November 2020 and April 2021. After a thorough clinical examination and filling out a pre-designed questionnaire, random blood glucose (RBG) test was performed for all animals. Those with high RBG levels were subjected to a complete blood picture (CBC), liver and kidney functions, and HbA1c. A control group of 50 dogs of similar age, sex, breed, and management was selected and subjected to the same analyses. The prevalence of DM among the studied dogs was 7.2 %. All diabetics suffered from polydipsia and polyuria, while 60% suffered from polyphagia and 80% suffered from weight loss. No significant impact of DM on temperature, respiratory rate, anaemia, liver enzymes and platelets count, but there was a significant increase in pulse rate. There was a significant impact of DM on eyes as 80% of the diabetic dogs suffered from cataracts. It had a significant impact on total leucocyte count and on the renal function, where 70 % of the diabetics had impaired renal functions. Regarding the risk factor analysis associated with the occurrence of DM, only breed has been identified as a potential risk factor for cDM (canine diabetes mellitus). So, a spotlight must be thrown on cDM as an essential and not uncommon dog’s disease, and we need to raise awareness of cDM among veterinarians and dogs’ owners.