Influence of Age and Sex on Fasting Blood Glucose Levels in Clinically Ill Dogs

Abstract

The study was carried out from January to March 2024 to assess how age and sex influence fasting blood glucose concentrations in clinically ill dogs (Canis familiaris). A total of 84 clinically ill dogs of different breeds presented to the Outpatient Ward of the Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary Science, GADVASU, Rampura Phul, Punjab, India, were included in the study. The dogs were divided into three age groups: puppies under one year of age, adults between one and five years, and geriatric dogs older than five years, and were further classified according to sex. Blood samples were obtained following a 12-hour fasting period to minimize the effect of recent food intake. Fasting blood glucose levels were determined using a dry chemistry analyser (Fujifilm NX 600 V, Veterinary Model). Statistical evaluation showed a significant variation in fasting blood glucose levels among the different age groups (p = 0.00015). The highest mean glucose values were observed in puppies (105.29 ± 16.51 mg/dL), followed by geriatric dogs (98.29 ± 16.14 mg/dL), whereas adult dogs exhibited the lowest concentrations (85.86 ± 17.18 mg/dL). A statistically significant difference was also found between sexes (p = 0.0396), with higher mean fasting glucose levels recorded in female dogs (100.20 ± 18.13 mg/dL) than in male dogs (91.97 ± 17.70 mg/dL). These results demonstrate that both age and sex have a significant effect on fasting blood glucose levels in clinically ill dogs and should be taken into account during clinical assessment and interpretation of biochemical findings in veterinary practice.