Comprehensive Assessment of Metabolic and Urinary Alterations in Canine Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to assess the metabolic and urinary alterations in canines with diabetes mellitus, focusing on biochemical, hematological, and urinary parameters to better understand the disease and inform treatment strategies. Study Design: An observational, cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Department of Veterinary Medicine, PGIVER, Jaipur, India, from August 2024 to January 2025. Methodology: The study involved 200 canines exhibiting clinical signs of diabetes mellitus, with 13 diagnosed based on fasting blood glucose levels above 140 mg/dl. A control group of 10 healthy dogs were used as control. Blood and urine samples were collected for analysis of glucose, liver enzymes (ALT, ALP), cholesterol, triglycerides, renal markers (creatinine, BUN), and urine parameters such as glucose, ketones, protein, specific gravity, and pH. Results: Diabetic dogs showed significantly higher blood glucose (315.84 ± 30.14 mg/dl) compared to controls (92.60 ± 2.31 mg/dl, p<0.01). Biochemical analysis revealed elevated ALT (107.23 ± 4.01 U/L), ALP (177.92 ± 6.06 U/L), triglycerides (188.61 ± 6.38 mg/dl), and cholesterol (249.92 ± 7.71 mg/dl). Renal dysfunction was indicated by increased creatinine (1.69 ± 0.03 mg/dl) and BUN (30.55 ± 0.53 mg/dl). The hematological examination indicated the presence of neutrophilia (76.61 ± 0.36) and lymphopenia (16.23 ± 0.49). Urinalysis showed increased glucose (834.61 ± 198.42 mg/dl), ketone bodies (31.15 ± 8.38 mg/dl), specific gravity (1.025 ± 0.00), and protein (33.07 ± 5.78 mg/dl), with a decreased pH (5.53 ± 0.14, p<0.01). Conclusion: Diabetic canines exhibit significant metabolic and urinary disturbances, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring to manage the disease and prevent complications. Further research with larger sample sizes is required for broader validation.