LAUSR

There are no reports in available literature on the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in dogs in Nigeria and reference values for fasting blood glucose levels (FBGL) of locally available dog breeds. This study evaluated the FBGL of dogs presented for veterinary care in Warri, Nigeria, determined the prevalence of DM in the dog population, and also established reference values for the FBGL of dog breeds. A cross-sectional survey of FBGL of dogs presented for veterinary care in Warri, Nigeria, from January to December 2015 was done in five veterinary hospitals/clinics. The FBGL was measured using a glucometer, and diagnosis of DM was based on the WHO criteria as modified for dogs. A total of 2750 dogs were evaluated, and 6 (0.22%) of them were diabetic. The prevalence of DM in the dogs was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with age and breed category, but not with sex. There were significant variations (p < 0.05) in the mean FBGL reference values of dogs of different sexes, age groups, and breed categories. The 0.22% prevalence of DM recorded in the dog population studied lies within the estimated worldwide prevalence of canine DM, and there were significant differences in the FBGL reference values of dogs of different breeds, ages, and sex.