Vol. 11, Special Issue 4 (2022)

Author(s):
Krishna Nath MR, Sindhu K Rajan, Madhavan Unny N, Usha Narayana Pillai, Anjaly Francis and Anugraha Mercy Easaw

Abstract:
Diabetic ketoacidosis can be considered as a complex disorder as a sequelae of untreated diabetes mellitus. A six year old male dog was presented in a state of coma and recumbency, at Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Mannuthy. Haematological findings were suggestive of severe anaemia and blood transfusion was performed. Laboratory findings included hyperglycemia, glucosuria, ketonemia, ketonuria, hyponatremia, hypochloremia, hypokalemia and increased liver specific enzymes (alkaline phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase). Urinalysis revealed glucosuria and ketonuria. Based on the physical, clinical and laboratory findings, the case was diagnosed as diabetic ketoacidosis. Even though regular crystalline insulin therapy was initiated intravenously following the protocol, the animal died during the course of treatment. Diabetic ketoacidosis is often presented with non specific clinical signs making the diagnosis difficult and the condition requires emergency veterinary assistance.