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Hypoglycaemia in experimental canine trichinellosis
D Reina1, M Habela, I Navarrete
1Department of Health and Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain.
Veterinary Parasitology
|October 1, 1989
Summary
Trichinella spiralis infection in dogs causes hypoglycemia. This drop in blood glucose results from intestinal damage, parasite glucose uptake, and liver changes.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Animal Pathology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Trichinella spiralis is a nematode parasite that infects carnivorous mammals, including dogs.
- Clinical manifestations of trichinellosis can vary, but metabolic disturbances are often observed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of experimental Trichinella spiralis infection on serum glucose levels in dogs.
- To identify the underlying histological factors contributing to observed changes in glucose metabolism.
Main Methods:
- Experimental infection of dogs with Trichinella spiralis.
- Monitoring of serum glucose levels.
- Histopathological examination of intestinal and liver tissues.
Main Results:
- All experimentally infected dogs exhibited hypoglycemia (low blood glucose).
- Histological findings revealed catarrhal and desquamative enteritis, indicating intestinal damage.
- Parasite burden correlated with glucose consumption, and liver tissues showed signs of glycogenic degeneration.
Conclusions:
- Trichinella spiralis infection consistently induces hypoglycemia in dogs.
- Intestinal lesions, direct parasite glucose utilization, and hepatic dysfunction are key contributors to hypoglycemia in canine trichinellosis.