Prevalence of Systemic Diseases with Special Reference to Hepatic Dysfunction in Geriatric Dogs in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India

Abstract

Since ancient times, dogs are thought to have been the first creatures that humans domesticated and employed. In veterinary practices, the word "geriatric" refers to animals that have achieved around 75% of their projected lifespan. The present study evaluated the prevalence of systemic diseases and the occurrence of hepatic dysfunction in geriatric dogs. A total of 554 geriatric dogs presented to the Veterinary Clinical Complex, Jabalpur, between July 2025 and December 2025 were included in the study. The dogs were evaluated on the basis of history, clinical signs, hematobiochemical alterations and diagnostic imaging. Overall, 55.05% of the dogs were affected with one or more systemic diseases. Chi-square test for goodness of fit was applied on the data. Among these, dermatological disorders were the most frequently encountered (14.10%), followed by gastrointestinal diseases (11.47%), while endocrine disorders showed the lowest prevalence (1.31%) rendering the data statistically significant (P<0.00). Systemic arterial pressure (SAP) was assessed in all dogs and hypertension was most observed in dogs suffering from renal diseases. Hepatic dysfunction was identified in 9.84% of the geriatric dogs, with the findings being statistically significant (P<0.00).(P<0.00). A higher occurrence was recorded in males (73.33%) compared to females (26.67%) and this difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). Labrador Retrievers and non-descript breeds were predominantly affected accounting for 26.67% each rendering the data statistically significant (P<0.005). Inappetence and vomiting were the most consistent clinical manifestations in dogs with hepatic dysfunction. The study highlights the high burden of systemic disorders in geriatric dogs and underscores hepatic dysfunction as a clinically significant condition requiring routine screening and early intervention in aging canine populations.