Effects of opium inhalation on physical and biochemical parameters of stray dogs in Kabul city, Afghanistan

Abstract

Background: Afghanistan is one of the biggest opium-producing countries in the world. There are more than a million drug addicts in the country, and most of them are living in public places. Stray dogs who live with drug addicts are at the highest risk of inhaling drugs Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate changes in physical and biochemical parameters of stray dogs inhaling drugs. Methods: A total of 12 dogs were assigned into two groups healthy and infected (stray dogs who inhale drugs) dogs. The physical and biochemical parameters of both groups were evaluated. Results: Subjective evaluation showed clinical changes such as congestion of conjunctiva in the infected group. Biochemical examination showed a significantly higher level of glucose (p < 0.05) and total protein (TP) (p < 0.01) in the infected group compared to the healthy group. The ratio of other biochemical parameters was slightly decreased as compared to healthy dogs. Conclusion: Drug inhalation can alter biochemical parameters like glucose and TP in dogs.