INTEGRATIVE AYURVEDIC SUPPORTIVE THERAPY IN CANINE DIABETES MELLITUS: A CASE-BASED ONE HEALTH APPROACH FROM INDIA
Abstract:
Diabetes mellitus is an increasingly recognised endocrine disorder in companion animals, particularly in middle-aged and geriatric dogs. While insulin therapy and dietary regulation remain the foundation of conventional treatment, many canine patients continue to exhibit fluctuating glycaemic control and associated metabolic complications. Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine widely practised in human healthcare, possesses significant translational potential in veterinary clinical practice due to its antihyperglycaemic, antioxidant, adaptogenic, and immunomodulatory therapeutic properties.
The present case-based abstract highlights the supportive role of selected Ayurvedic medicinal plants in canine diabetes management under the “One Health” concept integrating human and veterinary medicine. A six-year-old male Labrador Retriever dog (fawn colour; body weight 28 kg) was presented with clinical signs including frequent urination, polyuria, polydipsia, hyperglycemia, glycosuria, cataract, partial vision loss, tachycardia, and tachypnoea. Laboratory investigations revealed marked hyperglycemia (535 mg/dL), elevated fructosamine/HbA1c-associated values, glucosuria, and altered biochemical parameters suggestive of diabetes mellitus. The case received standard veterinary management, including intravenous sodium bicarbonate therapy and subcutaneous insulin administration using Mixtard and Actrapid preparations. In addition, Ayurvedic supportive management was advised, as per the request of the pet parent, using Momordica charan0a (Biler gourd/Karela) and Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) as adjunct herbal interventions. Improvement in clinical signs and restoration of biochemical parameters were recorded during treatment.
Relevance and Novel Information:
The present case indicates the potential role of Ayurveda.
As a supportive therapy in veterinary endocrinology, further controlled clinical studies are necessary to establish safety, efficacy, dosage standardisation, and evidence-based therapeutic protocols in canine diabetes mellitus.
