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

Afghanistan is one of the biggest opium-producing countries in the world. Currently, there are more than a million drug addicts in the country, and most of them are living in public places. Because of this, stray dogs who live with drug addicts are at the highest risk of inhaling drugs. In Kabul city alone, thousands of stray dogs are living in close contact with drug addicts in public places. However, there is only little research on the effects of drugs in animals. In this study, the researchers examined different physical and biochemical parameters of stray dogs. Particularly, they look into those living in close contact with drug addicts and inhaling smoke of opium.

A total of 12 dogs were assigned into two groups, namely: healthy and infected dogs. The physical and biochemical parameters of both groups were then evaluated. The healthy group included 4 healthy dogs who are living at home and receiving good care. The infected group included 7 stray dogs who are living in close contact with drug addicts. One dog was excluded from the group due to severe abnormalities in the hind limb.The dogs weighed between 15 and 22 kg and aged between 10 to 60 months old. The age of dogs was determined by evaluating their teeth.

Subjective evaluation showed clinical changes such as congestion of conjunctiva in the infected group. Biochemical examination showed a significantly higher level of glucose and total protein in the infected group compared to the healthy group. Healthy dogs did not show any abnormal clinical signs during physical examination. All physical parameters were normal in healthy dogs. In contrast, body temperature, pulse rate, and respiration rate were decreased in infected dogs but the changes were not statistically significant. However, infected dogs were depressed and the mucous membrane of their eyes were red compared to healthy dogs. Redness of mucus membrane of the eye could be due to continuous exposure to the smoke of opium.

The researchers conclude that the inhalation of opium smoke indeed alters some physical and biochemical parameters of stray dogs living in close contact with drug addicts. Further, the continuous contact of stray dogs with drug addicts significantly affected their blood glucose and protein levels. Also, the results of this study are in concordance with previous studies on the adverse effects of opium on rats.

For future studies, researchers are encouraged to examine more biochemical and hematological parameters, and include a larger population of stray dogs."