Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder in dogs caused by a deficiency of thyroid hormones.
This deficiency causes a decrease in cellular metabolism and an accumulation of glycosaminoglycans in the dermis.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate both statements:
- Statement (I) is correct:
Myxedema is a classic clinical sign of severe canine hypothyroidism.
It is caused by the accumulation of hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate in the dermis, which binds water and causes non-pitting edema.
This is particularly prominent on the face and forehead, creating a puffy appearance, drooping of the eyelids, and thickened skin folds.
This gives the dog a classic "tragic facial expression".
- Statement (II) is incorrect:
These skin changes are not associated with diabetes mellitus.
The classic clinical signs of diabetes mellitus are polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, weight loss, and cataracts.
They are caused by insulin deficiency and subsequent hyperglycemia, not dermis glycosaminoglycan accumulation.
Therefore, Statement (I) is correct, but Statement (II) is incorrect, which corresponds to Option (C).
Step 3: Final Answer:
Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect, matching Option (C).