Disorder - Diabetes insipidus

Organ Systems Involved
Endocrine

Alternative Names
Central diabetes insipidus
Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus

Brief Description

Affected dogs are unable to concentrate their urine due to the deficiency of aparticular hormone - anti diuretic hormone (ADH).

Presenting Signs

The onset of diabetes insipidus in the dog is often quite sudden, and it can affect any breed at any age, and either sex. The most obvious signs include a marked increase in urine production (polyuria) and excessive thirst (polydipsia). In severe cases, affected dogs can drink more than 200 mL of water per kilogram of body weight each day. These dogs may spend so much time searching for water that it interferes with food intake, causing them to lose weight. If sufficient water is not available, severe dehydration can occur. Affected dogs can also exhibit involuntary urination and hence appear to lose normal housetrained behaviour. There is one particular type of diabetes insipidus, called central diabetes insipidus, which is often caused by a tumour in the brain. Therefore the dog may have nervous system signs. These include disorientation, ataxia (lack of muscle control), convulsions, problems with balance, blindness, dilated pupils and personality changes such as an inability to recognise the owner.

Treatment

Medical

Related Disorders

Hyperadrenocorticism

PubMed References
Diabetes insipidus

Further Reference Material [OMIA Number]
278


Contributor
Alison Neef