Posted on January 24, 2010 in Diabetes Information
What is Canine Diabetes Insipidus?
Diabetes insipidus is a disorder of water imbalance. It is a rare condition where body is unable to preserve water and the urine becomes dilute. Then due to dehydration and continuous loss of water fom the body, sometimes animal can die.
This imabalnce of water is due to lowered production of Antidiuretic hormone (ADH). This hormone is also called ‘Vasopressin’ which regulates kidney’s ability to absorb water.
Types Of Diabetes Insipidus:
Basically two types-
- Central (CDI)- in this condition, there is inadequate production of ADH.
- Nephrogenic (NDI)-in this condition, kidneys do not respond to ADH properly.
Due to this disorder, dogs urinate frequently and drink more than normal level of water. As the body is unable to maintain water balance, the condition gets worsened. It leads to dehydration and in turn causes coma, stupor and even death.
Causes of Canine Diabetes Insipidus:
- Canine Diabetes Insipidus can be a genetic disorder and inherited from one generation to the other.
- Central Diabetes Insipidus can be caused due to brain tumor or pituitary gland.
- Any other kind of brain trauma can also impair production of normal ADH and cause this disorder.
- Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus can be caused due to some metabolic disorders and some drugs.
Symptoms of Canine Diabetes Insipidus:
- Frequent excessive urination with clear and dilute urine discharge (Polyuria).
- Excessive water drinking (Polydipsia).
- Dehydration due to excessive urination and inability to preserve water.
- Seizures and disorientation have been observed in dogs with Diabetes Insipidus.
- Weight loss is another important symptom of Diabetes Insipidus.
Treatment of Canine Diabetes Insipidus:
- Insulin through injections can be given once or twice daily.
- Importantly, give the injections at the same time daily.
- Glucose test strips can be used to test urine and monitor glucose level in blood.
- Keep the records of glucose levels and injections.
- Diet is very important for patient dog to keep Canine Diabetes Insipidus in control.
- Diet should consist of high fiber and protein and low fat and carbohydrate.
- Give the diet at same time daily.
- Pet should eat along with his injection. Feed pet first and then give insulin dose.
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