Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with low thirst and high sodium from brain fluid buildup
By Antes, Maddisen W et al.·Published in Frontiers in veterinary science·2025·University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Case Report: Hypodipsic hypernatremia secondary to hydrocephalus in a dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 6-year-old male golden retriever was brought in because he wasn't eating, seemed very tired, and was becoming less responsive. Blood tests showed high sodium levels, and an MRI revealed severe hydrocephalus, which is a buildup of fluid in the brain. The dog's condition was likely caused by a problem with his thirst regulation due to the hydrocephalus. He was treated with intravenous fluids to gradually lower his sodium levels, and his mental state improved as his blood sodium returned to normal.
People also search for: dog not eating lethargic · golden retriever hydrocephalus treatment · high sodium levels in dogs
Abstract
A 6-year-old male castrated golden retriever was presented for inappetence, lethargy, and progressive obtundation. A chemistry panel showed hypernatremia (>190 mmol/L) and hyperchloremia (157 mmol/L). Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed severe congenital hydrocephalus with compression of major brain structures, including marked thinning of gray and white matter of the prosencephalon. Results of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis were within the reference range. A hypodipsic hypernatremia was suspected secondary to dysregulation of the osmoreceptors controlling the thirst center due to progression of hydrocephalus. The dog was treated with intravenous (IV) fluids to slowly reduce the hypernatremia over several days. Mental status improved with normalization of the blood sodium level. Increased stress due to a long car ride and a change in routine may have been the catalyst for the hypodipsia. Hypodipsic hypernatremia is a rare complication of hydrocephalus and should be on the differential list when a sudden change in mentation occurs in dogs with hydrocephalus.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40454171/