Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Puppy with brain injury and low sodium treated with salt supplements
By Elizabeth Jackson et al.·Published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science·2025·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Case Report: Presumed cerebral salt wasting syndrome in a 10-week-old German Shorthaired Pointer
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 10-week-old German Shorthaired Pointer was brought in after suffering a traumatic brain injury and was found to be stuporous and unable to move all four legs. The vet discovered a skull fracture and bleeding in the brain. After surgery, the puppy continued to have low blood volume and low sodium levels, so the vet treated him with a special saline solution and extra sodium. Thankfully, the puppy responded well to the treatment and showed signs of improvement.
People also search for: puppy brain injury treatment · German Shorthaired Pointer sodium deficiency · dog stupor after trauma
Abstract
This case report describes a rare presentation of cerebral salt-wasting syndrome (CSW) in a 10-week-old German Shorthaired Pointer following a traumatic brain injury. The patient presented stuporous and tetraplegic with advanced imaging revealing a depressed skull fracture and active brain hemorrhage. Following surgical intervention, the dog exhibited persistent hypovolemia and hyponatremia prompting treatment with intravenous hypertonic saline and enteral sodium supplementation. Positive response to sodium supplementation, coupled with elevated fractional excretion of uric acid (FEUA) despite clinical improvement, supported the diagnosis of CSW. This report contributes novel insights into CSW in veterinary medicine, emphasizing the distinctive features of its presentation, diagnostic considerations, and treatment responses. The clinical utility of FEUA as a diagnostic tool is highlighted for the first time in a canine patient, providing a valuable tool for differentiation. This information enhances veterinary practitioners’ awareness, facilitating more accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment strategies for similar cases in the future.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1553617