Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Disturbed vasopressin release in 4 dogs with excessive drinking
By van Vonderen, I K et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·1999·Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Netherlands·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Disturbed vasopressin release in 4 dogs with so-called primary polydipsia.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 4-year-old Labrador, a 2-year-old Beagle, a 1-year-old Golden Retriever, and a 4-month-old mixed breed were all brought in for drinking excessive amounts of water and urinating frequently. After thorough testing, including a modified water deprivation test, the dogs were diagnosed with primary polydipsia, a condition where they drink too much water, often due to behavioral issues. Interestingly, two of the dogs were able to concentrate their urine normally, which suggested that they might not need further testing. The abnormal hormone response observed in these dogs indicated a problem with how their bodies regulate water intake. With proper management, these dogs can lead comfortable lives.
People also search for: dog excessive drinking and urination · primary polydipsia in dogs · dog water intake behavior · how to manage dog drinking problems
Abstract
Primary polydipsia is characterized by a marked increase in water intake and secondary polyuria, and in dogs often is described as a behavioral problem or a psychological disorder. We describe 4 dogs with primary polydipsia, diagnosed on the basis of a modified water deprivation test, in which further examination included serial measurements of urine osmolality (UOsm) and plasma vasopressin (VP) measurements during water deprivation and hypertonic saline infusion. The dogs, ranging in age from 4 months to 4 years, all were presented for evaluation of polyuria and polydipsia. Physical examination, routine blood chemistry, and urinalysis disclosed no specific cause for the polyuria and polydipsia. During serial measurements UOsm spontaneously reached high concentrations in 2 dogs, whereas in the other 2 dogs UOsm also fluctuated but on no occasion exceeded 1,000 mosm/kg. Primary polydipsia was diagnosed when UOsm exceeded 1,000 mosm/kg at the end of the modified water deprivation test and plasma osmolality did not exceed the upper limit of the reference range during testing. During water deprivation, plasma VP concentrations remained relatively low. The VP response to hypertonic saline infusion was abnormal, with an increased threshold value in 3 dogs, an increased sensitivity in 2 dogs, and an exaggerated response in 1 dog. It is concluded that some dogs fulfilling current criteria for primary polydipsia produce concentrated urine spontaneously throughout the day in a pattern similar to what has been observed in healthy pet dogs. This finding can be regarded as diagnostic and precludes the need for a water deprivation test. During water deprivation testing, all 4 dogs produced highly concentrated urine in the face of low basal plasma VP concentrations. The observed abnormal VP release in response to hypertonic stimulation may be interpreted as a primary disturbance in the regulation of VP secretion, although it might also be the result of overhydration caused by a primary abnormality in drinking behavior.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10499724/