Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Desmopressin effects on water drinking in dogs on prednisolone
By Galati, Pamela et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2021·Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Effects of desmopressin acetate administration in healthy dogs receiving prednisolone.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of seven healthy adult Walker Hounds were given prednisolone, a medication that often causes increased thirst and urination. To see if desmopressin, another medication, could help, the dogs were treated with both drugs. The results showed that when desmopressin was added, the dogs drank less water and their urine concentration improved, indicating less urination. However, it’s important to note that using desmopressin can lead to low sodium levels in the blood, which is a potential risk.
People also search for: dog increased thirst prednisolone · desmopressin for dogs · Walker Hound water intake issues
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Glucocorticoids are used for a variety of purposes in veterinary medicine but often are associated with clinically important adverse effects. Polyuria and polydipsia are the most frustrating adverse effects noted by owners. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether administration of desmopressin ameliorates polyuria and polydipsia associated with prednisolone administration. ANIMALS: Seven healthy adult Walker Hounds. METHODS: Prospective hypothesis testing study. Daily water intake and urine specific gravity (USG) were measured in dogs under 4 separate sequential conditions: no medications (C), prednisolone only (P), prednisolone and desmopressin (PD), and prednisolone after discontinuation of desmopressin (PAD). RESULTS: When compared to baseline, 6 of 7 dogs became polydipsic after administration of prednisolone (0.5 mg/kg PO q12h). When desmopressin (5 μg/dog SC q12h) was administered to dogs receiving prednisolone, significant decreases in water intake and serum sodium concentration occurred, and USG increased significantly. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Administration of desmopressin to dogs receiving prednisolone significantly decreased water intake and serum sodium concentration, and increased USG. Our results suggest that, in some dogs, desmopressin ameliorates the most important adverse effect of prednisolone noted by owners, but that hyponatremia is an important complication associated with desmopressin use.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34448503/