Diabetes insipidus is not as well-known as diabetes mellitus among average pets although it can be attributed to the fact that the former share so many symptoms as other canine diseases. Another factor that makes diabetes insipidus go under the radar is the inability of the owner to detect changes in urinating behavior by virtue of the dog’s easy access to the outdoors. The dog’s significantly increased urine output then goes unnoticed for weeks on end until such time that health complications manifest. But like diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus is a serious health concern requiring immediate veterinary attention. It is then important for owners to acquire as much information as necessary to help their pets enjoy a full life despite the symptoms of this canine condition.
Symptoms
There are two types of diabetes insipidus – central and bephrogenic with slightly different causes, treatments and prognosis. However, both types have the same observable symptoms such that it is often necessary to conduct laboratory tests for differentiation purposes. The most common characteristics of both forms of diabetes insipidus are insatiable desire to drink plenty of water; excessive urination that can worsen with more water being provided to the dog by its owner; lack of coordination, noticeable disorientation and uncharacteristic stupor; and seizures in the case of brain tumors. Again, these symptoms can also pertain to other canine disorders and diseases. Veterinary advice is then essential to ensure that a definitive diagnosis can be reached and, thus, proper treatment for better prognosis can commence as soon as possible.
Causes
Both types of diabetes insipidus are caused by either the lack of the hormone arginine vasopressin or the body’s inability to use said hormone in a normal manner. The subsequent result is that water cannot be retained by the body, thus, the characteristic symptom of excessive urination coupled with extreme need for water.
In many instances of canine diabetes insipidus, the factors that preceded its development are unknown (known as idiopathic in medical circles). Nonetheless, certain cases can be traced back to specific factors like genetics wherein the condition is passed from one generation to the next, tumor in either the brain or pituitary gland, trauma to the head that impair normal production of the hormone, metabolic disorders and certain drugs.
Usually, when the type of diabetes insipidus has been diagnosed, the causes can be more or less pinpointed. On one hand, central diabetes insipidus (CDI), which is known as vasopressin-sensitive DI, can be caused by a genetic defect, tumor or trauma. On the other hand, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI), which is also called as vasopressin-resistant DI, can be caused by a metabolic disorder with the kidneys as the source of said malfunction. Even if the exact cause is not pinpointed, the most important thing is that diagnosis can be made as early as possible.
Diagnosis
And speaking of diagnostic tests, these are mostly directed toward the elimination of other canine diseases and disorders that may be causing the abovementioned symptoms. When all other diseases and disorders have been eliminated, more specific tests can be conducted to confirm the presence of diabetes insipidus. The tests include complete physical examination and review of medical history, blood count examinations, serum biochemistry panel, urinalysis and urine culture, imaging technologies (like x-rays, ultrasounds and CAT scans), bile acid test for liver function evaluation, and adrenal gland test. The modified water deprivation test is the most critical test in confirming a diabetes insipidus diagnosis. It requires a full day of hospitalization to observe the dog’s drinking and urinating behavior.
Treatment
The treatment for diabetes insipidus depends in large part on its specific form while other factors considered by the veterinarian include the age, physical condition and breed of the dog. Keep in mind that either type does not require mandatory therapy since most cases resolve without medication. It is important to keep the dog in an environment that allows for unlimited access to specific urination areas. Also, provide the dog with unrestricted access to plenty of water.
In fact, many dogs with diabetes insipidus suffer from its health complications because their owners failed to implement the abovementioned home treatments. These home treatments are designed to ensure that the dog has a stable supply of water coursing through its system so as to avoid dehydration. Owners who must leave their pets must ensure that water supply is continuous by asking a family or a friend to do the honors.
Of course, there are other therapy options to complement these home treatments including desmopressin acetate (DDAVP), chlorpropamide and thiazide diuretics. Desmopressin acetate (DDAVP) is the synthetic form of the ADH hormone, thus, making it the first option in CDI. It can be administered either through intravenous injections or nasal drops with the latter usually given 1-2 times a day in 1-4 drops. Obviously, only a veterinarian can determine the best dosage. Chlorpropamide can lessen urine output but success is not guaranteed especially in the severe cases of CDI. Thiazide diuretics may appear counterintuitive considering that the problem is excessive urine output but the results are surprising. Overall urine output can be lessened.
Owners must also be careful about the salt and sodium intake of their pets. In fact, many cases of CDI only require strict restrictions on salt intake. Follow-up check-ups are also important in the management of diabetes insipidus. Periodic check-ups to monitor progress especially when the symptoms are caused by a brain tumor are a must. Veterinary care is also important when complications develop from the reduced water intake.
Possible Complications
Said complications include dehydration and electrolyte imbalance which can lead to a host of other health problems. For example, dehydration can lead to dry skin, sunken eyes, dry mucous membranes, fever, heart palpitations and weight loss while electrolyte imbalance results to muscle pains, lethargy, fatigue and irritability.
