How to recognize diabetes insipidus in dogs and what to do? Detailed description of the disease. Diabetes insipidus in animals Veterinary clinic diabetes insipidus

Every owner dreams of raising a healthy dog, but animals, like people, are susceptible to many diseases, the success in the treatment of which largely depends on the correct and timely diagnosis. diabetes insipidus it is not very common in dogs, however, it is a rather serious disease that requires the participation of professionals in its treatment.

Diabetes insipidus or diabetes insipidus is a chronic disease of unknown etiology, which is characterized by disturbances in the system of water and electrolyte metabolism.

The disease is recorded both in puppies, aged 7 weeks and older, and in adult dogs throughout their lives. Diabetes insipidus can be congenital or acquired.

Central and nephrogenic types

In dogs, this disease manifests itself in two forms, namely:

1. Central. This type The disease is characterized by a decrease in the production of antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin), which is synthesized in the hypothalamus. At the same time, the concentration function of the kidneys is disturbed and the volume of urine excreted increases.
2. Nephrotic. This type of disease develops with a sufficient level of vasopressin in the blood, but a decrease in the sensitivity of the renal tubules to it. As a result, there is a decrease in reabsorption (reabsorption) of substances from the primary urine.

The central type of the disease, in turn, is divided into idiopathic- hereditary form of the disease symptomatic- acquired as a result of pathological processes in the brain or other organs of the animal.

reference: today it is believed that the central (functional) type of polyuria in dogs with diabetes insipidus is much more common than nephrotic (organic), but it must be understood that it is not yet possible to clearly distinguish between these two types of diabetes.

Causes

Diabetes insipidus often occurs in dogs that have suffered traumatic brain injury and inflammation of the brain or its membranes, therefore it is believed that this disease is caused by damage to the centers in the dog's brain responsible for the regulation of water-salt metabolism, as well as a weakening of the functions of the pituitary gland, in which accumulates antidiuretic hormone.

reference: in the body, the intake and excretion of fluid is regulated by the drinking center located in various structures of the brain. This center systematizes the work of the excretory system, maintains the osmotic pressure of the blood and regulates the volume of the circulating fluid.

In addition, the causes of this disease include tumors and vascular lesions of the brain, and the appearance of antibodies to hormone-producing cells. The nephrotic (renal) form of the disease can be caused by kidney disease or poisoning with toxic substances.

As congenital pathology This disease has been reported in German Pointer, Afghan Hound and Husky puppies, and a predisposition to diabetes insipidus has been identified in the Miniature Poodle.

But still, in most cases, this disease develops as a secondary pathology in metabolic disorders and kidney diseases, such as renal failure, hypercalcemia leading to nephrocalcinosis or renal amyloidosis.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of diabetes are:

1. Polyuria. An increase in the amount of urine excreted by animals per day. Urine is colorless, has a low specific gravity, and contains little salt.
2. Polydipsia. Feeling of unnatural, unquenchable thirst, the animal drinks a lot and greedily, and calms down only after taking water in quantities significantly exceeding the physiological norm.
3. Exicosis. Dehydration, which is more often isotonic, in this form of dehydration, the body equally loses both water and electrolytes.
4. Tachysystole. High heart rate.

The coat of dogs suffering from diabetes dry, temperature and appetite are lowered. There is also a decrease in the secretory function of the salivary glands. Later, emaciation, vomiting and a decrease in blood pressure are detected.

If the disease is due to brain damage, the animal may develop neurological changes, as well as pituitary insufficiency.

Important! The danger of diabetes insipidus lies in dehydration of the body, and such a symptom as polyuria persists even with severe dehydration.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis of diabetes insipidus is made comprehensively, based on clinical data, anamnesis and laboratory tests. This disease must be differentiated from diseases that occur with similar symptoms.

Such pathologies include diabetes mellitus, compensatory polyuria that occurs with chronic renal failure, and psychogenic polydipsia.

Analyzes

Laboratory, to establish or clarify the diagnosis, the following studies are carried out:

• Analysis of urine;
• biochemical and general blood test;
• functional diagnostic test;
• tomography, if a tumor is suspected;
• Ultrasound of the kidneys.

Attention! If possible, it is desirable to determine the concentration of antidiuretic hormone in the blood serum, using laboratory diagnostics.

To establish the form of the disease, bacteriological, morphological and serological studies are also carried out, so the process of making a diagnosis for diabetes is quite time-consuming.

Treatment

In the treatment of all forms of this disease, the animal must be provided with constant access to water. With the central form of diabetes insipidus, therapy is carried out desmopressin, which is a synthetic analogue of the hormone vasopressin. The drug is administered subcutaneously, intramuscularly or intravenously.

Also allowed intranasal route of administration medicinal product. The dosage in each case is selected by the veterinarian individually, taking into account the available laboratory parameters and the clinical picture of the disease.

Used to treat the nephrogenic form of the disease hydrochlorothiazide, the dosage of which is determined by a veterinarian. The drug is given orally, twice a day until a therapeutic effect is achieved, namely, a decrease in thirst and polyuria.

plays an important role in the treatment of diabetes insipidus diet therapy. The dog is limited in the intake of protein and table salt with food, they are introduced into the diet a large number of plant foods and foods rich in potassium.

Course in puppies and pregnant females

A dog's pregnancy can provoke a manifestation (exacerbation) of the disease in her, but after the birth and feeding of puppies, the animal's condition returns to normal.

In puppies, diabetes insipidus is manifested by growth retardation, decreased appetite, vomiting when eating, as well as constipation and hypotension. In advanced cases, convulsions and a coma occur.

Forecast

The prognosis for diabetes insipidus in dogs is made taking into account the form of the course of the disease, so with toxic etiology, if there are no irreversible changes in the renal tubules, the disease is completely cured when the source of poisoning is eliminated.

With the central form of the disease, with the help of medical procedures, it is possible to maintain the water-electrolyte balance at the proper level. In this case, the dog will live for more than one year, provided that such therapy is given to her for life. The nephrotic form of the disease is considered the most unfavorable.

Conclusion

Diabetes insipidus in dogs is a rare disease, but requires a serious approach to its treatment. To prevent this disease, it is necessary to protect animals from injury. The dog's diet should be balanced and rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

In contact with

Can dogs have diabetes? We are sure that many people, especially those who do not have pets, will answer this question in the negative. But in fact, dogs get sick with diabetes and less often with diabetes insipidus quite often. These two different diseases are united by one sign: animals suffer from polyuria (increased urination).

Diseases have different etymologies and different methods of treatment. Both diseases are fraught with serious consequences for the animal's body, therefore, upon discovering the first symptoms of diabetes in a dog, treatment in a veterinary clinic should begin immediately. These diseases require complex and lengthy treatment.

Diabetes

It cannot be cured, but with good care and compliance with all the prescriptions and recommendations of the veterinarian, it can be controlled. Your four-legged friend will live happily ever after, and no one but you and the vet will know that the dog is sick. An important role in this process is played by professional treatment and properly organized nutrition.

Diabetes mellitus in dogs and humans shares many common characteristics. However, there are a number of differences in the mechanism of development of the disease and its manifestations. Accordingly, the approach to treatment is different. Many medications that are effective in treating diabetes in humans are completely useless in dogs. Most often, the disease develops in animals between the ages of seven and nine years.

Reasons for the development of the disease

In the development of diabetes in dogs great importance has a hereditary predisposition. Unfortunately, in most cases it is difficult to establish the true cause of the disease. A number of provoking factors leading to hyperglycemia have been identified:

• inflammation of the pancreas;
• usage hormonal drugs;
• the first months after estrus;
• overweight;
• pregnancy.

Symptoms of Diabetes in Dogs

Most often, the disease is manifested by the following symptoms:

• polydyspepsia (intense thirst);
• polyuria (frequent and profuse urination);
• lucosuria (increased glucose in the urine);
• dehydration.

There is so much sugar in the blood that it begins to be excreted from the body of the animal with urine. Along with it, glucose removes a lot of fluid from the body. There is lethargy and at the same time increased appetite, weakness hind limbs resulting in damage to nerve fibers. Due to the fact that pancreatic cells do not process glucose in dogs with diabetes, the body reacts to this with a strong feeling of hunger.

Excess sugar provokes the reproduction of pathogenic microflora, loss of vision. Diabetes in dogs leads to lens clouding, obesity or weight loss. The animal's body consumes muscle energy reserves, and only after that proteins and fats are broken down. The dog takes significantly more food, but usually loses weight rather than gaining it. Urine becomes light yellow, almost White color, becomes more liquid, with a specific sweetish-sugary smell.

These symptoms of diabetes in dogs can appear in combination or separately. Obesity in most cases is the result of malnutrition, polyuria - renal failure, deterioration, and sometimes loss of vision may be due to the age of the animal.

Clinical examination of the animal in severe cases can reveal:

• weakening of the heart tones;
• tachycardia;
• heart weakness;
• lowering the temperature;
• swelling;
• extinction of sexual reflexes;
• hair loss;
• furunculosis,
• eczema;
• hard and dry skin;
• hypotension.

The disease is characterized by a slow course, often over several years. Diabetes in dogs and cats often occurs in a latent form, without clinical symptoms. Despite the large amount of glucose in the animal's blood, it does not reach the cells. For this reason, the dog almost never experiences a feeling of fullness, while the animal's appetite is increased. This does not affect its mass in any way - the dog does not gain weight. On the contrary, she begins to lose weight due to a lack of glycogen. This depletes the body, which burns reserves of protein and fat.

Diabetes mellitus in a dog causes problems in the functioning of organs and systems. Quite often they are associated with the genitourinary system, vision and the musculoskeletal system. If you notice that your four-legged friend has cloudy eyes, signs of cystitis (frequent urination), or problems with his paws, you should immediately go to the veterinary clinic for an examination.

The characteristic symptoms of diabetes mellitus in dogs are: impaired gait stability, refusal to eat, seizures (as a result of dehydration), loss of consciousness. We have described only the most typical symptoms of the disease, but they can be different. It depends on the age of the animal, its state of health, the presence of other chronic diseases. Therefore, in order to make an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct a series of studies in a clinical setting: take urine and blood tests, take an x-ray, undergo an ultrasound scan, an ECG.

How is the treatment carried out?

After the diagnosis of "diabetes mellitus" in the dog is confirmed, the doctor will first eliminate the lack of insulin in the blood. To do this, your pet will be given an injection of a medicinal substance. Only a specialist can correctly prescribe the dose of insulin, taking into account the weight of the animal and a number of other characteristics.

Treatment of diabetes mellitus in dogs is not limited to regular injections. The comprehensive treatment program should include regular visits to the veterinarian, laboratory tests to assess the condition of the dog, and examinations by the veterinarian. All this will help to make sure that your friend is on the mend, or to detect in a timely manner that the condition of the animal has worsened.

The most dangerous increase in glucose occurs after feeding the dog. In this regard, in order to prevent a dangerous load on the pet's body, the owner must provide him with a proper and balanced diet. A special diet will help slow down the flow of glucose into the body. Consult your veterinarian about the diet, what portions should be for a sick dog. Usually, with such a disease, therapeutic ready-made feeds with low calorie content and the required amount of proteins are used. It is important to prevent excessive fullness of the animal, since being overweight only exacerbates the situation.

Possible Complications

The long course of this disease can lead to a critical condition of the animal - ketoacidosis. Oxidation of the blood can lead to the death of the animal. Diabetic ketoacidosis has very bright and characteristic symptoms:

• lethargy;
• the smell of acetone from the mouth;
• rapid breathing;
• refusal of food;
• nausea and vomiting;
• diarrhea;
• decrease in temperature;
• coma.

An animal in this state needs intensive therapy using short-acting insulin.

Hypoglycemic drugs for dogs We present you the most effective and popular drugs recommended by veterinarians:

"Metformin"

The drug makes tissues more sensitive to insulin. It is used for sick animals that still have the ability to independently produce insulin, but due to loss of appetite or vomiting, the use of insulin is limited.

"Vanadium"

A drug that has properties similar to insulin. It is a quality vitamin supplement.

"Acarbose"

An agent that promotes the gradual entry of glucose into the intestines. As a result, an even level of sugar is maintained in the blood. The drug has side effects therefore, its use is justified only in cases where insulin therapy cannot cope with hyperglycemia.

Dog food

Comprehensive treatment of diabetes in dogs involves the use of specific medicated feed, which contain an increased amount of fats and carbohydrates. Diet feeds containing a minimum of calories are also suitable. Today, many manufacturing companies have developed special formulations for dogs with diabetes (Royal Canin Diabetic, Hills W/D Low Fat/Diabet, Farmina Canine Diabetic, Purina Pro Diabetes Management). In these products, manufacturers have replaced simple carbohydrates with complex ones (fiber and grains). Such feeds are available in canned and dry form.

Diabetes Insipidus in Dogs: Symptoms

Endocrinological disease caused by a chronic metabolic disorder. In the body of the animal, a deficiency of ADH (antidiuretic hormone) is formed and the water-salt balance is disturbed as a result. Due to the fact that the process of reabsorption of fluid is disturbed in the renal tubules, all of it is excreted in the urine, which therefore has an extremely low density.

The most characteristic symptom of diabetes insipidus in dogs is profuse and frequent urination, which is why the disease has another name - diabetes. If fluid loss is not fully compensated, dehydration occurs, a dangerous condition that threatens the life of the dog. To prevent such a situation, you should know what causes the disease, what symptoms are characteristic of it, and how this ailment is treated.

Types of diseases and their causes

Diabetes insipidus in dogs is divided into several varieties that are characterized by relative or absolute deficiency of ADH.

• Diabetes central insipidus

The causes of this type of disease include: a violation of the release of the ADH hormone into the bloodstream, pathologies of the hypothalamus, which lead to impaired secretion of the ADH hormone. The central form of the disease, in turn, is divided into idiopathic and symptomatic.

Most often, the idiopathic type of hereditary origin and differs congenital disorder synthesis of ADH. The cause that causes this form of the disease may be an innate autoimmune reaction to hypothalamic cells that produce ADH.

• Symptomatic diabetes

It may be the result of another disease that leads to disorders in those parts of the brain that are responsible for the synthesis of ADH. In addition, the disease can be congenital (mutation of the gene responsible for the synthesis of ADH) and acquired after traumatic brain injuries, brain tumors, distemper, encephalitis.

Violation of the production of ADH, which regulates water-salt metabolism, leads to an imbalance in the body. The kidneys lose the ability to concentrate urine, which leads to its increased excretion, extreme thirst and dehydration.

Renal diabetes insipidus

With this type of disease, the perception of the hormone by the receptors of the tubules of the kidneys is disturbed, which should be activated under the action of the ADH hormone and recapture the fluid that enters the kidneys (reabsorption). But due to the anatomical inferiority of nephrons, acquired or congenital insensitivity of receptors, this function is impaired.

Diagnosis of the disease

The primary diagnosis is made to the animal after receiving the results of all laboratory tests of urine and blood: urine analysis indicates the presence of pathology, fixes its low density, the presence of hypokalemia and hypercalcemia.

A biochemical blood test allows you to differentiate between diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus, as well as to identify the amount of ADH in the blood.

The cause of diabetes insipidus is detected by instrumental methods: the state of the kidneys is studied using ultrasound or radiography with a contrast agent; pathology of the pituitary gland is detected by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

An additional, clarifying diagnosis is the use of a special test. During a 12-hour fast (dry), the dog is weighed several times and the composition and amount of urine excreted are determined. If, over time, the weight of the animal significantly decreases with a low concentration of urine, experts conclude that there is a pathology.

How is diabetes insipidus treated?

It is extremely difficult to completely cure such diabetes even for an experienced and qualified veterinarian, so there can be no question of self-treatment of diabetes insipidus in dogs at home. The purpose of all medical activities is aimed at:

• the return of sensitivity to vasopressin to the dog's body or the replacement of its deficiency by artificial means;
• rid the animal of problems with heart failure and take possible preventive measures;
• adjust the ionic composition of the blood.

Choice medicines treatment for diabetes insipidus depends on the cause of the disease, which the symptoms of diabetes in dogs will not always tell. If the disease caused problems in the functioning of the brain, a synthetic analogue of the hormone that is deficient in the body is used. If diabetes insipidus is due to kidney problems, it is treated with pituitrin. Such treatment is dangerous when treating pregnant dogs.

Forecast

Veterinarians give a very cautious prognosis for the outcome of this disease. Without medical attention, a dog with diabetes insipidus is doomed to a fairly quick death. It comes from dehydration. Hormone replacement therapy started in a timely manner will help to stop the manifestations of the disease and give the animal several years of a normal full life.

Veterinarians believe that a full recovery is also possible, but only if the pathologies that caused diabetes insipidus can be completely cured.

Sick animals should be provided with lifelong careful care and constant monitoring of the health of the pet.

How to properly feed your pet

For diabetics, feeding a dog with natural foods is based on those that are high in protein and low in sugar. Sweet and fried foods, pastries and canned foods, fatty foods - all this should disappear from your pet's diet. Such products can harm healthy animals, and for diabetic dogs, such food is mortal.

We talked about the choice of ready-made feeds at the beginning of this article. It is better not to buy all sorts of goodies in the store. The fact is that in products prepared industrial way tends to be high in fat and sugar. Give your pet food that is high in protein and fiber as a reward. For example, cubes of zucchini or chicken.

Prohibited foods for diabetic dogs include:

• grapes and raisins;
• canned food;
• wheat and corn flour;
• fat meat;
• White rice;
• garlic;
• chocolate;
• baked treats for animals;
• sweeteners.

Diabetes is a severe disease that is difficult to treat. In order to alleviate the condition of his pet, the owner must strictly follow all the recommendations and advice of the veterinarian. If you find at least one sign of diabetes in dogs, do not waste time, take your pet to the veterinarian. The specialist will prescribe a course of treatment in accordance with age and general condition animal, give advice on feeding and caring for the dog. There are many subtleties to consider if an animal is diagnosed with diabetes. For example, at home and on a trip, you should always have a supply of insulin. In this case, you should know that you can store an open package of the drug for no longer than two months. Do not ignore regular visits to the clinic so that the specialist can observe the dynamics of the disease. And, of course, give up even the thought of self-medication - diabetes does not tolerate experiments.

Diabetes insipidus in dogs and cats is a violation of the water-salt balance and the gradual depletion of the body, leading to the death of the animal. Why "diabetes"? - Violations are associated with the hormonal background, more precisely, with a deficiency or resistance of the body to antidiuretic hormone (ADH), as in diabetes - to insulin. The disease progresses slowly, the owners of the animals lose sight of the symptoms and the condition becomes severe. The causes of diabetes are not known for certain, it is believed that any dog ​​or cat can get sick with it, in other animal diseases it is practically not found.

ADG- a hormone responsible for maintaining a normal amount of salt and water in the body, is produced by the pituitary gland (a part of the brain). The causes of diabetes insipidus are associated with abnormalities in the functioning of the brain (central) or insufficiency of the genitourinary system (renal diabetes).

Diabetes of central origin occurs due to:

• Head injury, concussion, prolonged fever or oxygen deprivation.

• Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain.

• Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining of the brain.

• Heredity.

Renal diabetes can have the following underlying causes:

• , intoxication.

• Inflammatory processes in the kidneys.

• - accompanied by a gradual inhibition of the kidneys and their degradation.

Symptoms of Diabetes Insipidus in Cats and Dogs

Damage or decreased activity of the pituitary gland leads to a lack of the hormone ADH, as a result, there is:

• Decreased activity of the kidneys-, decrease in basic body temperature, lethargy, joint problems, disruption of the gastrointestinal tract (gastrointestinal tract).

• Rapid urine production- diuresis, frequent urination, low density and unnaturally light color of urine, dehydration, increased water intake.

• Unstable blood pressure– ADH is responsible for stabilizing blood pressure, reducing the sensitivity of nerve receptors leads to the absence of deterrent factors. Simply put: the dog ran - the pressure "rolls over", the cat slept for half a day - the pressure dropped so much that the animal "staggers".

• Chronic overload of the heart leads to wear of the valves and the development of insufficiency, heart attacks, muscle micro-ruptures, the formation of "windows".

• Constant lack of water causes the body to save moisture - the mucous membranes dry out, constipation appears.

• The animal does not eat well or refuse food altogether. Especially from dry food - they have a lot of salt and little water.

• Not enough blood"Forces" to starve every cell and muscle of the body - weight is reduced.

• severe stage- violation of the composition of the blood, an excess of heavy elements, atrophy of neural connections, convulsions.

• If help is not provided, the animal dies. within 1–2 years from complete depletion of the body. Before death, the animal, most often, falls into a coma.

Not diabetic called a disease in which there is a disorder of water and electrolyte balance, primary polyuria, secondary thirst and low density of urine.

Diabetes insipidus can be of central origin, in which there is a cessation or decrease in the secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), and nephrogenic (renal) diabetes insipidus, caused by a violation of the susceptibility of the renal tubular receptors to the action of ADH, due to which water reabsorption does not occur. Both types of diabetes insipidus are rare in dogs and cats.

Diabetes insipidus of central origin develops as a result of congenital anomalies (underdevelopment of the pituitary gland), after recovering from infectious diseases (plague), and also as a consequence of injuries and tumors of the pituitary gland. In cases where nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is congenital, there may be an absence of ADH receptors in the renal tissue. Endocrine and metabolic disorders (hypercortisolism, hypokalemia, hypercalcemia) have a clinical picture of diabetes insipidus. With purulent inflammation of the uterus, temporary diabetes insipidus may occur, associated with the release into the blood of bacteria of substances that compete with ADH.

Congenital forms of the disease usually appear before 6 months of age. Central diabetes insipidus caused by a pituitary tumor is more common in animals older than 5 years.

Diagnostics

The clinical picture includes thirst, polyuria. Urinary incontinence is often observed, which is not associated with incontinence as such, but with the dog's physical inability to empty the bladder in a timely manner in a natural way.

Diabetes insipidus is differentiated from hypercortisolism, diabetes mellitus, hypercalcemia, pyometra, renal failure, liver disease, pyelonephritis, hyperthyroidism (cats), psychogenic polydipsia.

Laboratory diagnostics

General and biochemical blood tests are usually normal, sometimes hypernatremia can be detected. Urine density is low (usually less than 1008-1012). Urine itself is almost colorless and resembles water more than urine. If possible, it is recommended to determine the concentration of ADH in the blood serum by laboratory diagnostics.

They also conduct a test with deprivation of water, if central diabetes insipidus is suspected, a test with the introduction of synthetic ADH (in this case, water consumption should decrease by 50% in 3-5 days). An increase in urine density and a decrease in thirst indicate diabetes insipidus of central origin. Before testing with ADH, all other possible reasons polyuria and polydipsia. Conducting with dehydration requires hospitalization, since when the dog is deprived of fluid, dehydration can occur, which poses a threat to the life of the animal, and the test with the introduction of ADH can be performed on an outpatient basis.

If a pituitary tumor is suspected, computed tomography of the brain or magnetic resonance imaging is performed.

Treatment of diabetes insipidus in dogs

The animal must be provided Free access to the water. In central diabetes insipidus, replacement therapy with a synthetic analogue of ADH - desmopressin. The drug is instilled into the conjunctival sac 1-2 drops 1-2 times a day or injected subcutaneously at a dose of 2-5 mcg with the same frequency. An overdose of desmopressin with excessive fluid intake can lead to water intoxication.

For the treatment of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, chlorothiazide (diabinez) is used at a dose of 10-40 mg/kg orally 2 times a day.

The dose of desmopressin is adjusted during treatment, guided by the clinical picture. The main criterion for improvement is the disappearance or reduction of thirst. Laboratory tests (determination of hematocrit, serum sodium concentration) are rarely required, mainly when dehydration is suspected.
The prognosis of the course of diabetes insipidus is unfavorable, but with a central lesion, replacement therapy can be carried out to maintain a balance of electrolytes and water close to normal. In some cases of disease associated with trauma, it is possible to restore the function of the pituitary gland. With acquired forms of the disease, the prognosis depends on the underlying cause. Without treatment, progressive dehydration can lead to the development of stupor and subsequent coma.

Cause of illness: non-contagious
Localization: Endocrine system and metabolic disorders
Course of the disease: Chronic

Diabetes insipidus in dogs is an endocrinological disease, which is based on a chronic metabolic disorder. For various reasons, the body develops a deficiency of the so-called antidiuretic hormone (ADH). As a result, the water-salt balance fails. Due to a violation of the process of reabsorption (reabsorption) of fluid in the renal tubules, all of it is excreted in the urine, which for this reason has a very low density. The main symptom of the disease is frequent and profuse urination, so the disease has another name - diabetes.

In the event that fluid losses are not fully compensated, severe dehydration occurs - a condition that threatens the life of the animal. To prevent this situation, you need to know what are the causes, characteristic symptoms and methods of treating this disease in dogs.

Antidiuretic hormone deficiency can have the following features:

• An absolute deficiency of ADH is formed when there is a violation of its production by the hypothalamus. Diabetes insipidus in this case is called central.
• With a relative deficiency, the posterior pituitary gland produces a sufficient amount of ADH, but the receptors of the renal tissue are not sensitive to its action. As a result, the kidneys lose their ability to concentrate urine. All the fluid that enters the body does not nourish its tissues, but is excreted. The animal can drink a lot, but the danger of dehydration does not disappear.

Classification of species and causes of the disease

Diabetes insipidus has several varieties, characteristic of absolute or relative deficiency of ADH.

Central diabetes insipidus

The causes of central diabetes insipidus are as follows:

• pathologies of the hypothalamus, leading to impaired secretion of the hormone ADH;
• violations of the process of secretion of the hormone into the bloodstream.

In addition, the central form of the disease is divided into idiopathic or symptomatic:

• The idiopathic type of the disease is most often hereditary and is characterized by a congenital impairment of ADH synthesis. The cause of the idiopathic form of the disease may be an innate autoimmune reaction of the body to hypothalamic cells that produce ADH.
• Symptomatic diabetes insipidus may appear as a consequence of another serious disease leading to the destruction of the parts of the brain responsible for the synthesis of ADH. The disease can be congenital (mutation of the gene responsible for the synthesis of antidiuretic hormone) and acquired (traumatic brain injury, brain tumors, encephalitis, canine distemper).

Violation of the production of the hormone ADH, the function of which is the regulation of water-salt metabolism, leads to a violation of this balance in the body. Disordered water-salt metabolism deprives the kidneys of the ability to concentrate urine, which leads to its increased excretion, excessive thirst and dehydration.

Renal diabetes insipidus

In diabetes insipidus of a nephrogenic nature, the perception of the hormone by the receptors of the nephrotic tubules is impaired. The tubular receptors must be activated by the action of the hormone ADH and reabsorb (recapture) the fluid entering the kidneys. But, due to the anatomical inferiority of nephrons, congenital or acquired insensitivity of receptors, this function is impaired.

The cause of the nephrogenic form are diseases of the excretory system of various etiologies - infectious pathologies, nephrosis. The risk of getting sick in a dog increases if the work of the kidneys is disturbed due to numerous poisonings, intoxications, abuse of diuretics, and heavy loads.

Symptoms of pathology

In dogs, symptoms usually develop gradually. There are three main signs of diabetes insipidus:

• polyuria - a large amount of urine excreted;
• polydipsia - a large amount of water consumed;
• pollakiuria - frequent urge to urinate.

The degree of absolute or relative lack of ADH determines how pronounced these signs are.

There are some other features physical condition by which the disease can be diagnosed:

• Intoxication, lowering body temperature, joint diseases occur due to hypofunction of the kidneys.
• Dehydration of the body indicates insufficient replenishment of fluid deficiency. This symptom may occur even when the animal is active and large quantities drinks water.
• Jumps in blood pressure occur due to the low sensitivity of receptors.
• Dry mucous membranes, constipation, thick saliva, refusal to use dry food is a consequence of dehydration of the body.
• Heart failure, premature wear of the heart muscle indicate a chronic overload of the heart.
• Weight loss, a violation of the composition of the blood, its insufficient amount is evidence of increasing exhaustion and dehydration of the body.

Diagnosis of the disease

The preliminary diagnosis of the animal is made after receiving the results of laboratory tests of blood and urine:

• According to the results of urine analysis, the presence of pathology is determined, fixing its low relative density, as well as the presence of hypercalcemia and hypokalemia.
• An analysis of the biochemical composition of the blood makes it possible to differentiate between diabetes and diabetes insipidus, as well as to determine the amount of the ADH hormone in the blood. In the case of pathology, it will be reduced.

The cause of diabetes insipidus is determined by instrumental methods:

• examination of the condition of the kidneys is performed by ultrasound or by X-ray with the use of a contrast agent;
• pathologies of the pituitary gland are detected by magnetic resonance or computed tomography.

Clarifying diagnosis consists in the use of a special test. It lies in the fact that during a 12-hour dry fast, the dog is weighed several times and the amount and composition of the excreted urine is determined. If over time there is a significant weight loss with a persistent low urine concentration, a conclusion is made that the dog has a pathology.

Medical tactics

During therapy, great importance is attached to symptomatic treatment, which alleviates the severity of the symptoms. The scheme of the main treatment depends on the form of the disease.

Symptomatic treatment

• To avoid severe dehydration, the animal is provided with constant access to fresh filtered water.
• Accordingly, with such an animal it is necessary to increase the number of walks so as not to force his bladder to overstrain and overstretch.
• For the heart muscle, maintenance therapy is carried out, which consists in the appointment of calcium and magnesium preparations.
• Throughout life, the dog needs a special diet. The food should contain a small amount of proteins, with a sufficient amount of fats and carbohydrates. It is necessary to limit the consumption of meat and increase the percentage of plant foods.

Basic treatment

The main treatment for canine diabetes insipidus (its central form) is lifelong hormone replacement therapy. A synthetic analogue of ADH - the drug Desmopressin produces in the form eye drops or solution for subcutaneous injection. It is administered to the animal, strictly ensuring that there is no overdose, which is deadly, as it can cause water intoxication. It is possible to stimulate the synthesis of the ADH hormone by prescribing Carbamazepine or Finlepsin to the animal.

The renal form of diabetes insipidus has a different tactic of therapy. It consists in the fact that the dog is prescribed a treatment course of the diuretic drug Hydrochlorothiazide to control polyuria.

Treatment of the symptomatic form of diabetes insipidus is to eliminate the cause of its cause.

Forecast

The prognosis of the disease is cautious. Without medical assistance, a pet with diabetes insipidus is doomed to an early death from dehydration. Hormone replacement therapy started in time can stop the manifestations of the disease and give the animal several years of a full life. Full recovery is possible only if the animal is completely cured of the pathologies that led to the symptomatic form of diabetes insipidus.

Sick animals should have thorough lifelong care and health monitoring.

Disease prevention

Prevention of the disease consists in the implementation of professional care for pets. The main measures are fixing all changes in behavior and well-being, monitoring the quality of the diet, ensuring safe conditions of detention, maintaining hygiene, and periodically scheduled examinations at the veterinarian.