Central diabetes insipidus in dogs: 20 cases (1986-1995).
OBJECTIVE
To assess clinical signs, biochemical findings, results of modified water deprivation and other diagnostic tests, response to treatment, and survival time in dogs with central diabetes insipidus (CDI).


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
20 dogs with CDI.


METHODS
Signalment, history, physical examination, results of diagnostic tests, response to treatment, and survival time were extracted from the medical record of each dog and supplemented with information obtained from owners via telephone.


RESULTS
Isosthenuria or hyposthenuria was a consistent finding. Seven dogs with complete CDI and 13 dogs with partial CDI were identified on the basis of results of a modified water deprivation test. Dogs treated with desmopressin acetate responded well to treatment. Seven dogs were alive 18 to 72 months (median, 36 months) after diagnosis, and 10 dogs died or were euthanatized 1 week to 2 years (median, 2 months) after diagnosis. Seven of 10 dogs that died developed neurologic signs after diagnosis of CDI. Computed tomography revealed a mass in the region of the pituitary gland in 5 of 7 dogs. Necropsy of 6 dogs, including 2 dogs on which computed tomography had been performed, revealed neoplasia in the pituitary gland.


CONCLUSIONS
Onset of neurologic signs after diagnosis of CDI in middle- to old-aged dogs indicates that CDI may not be a benign disease that is treated easily. Brain imaging is recommended after diagnosis of CDI in middle- to old-aged dogs. Also, because many dogs are isosthenuric on initial examination, CDI cannot be ruled out as a cause of polyuria and polydipsia on the basis of lack of hyposthenuria.
Harb
M F
MF
Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616-8745, USA.
Nelson
R W
RW
Feldman
E C
EC
Scott-Moncrieff
J C
JC
Griffey
S M
SM
D000818:Animals; D001127:Arginine Vasopressin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003894:Deamino Arginine Vasopressin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003919:Diabetes Insipidus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D008297:Male; D012076:Renal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013046:Specific Gravity; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014556:Urine / Q000737:chemistry; D014868:Water Deprivation
D012076:Renal Agents; D001127:Arginine Vasopressin; D003894:Deamino Arginine Vasopressin