What is Diabetes Insipidus in Dogs: Everything You Need to Know!

Diabetes insipidus in dogs is one of the rare diseases that can cause major health problems. 

This illness is a sign of a disruption in the pet patient's water balance, which can be caused by a deficiency of a specific hormone. 

In order to ensure your canine fellow's overall well-being, it's important to understand its symptoms, treatment options, diagnosis methods, and other relevant information. 

In this blog, we've discussed all the information related to DI in dogs, helping you understand how to effectively manage and treat DI. 

What is Diabetes Insipidus?

Diabetes insipidus or water diabetes is a condition where the body of the dog cannot adequately store water. This leads to excessive intake of water and uncontrolled production of urine.

DI alters the ability of a dog to conserve water and is formed when the body produces insufficient amounts of the ADH hormone.

ADH is an active hormone stored in the pituitary gland. It is responsible for regulating the excessive production of urine by helping produce concentrated urine under normal conditions. If this hormone is not effectively produced or the dog’s kidneys fail to function properly, the body stops storing water. A water deprivation test can be used to evaluate the dog's ability to concentrate urine.

How Many Types of Diabetes Insipidus Are There? 

Diabetes insipidus in dogs comes in two different forms that are discussed below: 

Central Diabetes Insipidus (CDI)

Central diabetes insipidus (CDI) is caused when the pituitary gland fails to produce enough ADH to store water in the body. In the absence of this hormone, the kidneys fail to hold water, which causes excessively diluted urine. 

Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus (NDI)

In this case, the kidneys lose their ability to respond to the hormone (ADH). They do not retain water even when there is adequate ADH signaling. Large amounts of diluted urine are produced as a result of water passing freely through the nephrons rather than concentrated into urine.

Causes and Risk Factors of Diabetes Insipidus in Dogs

Diabetes insipidus in dogs can arise from various factors, each contributing to the disruption of water balance in the body. Understanding these causes and risk factors can help in early detection and management:

Genetic Predisposition: Certain breeds, particularly Brachycephalic breeds, have a higher likelihood of developing diabetes insipidus due to their genetic makeup.

Brain Injuries: Trauma to the brain, such as head injuries, can damage the pituitary gland, leading to diabetes insipidus.

Certain Medications: Some medications, including steroids and specific antibiotics, can induce diabetes insipidus in dogs.

Metabolic Disorders: Conditions like Cushing’s disease and hypothyroidism can increase the risk of diabetes insipidus by affecting the body’s hormonal balance.

By being aware of these risk factors, pet owners can take proactive steps to monitor and maintain their dog’s health.

What are the Symptoms of DI in Dogs?

Diabetes insipidus in dogs can lead to numerous symptoms, and a few are discussed below:

Excessive Thirst: This is the most common symptom. It’s possible that your dog is always looking for water, drinking it rapidly, but never seems content.

Frequent Urination: Your dog may start urinating more frequently than normal and with more volume each time.

Dilute Urine: Observe urine’s hue and consistency. Urine in DI usually lacks the normal yellow color and is watery and pale. This results from the kidneys’ incapacity to concentrate the urine appropriately. Untreated DI can lead to severe dehydration, which may cause symptoms like lethargy and sunken eyes.

Diagnosis of Diabetes Insipidus in Dogs

Veterinarians go through several steps to diagnose DI in dogs and distinguish the symptoms from other diseases for increased thirst and urine. The steps to diagnose DI in dogs include the following:

Medical History and Initial Examination

Your veterinarian specialist will first need the complete history of your dog’s health or diseases.

They will ask questions to find out how often they choose to take alcoholic beverages, whether they had frequent urination when their symptoms began, how long they have endured, and if they are presently on any prescription medication.

This initial physical examination will help identify DI in dogs and their dehydration level. It is also crucial to identify any underlying disease that may be causing DI, as effective treatment depends on diagnosing the specific underlying disorder.

Laboratory Examinations

Blood testing is essential for DI diagnosis. CBCs, or complete blood counts, can identify anemia or infection symptoms. These tests assess renal function, electrolyte levels, and other critical parameters.

Urine Analysis

This test is conducted to check the pet patient’s urine concentration. The veterinarians take a urine sample and measure its concentration by urine specific gravity (USG). The ideal USG of normal urine is above 1.020. Dogs suffering from DI will have lower USG.

ADH Response Test

The ADH response test helps identify the type of diabetes insipidus in dogs. During this diagnosis, your veterinarian will measure the USG and then administer desmopressin acetate to monitor it at regular intervals.

Water Deprivation Analysis

During this process, veterinarians withhold water for some hours, typically 12 to 24 hours, and closely monitor the pet patient’s body, weight, and behaviors. Blood, urine, and samples are also collected for close examination of cells and hormones. Historically, the water deprivation test has been significant in assessing the kidneys' ability to concentrate urine under controlled water intake.

The modified water deprivation test is a variation that includes careful monitoring protocols to avoid severe dehydration and neurological symptoms, making it a safer alternative for diagnosing diabetes insipidus in dogs.

Diagnostic Imaging

CT scans, MRIs, and other imaging techniques are conducted to identify brain tumors that can cause DI in dogs. These techniques don’t directly help identify the urine concentration but only diagnose the issues in the brain.

Diabetes Insipidus in Dogs: Treatment Options

The ​​specific approaches to treating your dog depend on whether it is affected by Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus (NDI) or central diabetes insipidus (CDI). 

In the case of CDI, the insufficient product of ADH is treated using a replacement conductor.

In addition, desmopressin (DDAVP), a synthetic ADH that comes in tablets or capsules, can also be given to the pet patient. Desmopressin enables the kidneys to retain water, reducing the need to urinate frequently. 

On the other hand, there is no specific medication for the second type, NDI. However, veterinarians can manage the underlying causes to improve urine concentration and kidney function. In addition to that, a low-salt diet is advised to decrease urine production. 

Hormone Replacement Therapy for CDI

For dogs diagnosed with central diabetes insipidus (CDI), hormone replacement therapy is a common and effective treatment. This therapy involves administering a synthetic form of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which the pituitary gland fails to produce adequately. The primary goal of hormone replacement therapy is to regulate the body’s water balance and prevent dehydration. Desmopressin, a synthetic ADH, is often used in this treatment and can be administered in various forms, such as tablets or nasal drops. This therapy helps the kidneys retain water, reducing excessive urination and ensuring your dog stays hydrated.

Managing NDI

Managing nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) in dogs requires a different approach since the kidneys do not respond to ADH. Hormone replacement therapy is ineffective in this case. Instead, treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause of the condition. This may involve treating kidney disease or discontinuing medications that contribute to NDI. In some instances, diuretics may be prescribed to help reduce urine production and prevent dehydration. Additionally, a low-salt diet can be beneficial in managing the symptoms and improving the dog’s overall quality of life.

Can DI in Dogs Be Cured? 

Unfortunately, curing DI in dogs is not possible if it occurs due to the insufficient production of ADH. However, if it's caused by a brain tumor, veterinarians can find a way to cure DI. Diabetes insipidus in dogs can be controlled by treatment and proper precautions. 

Diabetes Insipidus in Dogs: Life Expectancy

This disease can significantly affect the lifespan of pet patients. 

Life expectancy depends on various factors, including:

• Type of DI (CDI or NDI) 
• The overall well-being of the dog 
• Underlying issues 
• Treatment options

Dogs suffering from CDI can be treated with the best possible options and live a normal lifespan. 

However, pet patients suffering from NDI can witness a drop in their life expectancy, as there is no proper medicine for this case.  

Comparison to Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus are often confused due to their similar names, but they are distinct conditions with different causes and symptoms. Diabetes mellitus, commonly known as sugar diabetes, is characterized by the body’s inability to regulate blood sugar levels. This condition results from either insufficient insulin production or the body’s inability to use insulin effectively. On the other hand, diabetes insipidus is a condition where the body cannot regulate water balance, leading to excessive urination and thirst. Understanding these differences is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Prevention and Care for Dogs with Diabetes Insipidus

Preventing dehydration is vital for dogs with diabetes insipidus. Here are some practical tips to help manage the condition and ensure your dog’s well-being:

• Provide Plenty of Fresh Water: Always ensure your dog has access to fresh water to drink.
• Monitor Urine Output: Keep an eye on your dog’s urine output and consult your veterinarian if you notice any changes.
• Avoid Heat Stress: Dogs with diabetes insipidus are more susceptible to heat stress. Provide plenty of shade and cool water during hot weather.
• Follow Your Veterinarian’s Instructions: Adhere to any specific diet or treatment plan recommended by your veterinarian.

By following these tips and working closely with your veterinarian, you can help manage your dog’s diabetes insipidus and prevent dehydration.

Final Words

If you notice any of the above DI symptoms, consult a licensed veterinarian immediately. The vet will diagnose the underlying causes and identify the type of diabetes insipidus in dogs to devise an effective and personalized treatment plan that solely focuses on your dog's unique body. 

To get immediate consultation without visiting the clinic, join VetPet Central. Our platform connects you with vet professionals online. We offer 24/7 services to ensure your pet patients receive personalized and the best possible treatment! 

FAQs 

What happens if you don’t treat diabetes insipidus in dogs?

Untreated DI in dogs can lead to serious health conditions like severe dehydration, seizures, lethargy, and coma. Severe dehydration can cause symptoms such as sunken eyes and necessitate emergency veterinary care due to the risk of coma or death from prolonged dehydration. It can also affect the normal life expectancy of your dog.

Can diabetes insipidus be cured naturally?

There is no scientific cure or natural treatment for dog diabetes. However, proper treatment can help balance the production of ADH (which controls the body’s water system).