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Transient, traumatically induced, central diabetes insipidus in a dog
J M Authement1, R J Boudrieau, P M Kaplan
1Department of Medicine, Foster Hospital for Small Animals, School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA 01536.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|March 1, 1989
Summary
A dog experienced central diabetes insipidus after a car accident caused head trauma. This condition, affecting water balance, resolved over time with vasopressin treatment.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- A 9-year-old dog presented with dental malocclusion following repair of mandibular fractures sustained from vehicular trauma.
- The dog exhibited clinical signs of diabetes insipidus, including hypernatremia, high plasma osmolality, and low urine osmolality despite adequate fluid intake.
Observation:
- Skull radiography identified a fracture line near the pituitary fossa, suggesting potential impact on the neuroendocrine system.
- Administration of exogenous vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) led to improved water balance, indicated by increased urine osmolality and specific gravity, and decreased serum osmolality.
Findings:
- The diagnostic and therapeutic response to vasopressin confirmed central diabetes insipidus.
- The dog's condition showed improvement over months, with a reduced need for exogenous vasopressin, suggesting a transient etiology.
Implications:
- This case highlights traumatic brain injury as a potential cause of transient central diabetes insipidus in dogs.
- Understanding this link is crucial for diagnosing and managing similar post-traumatic endocrine disturbances in veterinary patients.
- Early recognition and treatment can prevent severe hypernatremia and associated complications.