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Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus in sibling colts
H C Schott1, W M Bayly, S M Reed
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Washington State University, Pullman 99164-6610.
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, a kidney disorder causing excessive urination and thirst, was diagnosed in two Thoroughbred colts. This condition resulted from their kidney cells being insensitive to vasopressin.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) is a condition characterized by the kidneys' inability to respond to vasopressin.
- This leads to impaired water reabsorption and excessive urination (polyuria) and thirst (polydipsia).
Observation:
- Two related Thoroughbred colts presented with severe polyuria and polydipsia, drinking over 80 liters of water daily.
- Clinical signs suggested a primary renal issue rather than a central cause of diabetes insipidus.
Findings:
- Diagnostic tests, including water deprivation, hypertonic saline infusion, and vasopressin administration, confirmed the colts' collecting duct cells were insensitive to vasopressin.
- Elevated plasma vasopressin levels post-water deprivation in one colt ruled out central diabetes insipidus.
Implications:
- This case highlights NDI as a potential diagnosis in horses exhibiting extreme polyuria and polydipsia.
- Understanding vasopressin resistance in equine NDI can inform diagnostic approaches and management strategies for affected animals.