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Trauma-induced central diabetes insipidus in a cat
1Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Queensland, St Lucia QLD 4072, Australia. f.campbell@uq.edu.au
Insights
A cat diagnosed with central diabetes insipidus after trauma experienced resolution of excessive thirst with subcutaneous administration of desmopressin (DDAVP). This treatment remains effective long-term.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Polydipsia in cats can indicate underlying health issues, including diabetes insipidus.
- Trauma is a potential cause of central diabetes insipidus.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To diagnose and manage central diabetes insipidus in a cat following a fall.
- To evaluate the efficacy of different administration routes for desmopressin (DDAVP).
Main Methods:
- Clinical presentation of a cat with polydipsia post-trauma.
- Diagnostic workup including urinalysis, blood tests, and ultrasound.
- Water deprivation test and response to desmopressin (DDAVP) administration.
- Therapeutic trial with conjunctival versus subcutaneous DDAVP.
Main Results:
- The cat presented with hyposthenuria, consistent with diabetes insipidus.
- Water deprivation failed to concentrate urine, but DDAVP administration resulted in hypersthenuria.
- Conjunctival DDAVP was ineffective, while subcutaneous DDAVP successfully resolved polydipsia.
- The cat remained eudipsic for 17 months on twice-daily subcutaneous DDAVP.
Conclusions:
- Trauma-induced central diabetes insipidus can occur in cats.
- Subcutaneous administration of DDAVP is an effective treatment for feline central diabetes insipidus.
- Long-term management with subcutaneous DDAVP can lead to a good prognosis.
Abstract:
A 1-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat presented with a 4-week history of polydipsia that began immediately after an 8 m fall. Trauma-induced central diabetes insipidus was suspected on the basis of the identification of hyposthenuria, normal haematology and serum biochemistry profile and unremarkable abdominal ultrasound examination. Failure to concentrate urine with water deprivation followed by production of hypersthenuric urine with administration of the synthetic antidiuretic hormone, Damino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP), confirmed the diagnosis of central diabetes insipidus. Treatment via conjunctival administration of DDAVP failed to attenuate the polydipsia, however, resolution of polydipsia was achieved with subcutaneous administration of DDAVP and the cat remains eudipsic with twice daily subcutaneous DDAVP administration 17 months after diagnosis.
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