Diabetes Insipidus

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                      General Information



Diabetes insipidus is characterized by increased thirst and

increased urination.  These can result from deficiency of a body

chemical (antidiuretic hormone) normally produced by the

pituitary gland, or they may be due to the kidney's inability to

respond properly to the hormone.



Your pet may require hospitalization to confirm the diagnosis,

since there are several other possible causes of increased thirst

and urination.  With diabetes insipidus, treatment is usually

necessary for the remainder of your pet's life.



                 Important Points in Treatment



1.  General measures:  Medication is given by injection every

    24-48 hours.  Discuss this procedure with the doctor.  A few

    days of treatment are generally necessary to establish the

    proper dosage.



2.  Medication:  Give __________________ milliliters

    intramuscularly/subcutaneously every ____ hours. 



3.  Diet:  Follow the instructions checked. 



    ____Feed the normal diet. 



    ____A special diet is required.  Feed as follows: 





4.  Activity:  No changes in activity are necessary. 



5.  Special instructions:





       Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:



    * Your pet begins to lose weight.



    * Your pet's abdomen seems to enlarge.



    * Your pet vomits repeatedly.



    * There is a change in your pet's general health.