Dog - Diabetes Insipidus (DI)
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a general term referring to disorders characterised by an increased thirst and increased production of dilute urine.
There are two forms of diabetes in dogs, diabetes insipidus (DI) - drinking diabetes and diabetes mellitus (DM) - sugar diabetes.
Diabetes insipidus is a relatively rare condition in dogs and is diagnosed only after extensive blood and urine tests.
My dog drinks and urinates a lot but is otherwise well. What else could this be?
Polydipsia and polyuria (increased thirst and increased urine production) can be signs of either diabetes insipidus or diabetes mellitus. Certain kidney and liver problems can also be responsible. It is for this reason that laboratory tests on blood and urine samples are carried out before a definite diagnosis is made.
What causes diabetes insipidus?
One of the functions of the kidneys is to maintain the water balance of the body by reabsorbing fluid as necessary.
Efficient resorption of fluid (concentration of urine) requires adequate levels of a hormone known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH) which is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. If this hormone is not produced in sufficient quantities or alternatively if the kidney becomes insensitive to it drinking diabetes can occur.
Can the condition be cured?
Diabetes insipidus cannot be cured but can sometimes be successfully controlled by administering antidiuretic hormone (ADH) either by injection or in the form of drops provided the kidney retains sensitivity to the hormone.
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© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Last updated on Apr 29, 2009.
