What is water intoxication?
Water intoxication in dogs is caused by the accumulation of water exceeding the required retention of sodium, resulting in an increase in extracellular fluid volume.
Causes of water intoxication in dogs
Normal dog plasma osmotic pressure is very stable. Due to the regulation of nerves, endocrine, kidneys, etc., excessive water intake will not cause water intoxication. However, water intoxication may occur in the following situations: Imbalance:
1. Excessive secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH): mental stress, severe pain, various stress states (such as trauma, major surgery, etc.), decreased arterial pressure (such as bleeding, shock), acute severe infection or drug stimulation (Such as acetylcholine and cholinergic drugs, morphine, meperidine, barbiturates, etc.) can all cause ADH secretion. On this basis, excessive fluid replenishment can lead to water intoxication.
2. Urinary retention caused by insufficient renal blood flow: common in the oliguric stage of renal failure, late stage of chronic nephritis and urethral obstruction. If a large amount of water is supplied, it will lead to water storage;
3. In refractory congestive heart failure and liver cirrhosis ascites stage, there is often water retention. Especially those who restrict sodium intake for a long time or often take diuretics without limiting water intake may develop water intoxication.
4. Adrenocortical insufficiency. Glucocorticoids (cortisol) have an antagonistic effect on ADH. If glucocorticoids are lacking, the effect of ADH will be strengthened (or its secretion will increase). When excessive water intake (or input), it is easy to cause Water intoxication.
Clinical symptoms of water intoxication in dogs:
1. The main manifestations of water poisoning in dogs are: neurological symptoms: limb weakness, tendon reflex blockage or disappearance, severe convulsions and coma, general edema, and reduced urine output.
2. Laboratory examination: It can be found that the blood is thin, plasma sodium is significantly reduced, and plasma protein, hemoglobin, and hematocrit are all reduced.
Prevention and treatment measures for dog water poisoning:
1. Mild water poisoning in dogs can recover on its own as long as the water supply is restricted.
2. In severe cases, hypertonic saline (3-5%) can be injected intravenously to relieve the hypotonic state of extracellular fluid. If there is cerebral edema, dehydrating agents such as mannitol can also be added.
