DesmopressinDose, contraindications and adverse effects for Cats, Dogs, Horses and Poultry.

Synthetic analog of antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin); used for central diabetes insipidus and, at higher doses, to boost clotting factor release. Desmopressin is useful in the diagnosis and/or treatment of central diabetes insipidus in small animals. It may be used perioperatively in dogs with type 1 von Willebrand disease. Desmopressin may be useful as a surgical adjuvant perioperatively to reduce lymph node involvement and metastatic disease in canine (not feline) mammary carcinoma or other aggressive tumors,9 although this is con

Desmopressin is related structurally to arginine vasopressin, but it has more antidiuretic activity and less vasopressor properties on a per weight basis. Desmopressin causes a dose-dependent increase in water reabsorption by the collecting ducts in the kidneys, thereby increasing urine osmolality and decreasing net urine production.

Desmopressin is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to it. In humans, it is contraindicated in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment and in patients with hyponatremia or a history of hyponatremia. Desmopressin should be used with caution in patients susceptible to thrombotic events. Desmopressin is ineffective in the treatment of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus

Adverse effects in small animals are uncommon. Occasionally eye irritation may occur after conjunctival administration. Sodium decreases of more than 0.5 mEq/hour may result in neurologic signs (eg, nausea, vomiting, obtundation, seizures, coma). Hypersensitivity reactions are possible. Humans using the drug have complained about increased headache frequency.

Central diabetes insipidus: ■ Urine volume; improvement of polyuria, polydipsia ■ Serum electrolytes (especially sodium) and urine specific gravity ■ Fluid intake ■ Patient weight Von Willebrand disease and other coagulopathies: ■ Buccal mucosal bleeding time ■ Pre-/post procedure packed cell volume