Symptoms of water poisoning in dogs

1. The main symptoms of water poisoning in dogs are neurological symptoms, weakness in the limbs, and slow or absent tendon reflexes. Dogs with severe water poisoning may experience convulsions and coma, general edema, and urine output. reduce.
2. Laboratory examination shows that the dog’s blood is thin, plasma sodium content is significantly reduced, and plasma protein, hemoglobin, and red blood cells are reduced.

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, but the following situations will Water imbalance can occur:
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 cause ADH secretion. On this basis, if you drink too much water, water intoxication may occur.
2. Insufficient renal blood flow causes water retention. It is common in the oliguric stage of renal failure, the end stage of chronic nephritis and urethral obstruction. If a large amount of water is given, water retention can occur.
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 use diuretics without limiting water intake may develop water intoxication.
4. Adrenocortical insufficiency, glucocorticoid (cortisol) and ADH have antagonistic effects. If glucocorticoid is lacking, the effect of ADH will be enhanced (or secreted increased). When water intake (or input) is excessive, Can easily cause water intoxication.

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.