Common symptoms in dogs and cats with polydipsia are:

• Excessive thirst - they drink much more water than normal (Dogs > 100 ml/kg/day, Cats > 50 ml/kg/day)

• Excessive urination - they urinate more frequently and in greater quantities (Dogs/Cats > 50 ml/kg/day)

• Incontinence - involuntary loss of urine

• Change in eating habits - they eat less than normal

• Weight loss

There are different causes and reasons that can lead to polydipsia in our pets:

• Diabetes

• Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's syndrome)

• Hyperthyroidism

• Acute renal failure (end stage)

• Chronic renal failure

• Pyelonephritis

The diagnosis of polydipsia in dogs and cats is divided into three phases:

Phase 1 - Rule out an iatrogenic cause based on the animal's medical history.

Phase 2 - If Phase 1 is ruled out, the following tests must be performed:

• Complete blood count

• Complete biochemical profile (glucose, electrolytes, renal/hepatic function, calcium, phosphorus, T4)

• Urine analysis (density/specific gravity, urine glucose, urine protein, physical examination)
 

Phase 3 - Additional tests are performed to determine the origin of the symptoms. The most effective tests are:

• Abdominal test

• Adrenal function test

• Bile acid stimulation test

• Urinary culture

• Measurement of glomerular filtration rate

Finding the causes and reasons for polydipsia-polyuria can be complex. There is no single cause, so it is important to be clear about the diagnostic protocol and adapt it to each case.