Compendium : continuing education for veterinarians
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Diabetes insipidus is a metabolic disorder caused by a deficiency in the production of or response to arginine vasopressin (AVP). The lack of, or inability to appropriately respond to, AVP results in a lack of tubular reabsorption of water and urine of low specific gravity. Two main categories of diabetes insipidus are recognized in veterinary medicine: central and nephrogenic.
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Hyperglycemia is common in critically ill humans. Recent clinical trials have shown a significant reduction in morbidity and mortality rates with the use of intensive insulin therapy to maintain strict normoglycemia in critically ill patients. ⋯ In addition to its anabolic effects on metabolism, insulin has antiinflammatory properties. To define the potential risks and benefits of intensive insulin therapy in critically ill animals, prospective, randomized clinical trials are necessary.