MEASUREMENTS OF WATER DRINKING IN DOGS

Abstract

4 normal dogs and 2 dogs with esophageal fistulas on constant diet showed less daily expenditures of water during desiccation than when in water balance. The frequencies, sizes of drafts, and velocities of drinking were ascertained at diverse degrees of desiccation. Discontinuous drinking in the fistulous dogs was approximately proportional to the deficit of water in the body, and when water was continuously available would have made up the shortage in the body every 40 mins. at any large deficit. Real ingestions in the desiccated normal dogs were prompt, and on the avg. furnished within 5 mins. 17% more than the amt. of shortage. Similar quantities were drunk by a fistulous dog whose esophageal segments were temporarily connected by a tube.