A Diabetes Insipidus-like Condition Produced in Dogs by a Potassium Deficient Diet

Abstract

Seventeen dogs, 12 on K-deficient diets (avg. 0.01% K) and 5 on similar but K-adequate diets (avg. 0.24% K) were studied with respect to their urine excretion and water intake. When K is withdrawn from the diet, dogs show a marked though gradual increase in their fluid exchange. A peak in the curve is reached in from 3-7 wks., resulting in a condition resembling diabetes insipidus with urine output average over 1000 cc./day. Then there is a gradual return to nearly normal values (approx. 300 cc./day). This return to an approx. normal status occurs while the dog is still on the deficient diet and before the frank symptoms of K deficiency appear, i.e., transient attacks of spasticity and finally a progressive paralysis which if untreated proves fatal. The dogs receiving adequate amts. of K in their diet show no abnormality in this fluid exchange, nor do they eventually develop the characteristic symptoms of the deficiency.