Desmopressin Acetate for Veterinary Use

Therapeutic Class: Hormone analogue

Species: Dogs and Cats

May Be Prescribed For: Central diabetes insipidus, Von Willebrand’s disease

Desmopressin acetate is a synthetic vasopressin analogue that is used both diagnostically and therapeutically in cases of central diabetes insipidus in dogs and cats. Less common uses for desmopressin acetate are the treatment of type 1 Von Willebrand’s disease, and peri operatively in cases of canine mammary gland cancers. Desmopressin acetate is frequently referred to in the literature by the acronym DDAVP®, which is the registered trademark of a human drug.

Desmopressin acetate decreases urine production and increases urine osmolality by increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys. At routine doses, it does not affect urinary sodium or potassium excretion. Desmopressin also causes a dose-dependent increase in certain clotting factors. Desmopressin acetate is destroyed in the GI tract and consequently is given intravenously, subcutaneously, or topically in the conjunctival sac.

Desmopressin acetate is the treatment of choice for central diabetes insipidus in both dogs and cats. It is also used diagnostically to differentiate between central and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. As a diagnostic test, desmopressin acetate may be used instead of a water deprivation test. The onset of action in the dog is within one hour of administration. When it is used to treat central diabetes insipidus it is generally given once or twice a day in the conjunctiva.

Desmopressin acetate may be used peri-operatively to treat surgical patients with type 1 Von Willebrand’s disease. The onset of action is 15 to 30 minutes and the duration of action is between three and four hours. Repeated doses within 24 hours are unlikely to prolong response.

• Conjunctival irritation

• Desmopressin acetate should not be used in animals that are susceptible to thrombosis.

• Desmopressin acetate should not be used in animals with type II b or platelet type Von Willebrand’s (pseudo). German Short Hair Pointers are a sub population that is more likely to have this form of Von Willebrand’s.

• Desmopressin acetate becomes less effective with repeated administration over a short period of time, an administration technique that might be used when attempting to stimulate Von Willebrand’s factor.

• Desmopressin acetate has not been studied in pregnant companion-animals. Large doses have been given to pregnant laboratory animals without apparent harm to the fetus.

• The following drugs may increase the antidiuretic effects of desmopressin acetate: fludrocortisone, Chlorpropamide and urea.