Question 1

What is Desmopressin used for?

Accepted Answer

Desmopressin is indicated for: Central diabetes insipidus, Von Willebrand disease (pre-surgical).

Question 2

What routes can Desmopressin be administered by?

Accepted Answer

Available routes: PO, SC, IV, INTRANASAL.

Question 3

Which species have cited Desmopressin dosing data?

Accepted Answer

Desmopressin dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 1 species: Dog (Domestic).

Question 4

Is Desmopressin a controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

Desmopressin is not federally scheduled as a controlled substance, but is veterinary prescription only in most jurisdictions.

Question 5

What are the warnings or contraindications for Desmopressin?

Accepted Answer

Water intoxication/hyponatremia if water intake not monitored. Used for central diabetes insipidus and von Willebrand disease (Type I). Ineffective for nephrogenic DI. Monitor urine specific gravity.

Question 6

What are the side effects of Desmopressin?

Accepted Answer

Reported side effects, adverse reactions, and contraindications for Desmopressin: Water intoxication/hyponatremia if water intake not monitored. Used for central diabetes insipidus and von Willebrand disease (Type I). Ineffective for nephrogenic DI. Monitor urine specific gravity.

Question 7

How does Desmopressin work?

Accepted Answer

Synthetic analog of vasopressin (ADH) that acts on V2 receptors in the renal collecting ducts, increasing water reabsorption. Also releases von Willebrand factor from endothelium.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Dog (Domestic)	PO	0.05–0.1 mg	q12h	Moderate	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Dog (Domestic)	SC	1 mcg/kg	Single dose 30 min pre-surgery	Moderate	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Desmopressin

Drug Class

Routes

Indications

Mechanism of Action

Side effects & warnings

Species with Desmopressin dosing data (2 dose rules)

Evidence levels across 2 dose rules

Backed by a published source

Sample dosing (2 of 2 cited rules)

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