ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/desmopressin
US brand names:DDAVP, Stimate
Desmopressin is dosed at 0.05–0.1 mg PO q12h in dogs, per Harb MF, Nelson RW, Feldman EC, Scott-Moncrieff JC, Griffey SM. Central diabetes insipidus in dogs: 20 cases (1986-1995). J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1996;209(11):1884-1888. doi:10.2460/javma.1996.209.11.1884 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.380 (2026-08-01).. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
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.
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.
Species references:All Dog (Domestic) drugs
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| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 0.05–0.1 mg | q12h | Moderate | Harb MF, Nelson RW, Feldman EC, Scott-Moncrieff JC, Griffey SM. Central diabetes insipidus in dogs: 20 cases (1986-1995). J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1996;209(11):1884-1888. doi:10.2460/javma.1996.209.11.1884 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.380 (2026-08-01). |
| Dog (Domestic) | SC | 1 mcg/kg | Single dose 30 min pre-surgery | Moderate | Callan MB, Giger U, Catalfamo JL. Effect of desmopressin on von Willebrand factor multimers in Doberman Pinschers with type 1 von Willebrand disease. Am J Vet Res. 2005;66(5):861-867. doi:10.2460/ajvr.2005.66.861 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.380 (2026-08-01). |
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