Excretion and Drinking After Salt Loading in Dogs

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Abstract
The renal, oral and body fluid compensations after salt loading in dogs were investigated. Two types of regulatory patterns, termed maximal and minimal internal regulation, were observed. Some dogs corrected the imposed imbalances mainly by drinking, while others used their kidneys and body fluids to a greater extent. Dogs classed as minimal internal regulators put out a larger urine volume of lower concn. Differences in drinking among dogs were not due to differences in concentrating capacity of their kidneys which was shown to be similar in both groups. The larger drinkers maintained a higher level of cellular hydration, but whether the greater sensitivity to dehydration in the latter group prompted the greater drink, or the greater drinking triggered by some unknown cue prevented excessive dehydration is uncertain. The kidneys themselves do not act as primary thirst receptors, for a dog will drink similar amounts of water in response to identical salt loads, both with and without kidneys.