You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.

Hypernatremia is an uncommon finding on blood analysis, however there are several causes of this disorder

Normal sodium concentrations in the blood are reported to be  :

• Dog - 140-155 mEq/l or mmol/l. (320-355 mg/dl)
• Cat - 145-157 mEq/l or mmol/l.  (355-360 mg/dl)

Sodium in the body is mainly concentrated in the extracellular compartment - and sodium movement is accompanied by fluid movements in the body. If sodium is retained water is retained. If sodium is lost from the body  in urine, water is lost as well.

Sodium concentrations in excessive of the normal range (hypernatremia) occurs under several circumstances, including :

• High dietary sodium intake
• Following severe exercise
• Excessive fluid losses 
  • Cushing's Syndrome (hyperadrenocorticism) - a slight increase is reported to be present in about 50% of cases
  • Dehydration - any cause
  • Diabetes mellitus - not common - less than 10% of ketoacidotic cases
  • Diarrhoea - in mild cases -  in severe diarrhoea can get a LOSS of sodium and hyponatremia
  • Excessive diuresis - peritoneal diuresis, high protein rations
  • Excessive salivation
  • Fever
  • Heatstroke
  • Hyperventilation
  • Vomiting - in mild cases - in severe vomiting can get LOSS of sodium and hyponatremia
• Low water intake
  • Lack of water availability
  • Loss of swallowing ability
  • Rabies - hydrophobia

Treatment involves reducing dietary salt intake and fluid replacement.

Last updated : October 2013