Polyphagia

Polyphagia is defined at excessive hunger, as distinct from polydipsia (excessive thirst).

There are numerous causes of polyphagia, including:

• Physiological response - growth, starvation
• Parasites, particularly enteric parasites
• Hyperthyroidism
• Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
• Neoplasia
• Drugs - proligestone, insulin

Polyphagia is an indiscriminate hunger for food, which distinguishes it from aberrant eating behaviors such as pica, where dogs may eat foreign objects such as wool, toys, wood and metallic objects.