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What does polyphagia mean?

  1. Excessive urination

  2. Excessive sleeping

  3. Excessive eating

  4. Excessive drinking

The correct answer is: Excessive eating

Polyphagia refers to an increased or excessive appetite, resulting in the consumption of larger quantities of food than normal. This term is commonly used in veterinary medicine to describe a condition in animals, often indicative of underlying health issues such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or parasitic infections. When evaluating the other options, excessive urination refers to polyuria, excessive sleeping is known as hypersomnia or somnolence, and excessive drinking is termed polydipsia. Each of these terms describes different conditions that are unrelated to the act of eating. Understanding the correct terminology in veterinary medicine is crucial for accurately diagnosing and treating animal health issues.