Dog drinking lots of water and incontinent problems
We have a yellow male lab who will be two in February. About six months ago we noticed that he would drink an unusual amount of water and urinate volumes. He is very active, loves to fetch and initially I chalked-up his large intake and output volumes to hot weather and activity. We then became aware that he would, at times, dribble urine and eventually had episodes of incontinence, both when awake and asleep. The first thing our vet did was test for a urine infection, which was negative. In spite of the test results, he thought it was worth treating him with a course of antibiotics to see if it made a difference. It didn't. We have had blood work done all of which came back within normal limits. (I can't remember exactly what tests but know it included blood sugar and think it included kidney function and thyroid. I would be happy to get that info if it would be helpful.) We have done several specific gravities, comparing samples from his last pee at night with the first one in the morning. There was little difference between them and the vet said his urine was like "distilled water". We had an ultrasound done to rule out any abnormalities. It was normal. We have tried a diet change from IAMS to Pedigree. (He is not given anything thing else to eat.) Approximately two or three weeks after the diet change and lasting for approximately four to six weeks, we noticed a significant decrease in intake and incontinence needless to say we were excited! I was supposed to take urine samples for a repeat of specific gravity, but for various reasons didn't get the samples to the vet. In the meantime his water intake and incontinence have increased dramatically, to the point where I would say it is worse than ever. We have limited his activity, especially in the afternoon and evening, but have not noticed a significant, if any, difference. Other than this he seems in good health - his coat is good, good weight. I am wondering lately, however, if he seems less energetic, but if he is, it's not pronounced enough that I could say with certainty. Our vet is puzzled and not sure where to go with this. He has mentioned various tests, but says that the results aren't always clear cut and definitive. We couldn't ask for a better dog and we love him to pieces, but the sad reality is that we can't afford to pursue every avenue and I thought it worth pursuing some other opinions to see if "fresh eyes" see something that we're missing. I appreciate your time and any suggestions you may have. |
Ask a vet plans available
- Ask the online vet a question for just $8.95; or
- Sign up for a one month membership for just $19.95 and ask the online vet unlimited questions about your pet.
- Find answers to common pet health and behavior questions $3.95/article
- Read up on previous ask the vet pet health questions for just $3.95
Vet question of the day
Add to
Dog with problems walking
When I came home from work yesterday, Sparrow(6yo female neutered mix breed), who stays in my basement with access to the crawl space under the house, was having trouble going up the stairs. She seemed sick - hot nose & depressed. She has a knot midway up her tail about the size of a quarter. Her hindquarters are slightly swollen and tender. Her behind was dirty with dust, some fecal matter, and little black dots that looked like flea eggs (she doesn't have fleas - she's on med from the vet.) It seemed she had been dragging her bottom on the ground. My gut feeling is that she may have been bitten by a spider or god forbid a snake (in my basement?!!) but I'm also worried that she's hurt her back. She can still walk - even jump on the bed - but she is not moving correctly. She is still eating and drinking. She's not any worse this morning, but no better. She's not limping, but she acts stiff - is not moving her hind legs with ease, but I don't see where they look out of whack. For example, when she goes up steps, she just goes one step at a time, very slowly and carefully when she usually bounds & skips steps. It doesn't look like she's knuckling over, and her feet and legs look normal. Another thought after babying her this morning - she has had trouble in the past with her anal glands being blocked. Usually I try to massage & expel them when I bathe her. I haven't noticed her dragging her butt, which usually happens when her glands are filled and need expelling, but is it possible this could be the problem? Or constipation?
- Click
here to read the answer
More
pet
health questions
Pet Care Articles and Pet Supplies Deals
| Dogs - dog care | 
Sign
up for the Ask the Vet newsletter
- Click
hereWe're in the news! Read full article here. |
