I am concerned about my 5 year old English chocolate lab, Whiskey. He has excessive thirst, hunger and an awful heavy pant all the time. We have tried natural remedies and training with no prevail. Does anyone have any thoughts?
Hi and welcome to the forum. It's always so worrying when our dogs are sick. I'd very strongly recommend taking your dog to the vet, asap. A number of things can cause those symptoms. Diabetes or Cushing's syndrome are the first things that come to mind. You definitely need a vet to check for those things and to consider the range of other possibilities. Let us know how things go at the vet.
Hi there! Have you spoken to your vet? I absolutely agree with Rachael above, it's important that you rule out a medical cause. These symptoms would definitely make me think of diabetes. Jac
Yes, please Vet. Be sure to take a complete list of any remedies you have tried on your own. Trying remedies for an unknown cause isn't a good idea and might make for complications of the underlying reason he is suddenly like this. It is sudden, right? Or at least recent? He hasn't always been like this? Is it hot all of a sudden where you are? I'm curious, what training did you do to change the thirst, hunger and panting?
The symptoms you describe are similar to what we saw in our first Lab about 16 years ago when she became diabetic at age 12. She did very well on insulin and lived to 16. Take her to the vet and get her checked out. If she is diabetic, you need to get started on treatment ASAP.
Hello. Sorry, first post - I saw your post and wanted to reply. My chocolate monster (who is also 5) started showing signs of excessive thirst and urinating last September. Took her to the vet and they suspected Diabetes Insipidus, tested positive (borderline) and she was given Desmopressin to treat it. This didn't work and after a lot of arguing I had to change vets. They suspected Cushings and tests came back positive (although negative in ACTH). Turns out it was a tumour on her adrenal gland. It was removed in May and now she is back to her usual mad chocolate self. I hasn't realised how much her personality had changed as well until I looked back. Anyway, my point is, take him to a vet and if they suspect either of these, get the tests done asap. Both conditions are easily managed with medication and in some cases (like Tink) surgery. The hunger and panting would sway towards Cushings. Does he have thinning of hair and a pot belly? Both things are rare in dogs this young. Partly why my first vet refused to believe it was Cushings I hope you get an answer soon. Let us know how you get on x
Thank you for your story. Can you tell me how your dog did post surgery. Was the recovery process difficult for your dog??? I am swaying towards surgery but only 75 % chance she'll survive without complications. she is 12 .I am so glad your chocolate monster is doing great. Thank you again for your concerns and posts.
