Hi all, Once again Lucius is ill, he's been like this for a good few weeks, but only now has it gotten worse. A few months ago Lucius had started drinking a lot, about 4 litres a day, we took him to the vet who did a urine test and found nothing wrong, however he did say if it continued to bring him back. Well, he did calm down after a few days and we put it down to anxiety as we had some people over. But the drinking never went back to normal. He drinks 2 1/2 litres a day when normally he'd maybe drink 1 litre a day - he was never a huge fan of water and was always picky, but now we just cant seem to keep him away from the bowl. Recently he's also been peeing a lot, its as if the water goes straight through him, he drinks some water and about ten minuites later he's outside peeing, then back in to drink some more. We've also been noticing him hanging round by his dog food container and sitting by it, we've increased his food intake but now he also seems to be eating quicker (if that was ever possible) than normal. He's fine in himself, not too anxious as we've not had people over for a while and he has been barking less in the house as he barks a lot when he's anxious. we're booking him in to the vet for a blood test as we feel there has to be something going on with all this water guzzling. He's even started drooling for water whenever I fill the bowl up! He's only 3 and very young to have anything serious, right? Oh well, was hoping for a vet free year! We just can't keep him out of there!
Increased thirst/urination can be signs of diabetes in humans. He's a beauty! I hope the visit goes well.
In dogs also. Excessive water consumption and low energy are common symptoms of diabetes. A blood glucose test should rule it in or out. We had a diabetic Lab and she did quite well with insulin. We did blood sticks and adjusted the dose occasionally. Unfortunately insulin is a lot more expensive than it was 20 years ago.
So sorry to hear he's unwell again, I do hope the vet gets to the bottom of things soon. Let us know how he's getting along and if they manage to work out what is happening, x
Yeah that's what we were thinking. We had a dog in our family with diabetes who had the same problems but she kept collapsing on walks too.
Yes my parents had a diabetic dog, she was a lab cross doberman who got diabetes however because she kept collapsing there was a possibility she had a heart condition as well so they had her put to sleep.
We're taking him to the vets soon so will update as soon as possible. Next week we're going to ask how much a blood test is and book an appointment for him. Our vets pretty good about getting him in quick as he knows Lucius has a history of ill health from food allergies to eye issues so hopefully we'll find out what's up soon.
We have a little lab girl, but your description sounds like our Boxer, who is battling kidney issues. A full blood panel would tell you a lot, I hope!
Hi all, Just a quick update - we took lucius to the vets yesterday and found he had put on almost 2kg in a few weeks, which was very odd as we haven't increased his food and he's still being walked regularly. Today we took him in for a blood test, which has come back as normal - his blood count shows he is completely healthy! The vet is completely baffled as are we! He's going to do one more urine test tomorrow where he said he will test for a condition which doesn't normally show up in a blood test (I'm not sure what it is as he didnt say) which I will update about tomorrow. He's still drinking a lot and is increasingly hungry, I'm not sure what else could be wrong, but if the urine test is normal we're back to stage one again. Any thoughts on what the vet will be testing for?
A final update guys! We did a urine test and it was normal - the vet has said he is completely healthy! He told us to keep an eye on him and bring him back if he suddenly gets worse or if we feel concerned. Either way he has a clean bill of health - phew!
Great news. But please solve the mystery: An explanation for the behaviour. Or is it one life's little mysteries?
Hah! My vet told me Lucius has always been a bit of a mystery dog, but otherwise his behaviour has remained the same, just wondering if he just suddenly has a water fettish now? Will look into it
