Another Day at the Vet's

Indy drinks a lot of water. Far more than the average dog. Years ago I asked the vet about it. Tests were run, with nothing conclusive.

Recently his water consumption has gotten even higher. He's literally frantic to reach his water bowl, which needs filling several times a day. Not surprisingly, Indy is peeing a lot. Often in the house. Now it isn't unknown for him to have an accident from time to time. But it's happening much more often.

I wondered if he might have a urinary infection of some type, so on Saturday Indy went to visit his good buddy, the vet. She ran routine blood work and urine tests. No infection, though white blood cell count was up slightly. Another reading that can relate to endocrine function (can't remember what she called it) was also slightly elevated.

Indy's appetite is fine, no signs of digestive distress. He acts same as normal, ready to play or nap, depending upon what everyone else is doing...just drinking and peeing like crazy.

The vet would like to run more tests, as she suspects Cushing's due to his age (10), the symptoms, and his breed. Confirming this will apparently require so much more intensive testing, that she'll call me next week with an estimate. I interpret "estimate" to mean "really, really, expensive". Especially with Indy's weird little auto-immune issues.

There are so many knowledgable dog people out there. Anyone have experience with Cushing's? Indy doesn't have some other symptoms I've read about, like hair loss or pot belly. No excessive panting. He doesn't seem to feel bad at all. Once in a while, when excited or stressed, I've noticed a little shaking in a back leg.

Any ideas?  I have a feeling we may be getting ready to build another addition to the veterinary hospital.

Sure wish this country had universal pet healthcare. Right now we could use it!