Critter Alley

Critter Alley

Sunday, September 26, 2010

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!

24 comments:

Two French Bulldogs said...

Whatever that disease is, hope you don't have it kid. I drink tons of water too and I am normal...go figure
Snuggles
Benny & Lily

Ryker said...

Oh Pat,
This is upsetting news but the signs and symptoms seem to fit. I assume diabetes has been ruled out although it can coexist with Cushings.
I did find a couple links you might want to look at that give detailed info. and a couple links to non Vet treatments as well.
We wish you and Indy the best and please keep us updated.
~Sandy

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2097&aid=416

http://www.kateconnick.com/library/cushingsdisease.html

http://www.vetinfo.com/dcushing.html

http://www.petwellbeing.com/products/dog-adrenal-glands?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=MSN_dog_cushings&9mtype=e&9mkw=4108978852&9mad=371427451.2&9mraw=cushings%20disease%20in%20dogs

http://www.cushingsdiseasebreakthroughs.com

Terri Tiffany said...

I'm so sorry about this. I hope there is a simple inexpensive cure!! This is why I stopped having pets--it is heartbreaking when they are ill and I got where I couldn't afford good care like we should.

Oskar said...

The only thing that we've ever heard of causing excessive drinking is diabetes. Sorry, we don't have any other advice. I'm sure your vet already checked him for diabetes.

I hope he doesn't show any other symptoms that bother him & I hope he stops peeing in the house!

Nubbin wiggles,
Oskar

the booker man said...

miss pat,
i'm in the same boat as oskar...i know diabetes makes you thirsty for the waters, but i don't know anything about cushings. i'm sorry i can't be more helpful like, but i will at least be crossin' my paws for indy and hopin' for the bestest news possible!

*woof*
the booker man

The Luke said...

Wishin you a speedy recovery from a harmless phase... and keepin you in m prayers!

wif love from the Luke

CreekHiker / HollysFolly said...

So sorry to hear this!!! Good luck with the tests!

Pup Fan said...

Hope everything is okay!

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

Have you considered a OCD type issue?

Good luck - this is a great forum for information/etc -

the magic sleigh said...

Kira's mom here, Kira has the same thing, they thought for a long time she had cushings, but they have decided it is diabetes insipidus. (google it!)You might want to ask your vet about it. She takes DDAVP for it, plus other meds because she also has seizures. Good luck!

~husky kisses~
Kira and her Mom

Diana Chiew said...

Sorry to hear about Indy's condition. Hope it's nothing serious. We cross our paws for him.

Lisa Ricard Claro said...

Poor pup. I don't know a thing about Cushings and can be of no help here, except to send positive thoughts your way. Good luck with your "estimate", and I hope Indy will be okay.

BECKY said...

I've never heard of Cushings, either, but there are zillions of diseases both human and animal that I've never heard of! I really can't suggest anything either....I know you're torn about what to do. And if you did spend a fortune on more tests and nothing was conclusive...then what? Sorry I'm no help!! But I know what you're going through!

kissa-bull said...

my mommish ish not full of the smarticles but we are crossing our paws that everyfing ish a okay
memeber tooting always heals the ouchies

pibble sugars, wee wiggles and pupperbreath licks
the pittie pack

ocmist said...

So sorry to hear about Indy having problems. Things seem to be going wrong with a lot of dogs lately. We've got our share here with Mercy's nose (pics on blog), OC's arthritis, BG's gimpy leg, and now Gimli seems to be having some problems. He's losing/lost almost all of the muscle on the top of his skull. Cushings does that sometimes, as well as a couple of other things (like cancer) and none of them are good. He is only one year old.

I, too, wondered about diabetes. I know that a lot of dogs get that, and that would cause those symptoms.

Cyndi and Stumpy said...

Aw, Pat, I'm so sorry Indy's health is in question. I don't know a thing about cushings with regard to dogs but I know it can be managed in horses. I hope you have affordable answers, soon. In the meantime we'll keep Indy in our prayers and send plenty of good healing vibes and mojo!

Swimtaxi said...

Remus and Riley want to send BIG PUPPY HUGS.

Tammy said...

Sending good, healing thoughts to Indy and all the best to both of you!!

Lynn said...

I'm not up on dog health, but could it just be because Indy's getting older? Hope all goes well.

Linda O'Connell said...

Hope it isn't serious, poor Indy, My granndaughter has a boxer pup who is also always thirsty, but hse is hyper. Healing thoughts.

♥Mona + Prissy + Angel Weenie♥ said...

My angel sister had cushings that developed into renal failure and then diabeties. She was with Mommy for 14 1/2 years. The websites that RYKER gave you are would be your best bet.

Samantha did OK with the cushings until she went into renal failure. Mommy gave her IV fluids for 8 months but as long as Samantha was happy Mommy would do anthing it took. It was extremely expensive but It was worth it to she Samantha's smile Mommy said. Samantha let her know when it was time to give up.

We will be here for you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

God Bless from Mommy & {{{huggies}}} from me...Mona
s

Donna Volkenannt said...

Hi Pat,
So sorry to hear about Indy. Hope he's better soon.
Sending good thoughts and hugs to you both.
Donna
http://donnasbookpub.blogspot.com

Eileen said...

I hope Indy's okay!

Peggy Frezon said...

This sure sounds like diabetes to me. Maybe Indy should be re-tested. Perhaps there was some error in previous tests and it didn't show up?
Also, sometimes dogs drink a lot out of stress or just habit. But of course you want to rule out other possibilities first. I hope you find out the problem and Indy is in tip-top shape real soon!