First, I’m not asking for medical advice. The canine in question has been seen by a vet, and will be seen again tomorrow. I’m looking for possible diagnoses so I can be prepared. (If this really belongs in IMHO, mod please feel free to move.)
The dog is a Pekingese, male, neutered, about 9 years old. A bit overweight, and large for the breed.
Symptoms are these: He drinks a lot of water, and has to urinate a LOT. He used to be content with twice a day. Appetite has decreased and he seems less active; although he has his occasional bouts of friskiness that are shorter than previously. He was having some bowel problems – diarrhea followed by straining without result. He’s been put on a bland diet, more frequent small meals of boiled hamburger (all grease and broth strained off) or chicken, mixed with white rice. The bowel problems don’t seem as bad today. The vet took a urine sample, and the urine was very dilute. A stool sample and second urine sample has also been provided. Results are not in on the stool sample; urine sample is pretty much the same, a little bit less dilute. Dog is going back for further evaluation tomorrow, as I said.
What kinds of ailments could this be? I’m guessing anything from a stomach virus that will go away in time, to some fatal ailment that will break all our hearts.
I’m hoping there’s a vet or other knowledgeable person that can give me a clue as to what the reality might be.
I was wondering about that, but does diabetes come on suddenly? As in one week you’re fine and the next week you’re not? Or does it have symptoms that are very subtle in the early stages, where a person would notice but a poor dumb animal would not be able to communicate?
Could possibly be the start of kidney problems - increased drinking and lessened ability to concentrate urine are typical symptoms. See the bottom half of this page for a description of chronic renal failure in dogs. Good luck with your puppers.
Sounds more like diabetes, but the excessive hunger symptom is missing. Well, we’ll see. One way or another it sounds like the best we can hope for is some more big vet bills. sigh
I agree with the renal disease mentioned. Especially since he’s an older dog. This definately calls for further diagnostics though. If your vet recommends bloodwork, do it.
My grandmother’s dog had many of these same symptoms. He had liver problems.
Unfortunately, since we aren’t vets and can’t see the dog, and pooch can’t tell us exactly how he’s feeling, I’m afraid we’re all going to end up giving you really scary possibilities, and just add to your worry.
My grandmother’s dog had many of these same symptoms. He had liver problems.
Unfortunately, since we aren’t vets and can’t see the dog, and pooch can’t tell us exactly how he’s feeling, I’m afraid we’re all going to end up giving you really scary possibilities, and just add to your worry.
If it* is* liver problems, everything might be fine. The liver is one of the only organs which can fix itself if the irritant is removed. My dog had them, brought on by taking Rimadyl. Once she stopped taking it, her liver healed itself. All I had to pay for were a couple visits to the vet and some blood work.
As a lowly user I see two major differences. First, yours pertains to medical advice for a human, this one pertains to medical advice for a dog. Second, and more importantly, it is clear from the OP that the dog in question is already seeing a vet. In your case you’re asking for a diagnosis from SDMB instead of a doctor.