Dog Community

diabetes?

Posted : 12/9/2007 4:56:28 PM

My mom has a 5 year old spayed female jack russell (Roxanne). She's very worried about roxanne because she's been acting weird lately. She said she just doesn't feel good. She has also been drinking water EXCESSIVELY. She has never been like that before. She also has done a few weird things like hike her leg on the coffee table and she peed in her water bowel. Roxanne will be going to the vet tomorrow, but in the meantime...does anyone think this sounds like diabetes?

ottoluv

Posted : 12/9/2007 5:47:45 PM

could be, could be a variety of things really. could be UTI, cushings, honestly many endocrine disorders. Probably best to get a UA and a basic metabolic panel. You can look at the electrolytes to decide what further labs to order. I'm not a fan of the shotgun approach ;) Too expensive and I like thinking my way through the diagnosis.

calliecritturs

Posted : 12/9/2007 6:04:01 PM

Exactly -- dogs *can* get diabetes but it's not commonplace and usually there is a 'cause' (like long-term pred use).

But the place to start IS a urine specimen -- and depending on her relationship with the vet, either catch a sample and take it in immediately (put it on ice but don't freeze, but don't let it lay around at all - get it in there if at all possible). But don't let her dawdle in the parking lot -- have her walk right straight in so IF they think they need a sterile sample they still may be able to catheterize her (or whatever) if the strip test they'll probably do shows something truly funky.

Ottoluv is right -- let them work thru a diagnosis -- just try to leave options open. The little strip test (they just dip the strip in the urine) tells the beginning of the tale, and from there then the vet will determine if it's needful to do more testing.

any time a dog changes it's habits -- drinking a ton, inappropriate peeing as an adult that's a weird change in habit -- TO THE VET.

RidgebackGermansShep

Posted : 12/11/2007 1:38:25 PM

well roxanne had her glucose check, and a liver and kidney panel. Everything was fine. The vet said it might be a UTI so gave her some antibiotics.

GraniasBard

Posted : 12/11/2007 4:42:58 PM

Sounds familiar! Emma never peed in her water bowl, but she did start drinking a ton and having accidents in the house. The current diagnosis is a possible UTI. What kind of antibiotics is Roxanne on?