4/13/11

Some Concerns

If you follow us on Facebook, you probably noticed my update about how Tad has just about lost all of his hair. He is definitely just about hairless on his sides now. There's only a 1/2 heart left on his forhead, and his butt, thighs, and hips are pretty much naked. The mange will get worse before it gets better, and it definitely has. We're on the mend now, and he does have some peach fuzz coming back. So hopefully, all the bad hair is falling out to make room for luscious locks. 

We do, however, have a concern...and I've not spoken about it because we're not entirely sure what could be causing this. Tad pees...a lot...all the time. It's always clear and has no smell.

First thought? He's drinking a lot of water. Nope. He doesn't drink nearly as much as Walker or Chica, and I'd say he drinks a fair amount...but not excessive.

So, next up...kidney failure? We ran his bloodwork a week ago, and his kidney values were acceptable. The problem with kidney malfunction is that in order for it to show up on bloodwork, about 75% of the kidneys have to be dead. But, Tad's numbers aren't even high normal, they're middle range normal.

There are a few other more serious concerns, like diabetes and such, but we checked his urine tonight and there's no glucose in it (typical for diabetics) and really no infection like a UTI. However, he does have Oxalate Crystals, which these are a rare urinary crystal and a little harder to treat. They can be common/normal in some dogs, but when the urine is dilute it's more of a concern...well, Tad's urine is definitely dilute.

So, the next step? We're not doing a true water deprivation test as those can be dangerous, especially with Tad's condition, but I am pulling the water up right now. No one will get water all night, but after Tad pee's tomorrow morning, they can have water.

Why are we doing this? We want Tad to concentrate his urine...and first urine of the morning is the best urine for urinalysis. Let's hope that tomorrow morning, Tad's urine is concentrated...if not, we'll have to dig a bit deeper...

8 comments:

  1. Tiffany, when rebel was diagnosed with diabetes insipidus, he had a lot of the same symptoms. Urinating a lot, drinking excessively, dilute urine etc. If he does have that, I have the name of a great pharmacy that only charges 80 bucks vs 140.

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  2. Fingers, toes, and paws crossed for good results Tad <3

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  3. Hang in there buddy - our Chow went through the same thing. It took special food and it cleared up - after weeks of worry. We'll all keep our paws crossed.

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  4. I don't know exactly how this would or even if it does apply to dogs, but we have a male (neutered) cat that had a very serious issue when he was about 2-3 years old. So bad that his brilliant green eyes clouded over to almost white. He had a lot a struvite crystals in his bladder or kidney, (can't remember which exactly) but he almost died and was hospitalized for a few days. He's been on special prescription food ever since (he's almost 10 now) and the vet told me to feed him only distilled water. We always just gave our cats tap or spring water before. Well, we have four cats and that was difficult to set aside a special water dish just for him so they all drink distilled and we haven't had any issues since with any of them. Just a thought...good luck Tad! We're pulling for good pee!

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  5. Tiffany... what about Diabetes Insipidus? I'm sure this has left you guys scratching your heads. Keep us updated. I have seen so many dogs with this type of mange. It is scary having a rescue with so many problems to begin with. My dog Murphy was stolen from a junkyard. He was starved and had heart worms that almost killed him. He lived through that only to have epilepsy. I love him so much and he is so grateful. I will say a little prayer for Tad tonight. These babies can use all of the help they can get. .. Melissa

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  6. Cushings? Sorry.. just trying to think of something.

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  7. My coon hound has cushings. Excessive urination which is almost the color of water. He also is suffering from hypothyroidism at the same time. Not that I wish that on any dog, but just a thought. We are working to try to help my dog deal with both issues. Just a thought.

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  8. My foster dog Vador pees alot but he drinks alot . he has also had the crystals and bladder infections and is on science diet C/D and also cranberry tablets for dogs and he has not had a recurrence of infection or crystals in about a year now :) good luck wishes for you and Tad , hugs for all ! .

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