Love your pet ... love your vet - March 2012
Drinking like a fish?
An increased thirst is commonly seen in older pets and whilst warm weather may be a factor, it is an important symptom that should not be ignored as it may be a sign of a serious underlying disease. Pets may appear relatively normal or show a variety of other symptoms.
In cats, it can be particularly noticeable, since most cats spend years showing no interest in water and then suddenly you are regularly re-filling their water bowl.
Increased drinking may point to a number of problems including: kidney or liver disease, diabetes mellitus, cushings disease in dogs and hyperthyroidism in cats (to name just a few!). Additionally, older unsprayed female pets are predisposed to pyometra – a life threatening uterine infection that commonly has increased thirst as one of its presenting signs.
If you think your pet is drinking more than normal, you should make an appointment with your vet for a check-up. As well as giving your pet a thorough clinical examination, urine and blood tests are usually helpful in making a diagnosis. Once the problem is identified, treatment tailored to the specific condition can be put speedily into place.
The good news is that although old age cannot be cured, vets can treat many of the conditions above which will help ease the symptoms and prevent or slow the progress of the disease.
Keith Moore BVSc MRCVS is a Veterinary Surgeon at Hillside Veterinary Centre in Corfe Mullen. For more information visit www.hillsidevets.co.uk. Follow us on Facebook.
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