Any ideas on this health problem? - Page 2

 Did the vet at least do a urinalysis or at least, a specific gravity?  That will tell alot!  These symptoms are consistent with DI, as stated above, but it has nothing to do with the parathyroids.  This s a pituitary issue.  Anti-diuretic hormone is produced in the pituitary gland.  Could be a tumor there causing DI.  I have seen this in human medicine...it requires surgery to remove, but is usually benign.   SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Anti-diuretic Hormone) is also something to consider.  If you live anywhere close to a good vet school, like Cornell or Michigan State...that is where I would be headed.

Hope this helps,
Connie

Constance Krebs, RN
Spartanville Shepherds
www.spartanville.com

 Do a Complete blood test and urine analysis ..urinating and drinking more could be different problems but lots of them you can see on a regular blood analysis..( renal failure-diabetes-or a kidney infection-could be just a urinary infection too).  Ask for Thyroid test (TSH-T4) If ALT is eleveted..start thinking of cushing Syndrome.

If she wasn't like that before..you have to suspect somethiing is wrong there..Good Luck

The owner of this dog is in South America.

Unfortunately, a poster above is incorrect. Parathyroid tumors can and do present like this in a condition called primary hyperparathyroidism. The treatment is surgical removal of the culprit gland. What seems likely is that the dog is demonstrating an inability to concentrate her urine. There are several other possibilities, some of which have already been checked. Sometimes other signs normally seen with this condition are not observed early on. The condition is seen in GSDs especially. It is not impossible it is something to do with the pituitary, but tumors there in canines are not very common.

Oso, if you want to know how it hyperparathyroidism is tested for and treated, email me privately. Of course, look at the easiest things first.

Good luck.

<<...SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Anti-diuretic Hormone) is also something to consider.  If you live anywhere close to a good vet school, like Cornell or Michigan State...that is where I would be headed.

Hope this helps,
Connie

Constance Krebs, RN
Spartanville Shepherds
www.spartanville.com>>


Actually in SIADH there is decreased urine output.  I would lean more towards DI then SIADH.  

Laurie

Thank you all. Yes, as Hodie has pointed out I am in South America so specialst tests and treatment are very difficult here. However, I will be at the vets again on Wednesday and will mention all this, particularly the parathyroid issue. If this continues to look likely I will e-mail you, Hodie. Many thanks.