Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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After reading about Calvert today and his diagnosis of Juvenile Renal Disease I went to Dr. Google and started researching this issue. For a while now Lucian drinks excessive amounts of water to the point that we have to take the bowl away or he gorges himself. It seems like he's constantly thirsty. When he drinks like this we're running him outside to pee every 20-30 minutes and there's times where he'll have an accident in the house.
I thought at first maybe he feels like he needs to gorge because we don't leave water in the crate with him while we're at work. He gets a drink when one of us comes home at noon to let him out for a potty break and then in the evening I'm constantly putting small amounts of water in his bowl because he keeps drinking it dry. So I would put a larger amount in the bowl to see if he would just drink a little but he goes through that as well.
After looking up the topic and seeing that this disorder typically affects certain breeds (one being Dobermans) and that the first symptoms are "excessive thirst and urination" my heart dropped and I actually started crying. I'm so afraid that something is going to happen with Lucian's health and then we'll start heading down a similar road that we went through with Leland. I don't want to be one of those parents that's always expecting the worst with Lucian's health and I don't want to be a needless worrier. I don't know how to get this part of me under control and I HATE it.
I guess when hubby gets home tonight we'll talk about this and make a decision on whether to take Lucian to the vet (again) and see if they can check his kidney functions.
Sahana and her Angel Leland
November 17, 2009 - June 30, 2014
May you finally be healthy and running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again my sweet boy!
Awww Sweet Sahana. I REALLY think the worrying is just a residua! side effect of that stupid piece of crap disease!!! We are ALL prone to it!!!
It seems that puppies drink massive amounts of water anyway!!! I think big dogs are especially prone to it....guess it's to keep up with their growth spurts!! Nd frewuent peeing, yep, all part of puppyhood too! I think either Michelle's Jazz or Snickers drinks a whole lot too and pees a lot. Big dogs!
I'm not gonna tell you not to worry because it's what we all do so well. I guess I'll phrase it this way...I really don't think you have anything to worry about!!
And no more google schmoogle today, okay???
We're here kiddo!!
Love!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Oh ... I know how you feel!!!! Jasper isn't an excessive drinker but I live in FEAR that she is going to break her leg. I think you have seen me write about that here before - that at the dog park, I almost have to look away when she gets going and if she gets bark in her paw and limps, oh do I freak out!!!
I think it's normal to have those fears when we've been caregivers for our pets. I don't know anything about dobies or what they are or are not prone too but like Sally said, try and worry a bit less! If you go to the vet for peace of mind, hopefully that will give you comfort!
I can remember when I freaked out because Shelby's belly was purple (about 2 months into her chemo). I figured it was FULL of blood and she way dying so I rushed her to the ER only to have them come out and tell me that her pigment had changed and to stop w/Dr. Google! Thankfully - they didn't charge us for that visit! But oh boy ... did I have ever an over-active mind with those things!
I really wish I could also stop those thoughts but I hope with due time ... things will simmer in our minds!
We're here for you! hugs and love!
Alison with the Spirit of Shelby fur-ever in her heart (and little Jasper too)
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Good luck Sahana, the worry sounds terrible. I hope Lucian will be okay - it sounds like he has a very attentive and caring human looking out for him. I can relate to the feelings of almost chronic, crippling dog-worry, and I really feel for you! Good luck! I hope Lucian is all okay, and you find some time to be able to just enjoy his company without the worry 
Bec
Sahana- You are usually so calm. Yes we ALL worry about the what if's. Lucian is a normal goofy pup. My Toby 1 year on the 7th( Whoo Hoo something dog to celebrate) drinks just like that. I have tried big bowls, small bowls he still pretty much drinks the bowl dry every time I put it down. And yes he does have occasional accidents. He forgets to pee when he is outside getting in to mischief. By all means get him checked out if it makes you feel better. BTW stop googling medical conditions.
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