Water addiction?

[loulou]

Hi
We live in Holland and have a non-castrated Basset Hound, Lou Lou, 4 years old.

Since a short while, he is continuously trying to get water. Begging for it even after he just got half a pint. He will even get from the street, tiles in the patio, after it has rained.

The strange thing is that when he goes out, he urinates for at least 1,5- to 2 minutes straight on, which seems like twice as much he's got to drink.

Our vet ran all the tests and nothing seems wrong. He claims some dogs do get an addiction compared to 'alcoholism'. Sound strange to me, but OK.

Does any of you Basset Friends ever come across this and if so heard of any cure?

Anything useful is appreciated, as the worse is that Lou Lou who is a very happy dog, seems to be so thirsty all the time.

Thank you in advance.
Nelly & Erik

[Mom2Scully]

Hmmmm, that's interesting. I've never experienced anything like that with my hound, so don't really have a clue. You said they ran all the tests, so I'm assuming they tested for Cushing's disease too? I think that excissive drinking/urination are some of the many possible symptoms of Cushing's.

[Jenn]

I believe another symptom of excessive drinking is diabetes.

Is he urinating frequently? Basil recently had urine crystals in his bladder. He would appear to urinate for minutes on end, but in reality, he was just letting out little spurts. When he urinates, make sure it is a constant stream. Your vet probably already checked for this, so just a thought.

[loulou]

Hi, thank you for responding. We are not familiar with that disease, what are other symtoms?

[loulou]

Hi, thanks for response. Yes the vet ran a kidney test, but it is interesting that he does urinate with short intervals. The vet claims nothing wrong with him phisically.

[Jenn]

If you're not convinced that there's nothing wrong, take him for a 2nd opinion somewhere else. It will mean more money and more tests, but it's possible that another vet may know of something else to look for.

Cushings Disease is disease where the dog's body produces too many adrenal hormones. Here's a link to some information: www.kateconnick.com/library/cushingsdisease.html

Another website has the following symptoms listed, "Cushings Disease in dogs is generally characterized by increased appetite, drinking and urination, as well as massive shedding and heavy panting. While these are all symptoms of an aging, or perhaps diabetic dog, there are also specific traits to look out for. Cushings Disease dogs will have noticeable thinning of the skin, and an increased amount of skin infections. Furthermore, be aware of hard lumps under the skin, as this could be a sign." -- www.dogpro.com/cushings-disease-in-dogs.html