Young Heeler With Heavy Thirst, Weight Gain and Abnormal Electrolytes
Reader Question
I have a 2 yr old male blue heeler(Australian cattle dog), he drinks excessive amounts of water. He has done this since he was 4-5 months old. He's gaining weight at an alarming rate. He's 97 lbs at last weighing. He vomits daily,which makes me wonder why the excessive weight gain. Always hungry, steals food.Constant shedding which isn't normal for the breed. Extremely fearful to the point that we finally tried to have him sedated to get a vet exam and bloodwork (the max amount of meds couldn't get him to sleep.)so they finally restrained him to get bloodwork. His blood counts and thyroid tests came back normal the only counts that were off were a slightly elevated cholesterol and his sodium to potassium levels were off. But the vet doubts that with the weight problem that he has addisons and doesn't feel that they can get more bloodwork done very easily since he fights so. Is there anything I can do without a good diagnosis? I have tried multiple vets and training by making lots of vet visits just for treats and to sit in the rooms and he still won't let anyone examine him. I'm worried and don't know what to do.
Answer from Our Team
Abnormal sodium and potassium can point to Addison's, but weight gain and a big appetite are unusual with it; daily vomiting and heavy thirst have many possible causes. Gut disease, including whipworm infection, can also cause abnormal sodium and potassium. A resting cortisol blood test is a simple screen that can rule Addison's out.
For a dog this fearful, ask your vet about sedation given at home before the visit, or a referral to a veterinary behaviorist or a clinic with fear-free handling. Daily vomiting needs further investigation soon.
See Addison's disease in dogs.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
