Why is my 12-year-old dog drinking a lot, losing hair, and has black skin?

Question

Our border terrier has been urinating and drinking around 1400ml of water a day. His hair on the backs of his back legs have come off and the skin has gone black. Also a patch of black hair in the middle of his tail has gone and is now black skin. He is eating good, playing about alot, his character hasn't changed. He's been like it about 3 months with the urinating/drinking. He is 12 years old. What could it be please? Thank you. Pet's info: Dog | Border Terrier | Male | unneutered | 11 years and 7 months old | 23 lbs

Lauren Jones VMD · Accepted Answer

I'm glad to hear that Charlie is still playful and eating well despite these changes. With his excessive drinking and urination, hair loss, and skin discoloration, my main concern is that he may have Cushing's disease, which is an endocrine disease in which the adrenal glands produce excess quantities of steroids. Other possible causes of his increased drinking and urination could be related to diabetes, kidney disease, urinary tract infection, among other issues. At this point, I strongly recommend taking Charlie to his vet for an exam and blood testing to try to get to the bottom of this issue so that treatment can be started. I hope this helps and that all goes well!

Why is my 12-year-old dog drinking a lot, losing hair, and has black skin?

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