Why is my senior dog constipated, gassy, and drinking excessive water?

Question

I have recently taken over a dog from a home that wasn’t taking good of her. She has not pooped in about 3 days. She drinks a lot of water and has really bad gas. Also she is very old, maybe 10 pit bull mix. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | unspayed | 75 lbs

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM · Accepted Answer

What concderns me most here is the drinking a lot of water which also causes urinating a lot more than usual in combination with her age. Urinating a lot more means that he is also drinking a lot more. This is called Polydipsia and polyuria or PU PD. There are various reasons for PU PD and they need to be investigated by a veterinarian, especially in an old dog. Blood work can rule out any of those. 1) diabetes---a urinalysis and blood test will be able to rule it in or out. Diabetes is usually treated with diet and insulin. 2) Cushing's disease: This is an overproduction of cortisone, either signaled by a pituitary tumor in the brain or by a malfunction or tumor of the adrenal glands. Medication can inhibit cortisone production. A potbelly and thinning or haircoat and excessive panting are common signs as well. 3) Kidney disease, treated with diet and supportive treatment 4)diabetes insipidus, usually tested with a water deprivation test and treated with a medication called Minirin. You will need to make an appointment with your vet for an exam and blood tests. I am sure your vet will find the cause of the PU PD.

Why is my senior dog constipated, gassy, and drinking excessive water?

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