excessive need for water

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K8YS

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my Shadow is 6, he is a very active guy.

My concern, and the vet doesn't seem to mind, is that Shadow is always thursty. If he were human, I would suspect diabeties, but the vet says he is OK. He also has bad muscle cramps form - I would assume - dehydration, but the vet says he is OK.

We went camping this past week (motorhome! I have not slept on the ground since I was 12), and we took up the water bowl at night. Shadow would signal that he wanted to go out, and since the campground was favorable, and I never kept him on a leash, I would just let him out the door. That was until I discovered that he would find the air conditioner run-off - so humid that water constantly dripped off the roof and formed a puddle. Shadow found the puddle and would drink the water.

He has had these muscle cramps in the past. His whole body tightens up, and it scares him. I will hold him until it passes.

Has anyone else had this problem?

My vet seems to think he is OK, but he sure gets scared when this happens to him, plus he drinks a lot of water, much more than the other dogs.
 
The muscle cramping is something that would worry me, and I'd want to explore further. One of mine likes to drink alot, but has no other issues so we know it's just him. I know your vet says Shadow is OK, but what tests has he done on him? I would consider a consult with a different vet just to be sure there's nothing you can do to ease the cramping, which is not normal. It isn't necessary to change vets if you like the one you have...most vets will do a "consult" for you for another opinion.
 
I agree with Ann

What tests has the vet done on, Shadow ?? The episodes of muscle cramping certainly the way they are frigtening him isn't normal. Time for a second oppinion for re-assurance. It may be diabetes. The excess thirst could be a symptom. I must look up muscle cramping to see. Please keep us informed and best of luck .:yes:
 
his whole body spasms. His forelegs fold up, he arches his back. If it happens while walking, he will try to run to me, if it happens while in his bed, he tries to get up, and cannot.

My wife says they are "grandma seizures".

These usually happens if he is extremely active, lots of running. We try to limit his running along the fence with the labs nextdoor. He also loves to chase rabbits, so we cannot say anything that remotely sounds like RABBIT around him or he darts out the doggie door.

He goes for months without issue, then all of a sudden, they hit.

The vet is at a loss. The vets wants me to bring Shadow to them when it happens, but the event is over before I can get there.
 
K8YS said:
The vet is at a loss. The vets wants me to bring Shadow to them when it happens, but the event is over before I can get there.
Click to expand...

I imagine the vet wants to see him straight after the event to take bloods. He could have a salt or electrolyte imbalance that occurs irregularly but the vet will need to do the bloods around the time of the event (pref within 24 hours). So I would still take him along even if he is not spasming.

My male drinks a huge amount too but he also loves marking everything when we are out so I dont worry about it.

PS - if he is cramping it is better to give him gentle stretches or even get him up to move around as he needs to get the circulation around the muscles again.
 
wow. This sounds like he is having a seizure with the stiff leg and arching. My marcus would drink excessively and then seize. I would want a second opinion if this continues to happen
 
Here's an idea if it's possible, keep a video camera handy and when it happens, try to video tape the cramping to show the vet. Take him to the vet immediately afterward like the vet suggested and show him the video recording.

I know this will only work if you have video camera but I figured it was worth suggesting just in case.
 
Sheltiemom is right. From your recent description it could very well be "grand mal seizures" and something a vet needs to treat. I can't believe your current vet didn't mention this from your description. One of mine has canine epilepsy but only has minor seizures. They are also sporadic and come on suddenly. It is always after exercise as well. I would get your pup to a different vet for a second opinion as soon as you can. There are meds and treatments you can give your boy to help him but it can certainly get worse without treatment.
 
I agree with the others. It would be worth getting another opinion. If you really feel something is seriously wrong follow your gut instinct. I have done this in the past and I was right. My regular vet was telling me my dog was fine and he was not. The diagnosis was Cushings disease. I was so glad I went for the second opinion.
 
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