Senior Shelties

[DTurpen]

Our 14+ year old sheltie has been losing weight even though she's eating the same type and amount of food for past 9 years. Had her to vet and there doesn't seem to be any obvious problems. No anemia, jaundice, fever, etc. She also has started drinking an abundance of water. She has been on thyroid medication for about 8 years and had been doing very well with that. Does anyone have any suggestions on what might be going on. We lost one sheltie (13 yrs 7 mos) to liver disease 18 months ago and none of these symptoms showed with her. Don't want this old girl to go through the same end of life scenario.

[ClantyreSheltie]

Kidney, kidney, kidney.

Weight loss and increased water intake scream kidney compromise to me. Have you run bloodwork?

[Ann]

I agree, sounds like a kidney issue to me too. You'd need to treat with a special diet and perhaps some meds, I'm not sure what the vet would do. Bloodwork is a must.

[Justme]

Cushing's also causes excessive drinking. (In my boy's case, it wasn't accompanied by weight loss.)

[dawns2shelties]

I agree it sounds like the Kidneys to me.

[AshleighJoy]

Angel my dog, has always drank alot of water, and panted. But your's just started doing it so there has to be a reason. If your vet doesnt know i would get her looked at again by another. Weaight loss im not sure about. Usally when they get older dont they gain weight beacuse adult food has more fatty stuffs in it? Senior deits are more leaner i think? I dont know, but I hope you find out what is wrong! I am taking my Angel to a holistic lady today to see if she can help Angel with her liver fuction and prevent the cancer from happening. Maybe Looking into a Holistic vet is the path for you?

[Bluedog50]

I hope you still have your beloved Sheltie. Have you had your dog tested for diabetes? This could explain the increased thirst.