MAYBE A DIAGNOSIS FOR HAPPI?

I got the test results for Happi today.  Yesterday she went in to get her blood and urine tested. 

The doctor said her blood test was fine.  No cancer or other bad things.  That is the good news.

Her urine was very diluted.  She has had diluted urine before but this time it was very diluted.  Like almost water.  That means she is drinking so much it is going right through her.  Now the question is why? He said it could be one of three reasons:

• Leptospirosis which is a bacterial infection.  These bacteria can be found worldwide in soil and water.  A dog can get it from having any mucus membrane or a scrape or cut and coming in contact with urine-contaminated soil, water, food or bedding and other ways.  Signs of leptospirosis may include fever, shivering, muscle tenderness, reluctance to move, increased thirst, changes in the frequency or amount of urination, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes), or painful inflammation within the eyes.  Leptospirosis is generally treated with antibiotics and supportive care. 
• Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a rare disorder that affects water metabolism, preventing the body from conserving water and releasing too much of it.  This condition is characterized by increased urination, dilute urine (so-called insipid, or dull urine), and increased thirst and drinking. This disease is not related to diabetes mellitus (insulin diabetes).  Nephrogenic DI, meanwhile, can be caused by a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which functions to stimulate the capillary muscles and reduce the flow of urine, effectively conserving water for the body's various functions. The cause is found in the kidneys and their inability to respond appropriately to ADH, allowing too much water from the body to escape into the urine.  Diabetes insipidus is usually a permanent condition, except in rare patients for which the condition was trauma-induced. The prognosis is generally good, depending on the underlying disorder.
• Psychogenic polydipsia is behavioral.  The dog is drinking water out of boredom, stress, or just because the dog likes to drink water.  The treatment is walking the dog more often.

These are the three diagnosis we are working with.  Immediately the vet sent out for a Lepto blood test since the lab still had Happi's blood work.  That will take until next week to find out if she has this bacterial infection.  If she does, Lucky and I will have to be tested.   Meanwhile we just have to wait and see.

I do not think it is the last one but who knows. 

That is the story with Happi.

I took Lucky today to the vet because, frankly, that is my new home-away-from-home.  She needed her yearly check up and nails cut.  She passed her yearly check up with flying colors and was SO happy to get her nails cut.  I should have taken a photo of the smile on her face!  It is nice to have one dog that doesn't need any fluid tests this week.  Also, her teeth were not so bad that she needs a dental now.  Yay!

Until tomorrow...