AboutReverend S. Abbott Expertise I am the owner of 4AnimalCare.org, a rescue, rehab and behavior modification network with volunteers across the country ready to help contribute time, effort and knowledge for animal welfare.
We have re-homed dogs, countless cats and are growing our activities in exotic bird care.
I’d like to provide the answers to your questions and concerns about how to recognize animals in need, what you can do in your area and contribute to supporting you through the initial adjustment time after adopting a previously neglected animal.
If I don’t have the answers, I’ll do whatever I can to find someone who does!
Experience Endangered/Protected species caretaker working with state veterinarians more than 25 years.
Exotic bird care, macaws a specialty, working with breeders, researchers and veterinarians (ongoing)
Cats (40 years), rodents and marsupials
Publications United Media Syndicate (weekly column); United Press International/Associated Press (daily); Bird Talk Magazine; various others
Awards and Honors Listed in 3 Who's Who publications for outstanding accomplishment in field
Expert: Reverend S. Abbott Date: 1/11/2008 Subject: drinking too much water?
Question QUESTION: My boyfriend and I rescued our black lab mix, Hunter last June. He is 8 months old now and getting HUGE- which is fine, my boyfriend always wanted a big dog. I have 2 questions. We don't know what hes mixed with, mostly lab definitely, but I was wondering if you could tell me when most dogs stop growing? lol because hes kind of out growing our apartment and slams into walls and makes a lot of noise now. Hes actually not TOO big right now, probably about 40lbs, but I just wanted to know if you had any idea, or if you know of another expert I should ask. Another thing you should know about Hunter, him and his entire litter were found in the woods and were extremely underweight and malnourished. Hunter was in the worst shape with terrible mange and was also the runt. Anyway, ever since we got him, he hoards water like hes never going to have any ever again. When we take him to the dog park he will stand by the water bowls and drink continuously until we tell him to get away. We
saw this same behavior with food, but he has slowed down a lot with his eating. Will he continue to be a camel due to his early life in the woods? Or do you think it could be a more serious medical issue that is unrelated? Thanks so much, I hope you can help. Please let me know if these questions are outside your expertise so I can ask someone else. Thanks so much for your time!
ANSWER: The symptoms you describe are often associated with Cushing's Disease and/or Diabetes; however, your dog is very young and it would be uncommon. Still, it's not impossible, so I'd have him checked for these problems just in case.
There is also the possibility of intestinal parasite, which is more likely. Roundworm in a dog with this history and at this age is relatively common. I strongly advise against home treatments or over the counter meds for parasites without definite diagnosis because the meds don't treat all of them, or all stages of them.
By the time you're done trying all the OTC products, the dog may be worse and you'll have spent more than what it costs to just have it done at the vet to begin with.
QUESTION: Oh my gosh, I had no idea it could be this serious! He has been to the vet several times and is UTD on all his shots. Wouldn't the vet have found this already if it was a big problem? Thank you so much for your answer, I plan on getting him to the vet asap.
Answer We would hope that our vets would pay enough attention to notice things like this, but until you mention it specifically, they can very well miss it.
Bloodwork usually involves a CBC (complete blood count) and little else. To determine whether or not there is any disease, especially something like thyroid disorders, diabetes and Cushings.
Again, at this age chances are low for these conditions, but the symptoms are consistent enough to warrant evaluation.
Roundworm or whipworm are more likely and unless the vet did a fecal float, bloodwork wouldn't show it. In fact, with some internal parasites, they don't consistently shed, so there may be numerous false negatives. Often a vet will just treat for them and if symptoms abate, they know that was the problem and all's well.
Don't be worried about these conditions - they are ALL treatable.
