15 y/o Shih Tzu - Treatment suggestions?

[Debbie Houchins]

Hi, my name is Debbie and my 15yr old Shih Tzu has cushings. She is urinating all over the house. I have new carpet and can't stop her. I have tried to slow down her drinking but she just barks till she gets it. We try and take her out ev 1/2 hr but nothing seems to work. I hate to put her down. She will be 16 in sept. She is somewhat blind and her hearing is like a husband, selective. She is not on any meds. Any suggestions? Thanks:(

[labblab]

Hello and welcome to you and your dog! I noticed you had posted this reply on another member's thread, and I have taken the liberty of moving it so as to create a new thread of your very own. This way, it will be much easier for our members to respond to you directly.

Can you tell us more about your dog's medical history and diagnostic testing for Cushing's? Does she exhibit other symptoms besides excessive thirst and urination? The more detail you can give us about her history and testing, the easier it will be for us to offer our thoughts and suggestions.

Thanks so much in advance for any additional information,
Marianne

[frijole]

Just wanted to add that while first instinct is to withold water - you can't do that as their bodies require water because they are urinating. They aren't urinating due to the water... its the cushings.

It isn't a death sentence but since you have new carpet you might consider diapers or confining her to a non carpeted room as you sort thru everything.

Only with meds (assuming it is cushings) will this go away.

Since she is blind and urinating - have you ruled out diabetes? Kim

[molly muffin]

Hi Debbie. If you haven't had any testing done for cushings, then it would probably be a good idea to get that done, so you can start a treatment that will slow down the urinating issues.

And Welcome. :)

[mytil]

It also could be an urinary tract infection that is exasperating this - have your vet check this out.

Terry