Worried

My 13 yr old terrier mix has been drinking a lot of water for the last month or two and she can hardly hold her bladder. She still eats normaly. Is there a reason why she is drinking so much? And why can't she hold her bladder anymore? She doesn't seem to be in pain. Is this the start of the end for my baby?

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

There are several common causes for the problem that you describe in your dog and these include: diabetes, Cushing Syndrome, urinary tract infection with or without bladder stones, and kidney disease.  She could also just be hot and drinking more from hot weather.

It really would be best if you brought your dog and a fresh urine sample to the vet for a urinalysis and for another urine test called a cortisol creatinine ratio.  The urinalysis will determine is she has a urinary tract infection or diabetes.  The cortisol creatinine ratio test is a screening test for Cushing Syndrome.  Blood tests are necessary to confirm diabetes and Cushing Syndrome or to determine if your dog has kidney disease.  

All of these disease are treatable so please don't hesitate to take your dog to the vet soon.