Hi All

My friend has a Staffie bitch who we think is about 8 years old (rescue). Over the last few days she has started drinking an awful lot and weeing too, sometimes in the house. She has even woken my friend a few times in the night to go out. She seems perfectly happy in herself but we are a little worried. Obviously a vets visit is in order but I thought I would check with you guys first to see if you had any thoughts on the subject.

Firstly, could she have a water infection and if so would she visibly be in pain? Would it be wise to give her something like cranberry juice and if so do you give this neat or diluted and how much should she have in a day and over what period before we could expect some improvement? Sorry, lots of questions there!

I'm sure there could be a million and one reasons for this but if its not a water infection do you have any thoughts about what it could be and what the prognosis could be? Sorry, I know thats probably a vets question but I would like to be prepared to support my friend who is on her own (except for the dogs) and I also have a niggling feeling that it could be something quite serious - dont know why, just one of those feelings - and your experiences would be gratefully received.

Many thanks in advance.
Caroline

If she isn't spayed it could be a pyrometra & she really should be at the vets asap

Thanks Moonmaiden and sorry I should have said she is spayed.

Then it does sound like a water/bladder infection & the vet might need a sample taking Might be an idea to collect a sample just incase

Thanks, I have already prewarned her that she may need to do this. Any tips on the best way to get a sample?

push a saucer or bowl of some kind under her when she stoops
a ladle
a syringe

Clean margarine tub under her when she squats, get the sample first thing in the morning and take it in fresh :)

I found it easier to attach a broom handle to a clean margarine tub - that way you don't have to get too close and they're less likely to keep moving away :)

True - I have boys :D

She may have developed diabetes, so yes definitely take a fresh sample to the vets with you--easy to do an initial dip stick test for glucose. Good luck!

Tin foil.  Make a bowl/dish from it and afterwards you can pinch the edges to form a pourer to 'decant' the urine into a sterilized bottle.

I've used my stainless steel soup ladle.  You can sterilize it before and after and the long handle means I don't make my girl wonder what the heck I'm trying to do under there.  :)  Amazing how much normal urine looks like chicken broth.  :(

Thats my tin of chicken broth going in the bin!!