Drinking a lot of water?

[CiaraPatricia]

Hi guys, should I be worried that Meeko is drinking a lot of water, or should that be expected for a sheltie in warm weather?

He drinks a lot more than the others, though he is bigger, he's always over at the water bottle, and the three boys run out of water much sooner than the girls.

I think he is middle aged or older, but I don't know and don't know his medical history, because he was a rescue.

They get lots of fresh grass and greens and other veggies and have shade from the sun. He eats a normal amount.

Other than diabetes, what else would cause excessive drinking? And does this sound like a cause for concern, when otherwise he seems healthy. He's looking healthier all the time since I got him, though he is not fat, not really skinny, but I'm hoping he might gain a little weight.

 

[katiepops]

He might just be thirsty because it's so warm (well it is here) it can sometimes be sign of a bladder infection starting so keep your eye on him for any discomfort when weeing or change of colour in his pee.
Fingers crossed he's just got a thirst on but a trip to the vets and some antibiotics if it is an infection should soon sort him out.

 

[threelittlepiggies]

We had a gp which did this (was eating and behaving normall otherwise) and she was well into middle age. Our clueless vet gave her a multivitamin jab and she was sorted! I really wasn't expecting any change, never mind for the better. Maybe he wasn't so clueless after all?

 

[CiaraPatricia]

Thanks

This might sound a bit stupid but what colour would the urine change, would there be blood in it?

I know with rabbits that it's normal for them to have discoloured urine sometimes (orange-red) but if I see any urine like that with the guinea pigs, should I assume it's a bladder infection?

I'm hoping it's nothing, but will keep a close eye on him I love him already so would hate for him to get sick.

 

[Joey&Gizmo]

Have a look at this website and scroll down to urine and water consumption.

http://www.guinealynx.info/normal.html

 

[katiepops]

Thanks

This might sound a bit stupid but what colour would the urine change, would there be blood in it?

I know with rabbits that it's normal for them to have discoloured urine sometimes (orange-red) but if I see any urine like that with the guinea pigs, should I assume it's a bladder infection?

I'm hoping it's nothing, but will keep a close eye on him I love him already so would hate for him to get sick.

It would look pink or red in colour which could indicate blood in the urine. I've just been through this with Stripes he was drinking a lot and wet all the time then his pee turned pink. The vet said even though it was pink the urine test came back negative for blood. He had 0.5ml twice a day of Septrin (Paediatric Suspension) and an injection of Metacam to help with the pain.
It sorted him out really quickly and he's back to his normal self although we're obviously finishing the course of antibiotics off. (it's banana flavour so he quite likes it which helps!)

You'll be able to tell if he's got an infection, in my experience they let you know! Stripes squeeked a lot when peeing and pooing for the first couple of days.
Don't worry too much at the moment just keep an eye on him and pop to the vets if there's any change.