Excessive Drinking? (non-emergency)

[Liane]

I've just got back from an emergency vet visit with Elma, who now has 0.6ml septrin twice a day for an upper respiratory infection. While there, Elma did rather a lot of wee. Both myself and the vet thought this was rather a lot, as she'd already peed on me in the waiting room, then done two large wees while in the consultation. The Vet quickly tested the concentration and found that it is very dilute, which is good as it means her kidneys are working well! She asked if Elma had been drinking more, and while I haven't noticed it long term, I did notice this morning, and then when I got back from work, she was have a pretty good go at the water bottle. It is difficult to tell sometimes whether they are actually having a drink, or doing it to get my attention!

What could cause increased drinking? The vet suggested maybe she has a sore throat, or a build up of mucus that she's trying to clear by drinking, but to keep an eye on it and we can investigate if it continues after her respiratory problems have eased.

 

[helen105281]

I am not too sure to be honest, hopefully someone will be along who knows. I know some of mine actually play with the bottle. I think kidney issues and diabetes have excessive drinking as one of the symptoms though.

 

[GPTV]

I've had a few guineas who have hardly drank anything &others who constantly would drink. My old girl Ellie always seemed to drink quite a bit but in her last 3-4 months it was every half hour or so &big swigs too! The vet thought she was diabetic but she was 8yrs old &had a few other health issues. I also had turbo &Libby (5yrs plus)who had kidney failure. Those 3 all drank about half to two thirds of their bottle a day.

Does she have lots of dry food? I find when mine have been indoors for a few days they have more hay&pellets so they drink more as they're not getting the water from the grass. I usually wash all my veggies to keep them hydrated.

Is she indoors or in a warm /heated room?
Apparently economy seven heating dries out a house, if u have this type of heating it may make a difference to her drinking habits- getting a dry tickley throat etc?

Try not to give them sweet, sugary, honey covered foods as this will make them want to drink more too.

Not sure but a few ideas to consider

Actually just a thought.... Ive never used Septrin but is that the sweet banana flavoured medication?
That could make her want to drink more whilst she's on that for her respiratory issues.
If it was me I dont think I would be too concerned at the moment in the short term. At least she's hydrated &see how she is when she's off her other meds &back to her normal self.
But get it checked if she's not back to normal in a few weeks.

Speedy recovery Elma. Xx