diabetes insipidus

[daisymumbles]

My 7 year old black labrador is on the drug co-amilozide for the above condition. Does anyone know if there are any side effects to this drug in dogs? I only ask because about a week after she started taking it, she started parping alot. Sometimes every 10 mins or so. Needless to say this is going to be a big problem, as she will have to take this medication for the rest of her life. This has already been going on for 4 months.
Any help gratefully received.

[lankeela]

I have been having a look at the notes for this drug, and it is used in cases of fluid retention, as well as heart problems, and one of the side effects can be constipation, so I would chat with your vet about it and consider feeding a food that is easy to digest and passes through quickly, so there is no build up of food and therefore gas in the bowel. It means you will have to pick up sloppy poo, but should reduce the smell! Try her on one of the cheaper tinned foods, and maybe something oily like sardines once or twice a week to keep her system well oiled.

[lankeela]

Been asking on 'dog group' and suggestions include feeding tinned Chappie, and feeding little and often (which also helps with sugar levels), including a small meal late at night which means they are not hungry during the night, adding a teaspoon of natural live yoghurt after a meal, and increase gentle exercise which allows the body to expel the gas.

Will post any more suggestions when they arrive.

[daisymumbles]

Thank you Iankeela for your suggestions. Although she does seem to be passing number two's o.k, and fairly frequently. I will certainly try feeding her the tinned food as she may well be a bit dehydrated due to the tablets. (They concentrate her urine as she is unable to.)
Does anyone else out there have an animal with this disease as it appears to be quite rare? Even the vets had to look it up.

[lankeela]

Plenty of fluids will help, as the drug is a diuretic this will help flush the system.

Two people have commented that they are surprised that this drug was prescribed, as it is a diuretic, and is more usually given for heart problems.

[lankeela]

Just found this, which is very interesting. As I said before, plenty of water must be available.

http://www.provet.co.uk/health/diseases/diabet esinsipidus.htm

[daisymumbles]

This was not the original drug prescribed, but we were unable to locate any chemist or vet in our town that could provide us with chlorothiazide. Boots was the only one at �2000 a month!!!! The vets phoned a specialist who recommended co -amilozide, as it works in a similar way. (Something to do with body salts?)
Unfortunately she now has very little thirst, which is why your idea of giving her "wet" food may help.

Thanks for the web address. V helpful