Lack of appetite (known as anorexia) and increased water consumption (known as polydipsia) are two clinical signs that may appear associated with various canine pathologies. Generally, these symptoms tend to appear in combination with other clinical manifestations, which are usually very helpful in guiding the diagnosis of the underlying disease.
If you want to know what happens when my dog doesn't eat and drinks a lot of water, we recommend that you read the following article on our site at we will describe the main pathological causes that can cause this condition in dogs.
Chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the most common kidney disease in dogs, in fact, it is the third leading cause of death in geriatric dogs. This disease is characterized by the appearance of a kidney injury that leads to progressive, permanent and irreversible loss of kidney function
This kidney dysfunction causes:
- Toxic substances accumulate in the blood: we are talking about uremia, which causes anorexia, among other clinical signs.
- As a compensatory mechanism, the surviving nephrons (functional unit of the kidney) increase their filtration, which means an increase in urine production. To avoid dehydration, dogs attempt to compensate for increased urine production by consuming a greater volume of water
In addition to anorexia and polydipsia, CKD can present with a wide variety of other clinical signs:
- Depression.
- Weightloss.
- Vomiting and diarrhea.
- Dehydration.
- Encephalopathy.
- Uremic stomatitis.
- Bleeding diathesis.
- Anemia.
- Blindness.
- Bone alterations.
Unfortunately, there is no curative treatment, so the management of the disease is based solely on the administration of symptomatic and nephroprotective treatmentUsually used ACEI vasodilator drugs and a renal diet (low in protein, sodium and potassium, and rich in omega 3 fatty acids, soluble fiber and antioxidants).
Don't hesitate to take a look at the following article on our site about Kidney Problems in Dogs, Diseases, Causes and Symptoms here.
Addison's syndrome or hypoadrenocorticism
Addison's Syndrome is an endocrine pathology characterized by the existence of a deficit of hormones produced by the adrenal cortex, mainly cortisol and aldosterone.
In these animals it is common to find loss of appetite that evolves into complete anorexia, and increased water consumption (polydipsia). In addition, it is common to observe other symptoms, such as:
- Increased urine volume (polyuria).
- Weakness, depression and weight loss.
- Vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
- Hypothermia.
- Tremors and seizures.
- Blindness.
The management of this disease requires a lifelong treatment based on glucocorticoids (hydrocortisone or prednisone) and mineralocorticoids (fludrocortisone or privalate of deoxycorticosterone). However, it should be noted that although there is no specific therapy for Addison's Syndrome, the prognosis of these patients is excellentif the described treatment is fulfilled.
Liver diseases
Generally, the first signs seen in dogs with liver disease are nonspecific signs, including anorexia and polydipsia, in addition to others such as depression, polyuria, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, etc.
After an initial phase of non-specific symptoms, signs suggestive of liver disease usually appear, such as:
- Jaundice: yellowish discoloration of the mucous membranes.
- Ascites: accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.
- Neurological signs of hepatic encephalopathy.
- Bleeding tendency.
- Urinary calculi.
The treatment of liver diseases in dogs varies depending on the specific pathology, and can be treated medically and/or surgically. In addition, hepatoprotectors and antioxidants are usually administered, such as ursodeoxycholic acid, vitamin E or silymarin.
Don't hesitate to learn about other liver problems in dogs, their causes and symptoms in the following article that we recommend.
Hypercalcemia
Hypercalcaemia (increased calcium levels in the blood) can occur in association with a wide variety of pathologies, including:
- Tumors: they are the main cause of hypercalcaemia in dogs, the most typical being lymphosarcoma, adenocarcinoma of the anal sacs and others. carcinomas. Take a look at the following article on Tumors in dogs: types, symptoms and treatment.
- Primary hyperparathyroidism: produced by a direct involvement of the parathyroid gland.
- Renal hyperparathyroidism: appears in dogs with Chronic Kidney Disease.
- Nutritional hyperparathyroidism: as a consequence of diets very rich in meat (especially raw meat) that are high in phosphorus and low in calcium and vitamin D3. It is becoming more frequent, due to BARF diets.
- Poisoning: due to accidental ingestion of rodenticides or some drugs.
Hypercalcaemia, in addition to anorexia and polydipsia, can produce signs such as:
- Polyuria: increased volume of urine.
- Weakness and lethargy.
- Vomiting.
- Constipation.
- Arrhythmias.
- Seizures.
- Muscle tremors.
Since there is no single effective protocol for all causes of hypercalcaemia, it is necessary to identify the underlying cause and institute therapy specified in front of it, whenever possible. If there is no specific treatment, supportive therapy with fluid therapy, corticosteroids, diuretics, and bisphosphonates should be instituted to increase urinary calcium excretion and prevent calcium reabsorption in the bones.
Hypokalemia or hypokalemia
Hypokalaemia is the decreased level of potassium in the blood. In dogs, it usually occurs as a result of:
- Renal potassium loss: in chronic kidney disease, tubular acidosis, etc.
- Gastrointestinal loss: as a result of profuse vomiting and/or diarrhea, because the gastrointestinal content is rich in potassium.
Dogs with hypokalemia often show loss of appetite and increased water consumption. In addition, it is common to observe in them:
- Polyuria: increased volume of urine.
- Generalized muscle weakness.
- Lethargy and confusion.
- Tachycardia.
Hypokalaemia treatment should focus on:
- Correct the underlying disease that causes it.
- Replenish calcium levels: either orally or parenterally through fluid therapy.
Pyometra
Another cause of anorexia and polydipsia in female dogs is pyometra, which is the most common uterine pathology in female dogs that have reached sexual maturity Specifically, pyometra is a purulent infection of the uterus that occurs when progesterone levels are high, it is say, in the weeks following the heat.
In addition to the symptoms already mentioned, bitches with pyometra usually present:
- Bloody or purulent vaginal discharge: However, vaginal discharge will be seen in open pyometras (those in which the cervix remains open), but not in closed pyometres.
- Fever.
- Lethargy and depression.
- Polyuria: increased volume of urine.
- Vomiting and diarrhea.
- Abdominal dilation.
In severe cases or in the absence of veterinary treatment, serious complications may occur such as septicemia, toxemia, peritonitis and kidney failure, which can have fatal consequences. Therefore, as soon as the infection is diagnosed, it is essential to establish a treatment, which will be medical or surgical depending on the severity of the process.
Do not hesitate to consult the following article on canine Pyometra: causes, symptoms and treatment for more information on the subject.
