14 yr old dog, old age or other?

[ElleyBear13]

Hello mumsnetters,

I am hoping for advice/ help. :) We have a 14-going-on-15 (possibly older) crossbreed neutered bitch (staffy size) called Lulu, she's a lovely, lovely dog who I've had since I was 12 years old.

Background history: She's suffered from separation anxiety when I went to uni at 18 and was given anti-anxiety medication for this, I moved closer to home for her and since then kept up seeing her 3-4 days a week. This seemed to mark a steady decrease in her health and has several non cancerous tumours on her body, shes also partially deaf and has cataracts on her eyes. I've noticed she's been losing weight but the last vet visit (last month) put this down to old age- otherwise shes got a shiny coat and still enjoys walks some people can't believe shes over 10.

Two weeks ago we moved into a property (rented) which finally allowed us to have pets and take on my family dog (parents are going through a divorce and neither want the family dog). We introduced her slowly into the house - bringing her over every day since we got the keys, longer and longer each time. We've taken advice from the internet and scented the walls/floors with her dog blanket five days ago she moved in officially.

However since then I've noticed shes been drinking alot of water, I'm filling up her water bowl 6-8 times a day. Alongside this Lulu's peeing inside, she'll be sat next to me with the backdoor open and she will get up and squat. As I am on mat leave we're having her regular two walks a day, and I open the backdoor every hour for pee time. The pee smells fishy too, and is quite yellow and sticky.

We have a vet appoitment tomorrow so we'll find out more, but any old-age doggy experts have any suggestions/advice?

[mrslaughan]

I would be worried about her drinking that much. I think the best thing you can do is talk to your vet.

[MitchellMummy]

Poor doggy, worth taking a sample when you visit vet (mid flow if possible). Hope she's better soon.

[ElleyBear13]

Hello thank you for your replies, we've been to the vets the blood tests have come back with high levels of enzymes (i think thats what she said!) in the liver and high calcium count, which the vet is thinking tumour/s in the liver (she has a few fatty tumours on her body). She's going in for a bilas-simulating liver function test next wednesday, and if these show signs she'll be off for a ultrascan. The vet did say there is a slight possibility it could be cushings but its very slight. I'm trying to think positively but I'm not sure what the outcome will mean if she does have tumours on her liver. :(

[LimeJellyHead]

You have done so much to make this move as easy for her as possible. She is a lucky girl and you are a star. Try to stay positive for now. She could be drinking more out of stress but that shouldn't make it yellow or sticky. It almost sounds like the wee of someone dehydrated, if you know what I mean. Odd. She doesn't take diuretics or anything, I presume? Old age and old brains and old bladders can mean they start to toilet in doors.

Whatever happens, always know that you did your absolute best. I hope all is well and shall look out for updates. Hugs to you both. Oldies are wonderful but such a worry, aren't they. My two dogs are 14 and 15 and really starting to show it so I can empathise and sympathise