Anyone have a dog with Diabetes Insipidus?

[robinb]

My friend helps run a shelter/foster organization for mostly Bichons. She had a 3-year old black miniature poodle surrendered to her because the dog developed some fear biting from being mauled and abused by the toddler in the family. He was also still intact until yesterday . We just so happen to be looking for a small dog for my 14-year old DD and the dog must be hypoallergenic. I think I can work through the fear biting and the dog is doing very well at the foster's house. My main issue is that the dog has Diabetes Insipidus and is taking medication which costs about $1 per day (It's called DDAVP). I'm doing some research right now and it seems that the prognosis is positive for most dogs with DI. If you have a dog with DI can you tell me how the treatments are going? Is the dog just as active as before? Any other things I would need to look out for? Think about?

 

[Muushka]

This is more of a bump, but good luck with your new pup. I have never heard of that type of diabetes in dogs. Best wishes!

 

[robinb]

This is more of a bump, but good luck with your new pup. I have never heard of that type of diabetes in dogs. Best wishes!

Thanks! I have not decided to take the dog yet. I want to know what I'm getting into first. It's one thing to already have a dog that gets sick and quite another to adopt a "special needs" dog, KWIM?

 

[Muushka]

Yup, I know what you mean. My cat had the mellitus type which involved 2 shots a day for several years. Ugh.

Good luck with the decision!

 

[robynslp]

My parents had a Bassett hound with DI. They watched the amount of water intake as much as possible. He got daily (maybe twice daily) eye drops for medication. I know they routinely collected urine for checks at the vet. He lived to be 14 which is a good age for a large Bassett like he was. He was perfectly happy and comfortable life. I am guessing his care was not cheap nor easy.

 

[moon]

I'm sorry I can't help you with information with the puppy, but I know a person with DI. She had it since she was a baby. For her the DDAVP is as necessary as Oxygen to live. But with the medication she's managed to live a normal life. She's now in her 30s, married and has a little daughter.

Good luck!