frequent urination

[michelle221]

OKay, As you all know from my previous post, I recently took my 2 year old golden retriever to the vet 3 days ago for swelling of his face from some kind of an allergic reaction. He got an injection of dexamethasone and benadryl. The vet said that he may have an increase in water consumption which may result in frequent urination. It has been 3 days now and the swelling has disappeared but now he is urinating in the house even right after we take him outside. He is a very good dog when it comes to having to use the bathroom. My question is can anyone tell me if this is normal for him to be like this after the injection or should the side effects have already gone away? He urinates for a very long time ever since he got the injection and constantly has to go. I don't know how long its suppose to last???? Anyone can give me some advice or should I take him to the vet again?

[dlaura]

First I would call the vet and explain that you had just been in with you dog and what happened at that visit and the problems the dog is now having. Ask the secretary to check with the vet and get back to you with an answer. Tell her that if the vet feels a visit is necessary you will bring the dog in --- but you wanted to know first if these are just side effects of the shot and the benadryl you are giving the dog. Ask if you need to continue the benadryl or can stop. Call a.s.a.p.

[michelle221]

Thanks dsimko, that is a good idea, I sure hope I do not have to take him again but if I have to I will. If he is still like this on Monday, I will call first thing.

Thank you

[RWDVM]

Dear Michelle:

In case you have not read any of my other posts, I am a vet. Increased drinking and urination is a common side effect of dexamethasone. However, the duration of activity of dex is only 12 hours. Therefore, I would expect that the increased drinking and urinating would subside within one to two days. Beyond this time frame, I would be concerned that the dex injection may have led to a urinary tract infection. While dex very effectively decreases swelling and inflammation, it has the potnetial to weaken immunity and lead to secondary problems, such as urinary infections. See your vet if the drinking and urinating persists. Please check out my veterinary website at the url listed below. Good luck!

Roger L. Welton, DVM
Veterinarian, Webmaster, http://www.askdvm.com

[michelle221]

Thank you Roger, I am so grateful that you take the time to answer any of our questions. Skittles is back to normal again with his urination problem. It stopped Sunday night so I am glad. His swelling went away except where his muzzle is at, there is a slight bump that was not there before he got this reaction, I mean that part of his face was also swelled up but now there is a slight bump on there that is just a little noticeable. Is that something I should worry about? I would hate to keep taking him to the vet for little things like that but I know it was not there before the swelling. It is not red or inflammed or anything. I just don't know why its there.

[michelle221]

Oh I am sorry Roger, I will just ask you that on your website, I didnt realize it till I checked it out. Thank you for your advice and I am glad there is actually an online vet that does something like this.