First, how urgent is this?
Go now
- No urine at all, or obvious straining to urinate.
- Very weak, a seizure, or unable to stand.
- Vomiting straight after drinking, unable to keep water down.
- A clearly swollen belly with very low energy.
Contact your vet today
- Drinking clearly more than usual for several days.
- Weight down 5% or more within two weeks at the same time.
- Eating well but losing weight.
- Accidents in the house, or unusually large volumes of urine.
Record and observe
- Drinking more in hot weather or after exercise, with urine rising to match and normal energy.
- Drinking changed after starting a prescription diet or a new medicine, as the vet explained.
- Already under vet care: record daily water intake and urine output, and bring it to the next visit.
Before you set off
- Daily water intake, from a marked bowl, including top-ups.
- How much urine, how often, and whether there are accidents indoors.
- Weight and appetite.
- A list of medicines, especially steroids and diuretics.
- Any vomiting, diarrhoea or change in appetite.
- Do not restrict water, and do not give human supplements.
What your vet may ask and do
- Ask: when drinking rose, and by how much.
- Ask: any change in urine, appetite or weight.
- Do: blood tests (kidney, liver, glucose, electrolytes).
- Do: a urine test, including concentration and glucose.
- Do: ultrasound of the kidneys, bladder and adrenal glands.
- Do: endocrine testing where needed.
- Do: diet, water management and medication once the cause is confirmed.
Where to go in Hong Kong
- Hong Kong 24-hour vet list
- 24-hour emergency, Hong Kong Island
- 24-hour emergency, Kowloon
- 24-hour emergency, New Territories
- Clinics with ultrasound
- Clinics with inpatient care
- What emergency and test fees look like
Call the clinic before you drive over, to confirm tonight's arrangements and the location.