How an AI tool helped me uncover the most undiagnosed disease in dogs… when even major blood work didn’t.
In April of this year, I brought Chloe in for her yearly vaccine appointment. That’s when I casually mentioned something that had been bothering me…
Despite eating less, Chloe has gained weight.
Her doctor suggested that we do a major blood panel on her, that given her age, it would be a good idea to start there.
The blood work was done on the 27 of May, and the results showed some concern, but no diagnosis.
That’s when her doctor recommended that we do a major blood panel on Chloe again next year to see if there are any changes… and go from there.
When coming home from shopping in early July, Chloe had vomited at the top of the side entrance stairs (right where I would be bringing in the groceries), and so I had to work around those small piles…
Upon coming into the kitchen with bags of groceries, and turning around to go out the side entrance for more, I notice that Chloe had vomited even MORE right at the doorway of the kitchen and hall.
The entire contents of her stomach would have been emptied now, by the volume of vomit that was now on the floor.
I ended up having to take her to the doctor again, this time to get pills to stop her vomiting.
Then, about 2 weeks before Chloe was to be groomed (hair cut short, claws cut, + bath), and she started urinating LOTS and drinking LOTS of water throughout the day… which REALLY got me fretting…
Because years ago now, my Shih Tzu Nugget had done the same thing since he was a puppy… and he eventually died at 12 years of age from kidney failure!
Chloe turned 12 on the 29 of June this year…
When Chloe went to her groomers, even Katie mentioned her concern for the amount of body fat that Chloe is slowly accumulating.
Katie stressed that Chloe’s vital organs were likely becoming heavy with fatty tissue too… which is NOT healthy.
Upon returning home from the groomers… and while sitting in front of my computer later that day… mulling over all of what Chloe had been going through, I realized that I have one of THE best tools at my disposal right here on my computer and it’s time that I ask that tool for help.
That tool is my favourite ‘go-to’ for researching… that is ChatGPT.
Here’s what I asked ChatGPT:
Hey ChatGPT, Chloe is on exceptionally good quality dog food… Dr. Marty’s Nature’s Blend, but she is STILL constantly gaining weight. I give her 1 cup of kibble in the morning and 1 at night… she should be 10 pounds but she’s 14 pounds or more.
Fatty deposits are now on her chest and hips.
Please search the internet to see what may be causing this?
Oh… and Chloe had major blood work done and NO diabetes was noted. Though she MIGHT have early onset of kidney failure as she has been drinking water excessively for 2 weeks and peeing a LOT during the same time period.
Here’s what ChatGPT initially shared with me…
Possible Reasons for Weight Gain
- Hormonal Disorders: Cushing’s or Hypothyroidism
- Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism) can cause weight gain (especially in the abdomen), increased appetite, excessive thirst and urination, panting, and muscle wasting Wikipedia+6North Kenny Veterinary Hospital+6Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips for Dogs+6Pet Townsend Veterinary Clinic+1.
- Hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid, often leads to weight gain, lethargy, poor coat, and sometimes reduced appetite Bondi VetVetster Online Vets.
- Over-feeding or Hidden Calories
- Accidental over-feeding is extremely common—even a “measuring cup” can mislead unless precise. Treats, table scraps, or toppers may contribute unnoticed calories PetMD.
- At 1 cup twice daily, even high?quality food can over?fuel her, especially if her ideal weight is just 10?lbs.
- Low Exercise or Inactivity
- Lack of adequate daily movement or play reduces energy expenditure, contributing significantly to weight retention PetMDWikipedia.
- Early Kidney Disease – Unlikely Cause of Weight Gain
- Kidney disease generally causes weight loss, not gain, along with increased thirst and urination. In early chronic kidney disease, dogs lose weight and muscle while drinking more to compensate for poor concentrating ability vcahospitals.comPetMDDr. Buzby’s ToeGrips for Dogs.
- That said, if she is early CKD, the weight gain likely stems from another condition, while thirst & urination result from kidney compromise.
- Behavioral or Other Medical Conditions
- Anxiety or boredom may lead some dogs to drink more, although weight gain wouldn’t result from this alone Pet Townsend Veterinary Clinic.
- Rare conditions like tumors, liver disease, hypercalcemia, or fluid retention could play a role, but are less typical.
What You Can Do Next
Diagnostic Considerations
- Discuss with your vet the possibility of testing for Cushing’s disease (e.g. adrenal function, cortisol levels).
- Thyroid evaluation (T4/TSH) can check for hypothyroidism.
- Review current food intake, including extras like treats or toppers.
- Track her daily activity—aim for more walks, playtime, mental stimulation.
If Kidney Disease Advances
- Early chronic kidney disease generally leads to weight loss, but if CKD progresses, dietary adjustments become critical to slow progression and maintain health. Your vet may eventually recommend a prescription renal diet—low protein/phosphorus, increased water intake, potassium supplementation, omega?3s, and possibly wet food or water added to kibble Pet Townsend Veterinary ClinicThe Spruce Pets.
Summary Table
| Symptom/Fact | Possible Cause(s) |
| Constant weight gain | Cushing’s disease, hypothyroidism, overfeeding, low activity |
| Excessive thirst and urination | Early kidney disease (CKD), possibly Cushing’s |
| No diabetes per bloodwork | Rules out hyperglycemic cause |
| Fatty deposits on chest & hips | Indicative of obesity/positive energy balance |
My Opinionated Take
It’s most likely Chloe is dealing with a hormonal imbalance (especially Cushing’s or hypothyroid) contributing to her weight gain and increased thirst/urination. Simultaneously, calorie intake (especially unnoticed treats) and low activity may be compounding the issue. Meanwhile, the kidney signs (polydipsia, polyuria) hint at possible early CKD—but that typically causes weight loss, not gain. In my view, the endocrine imbalance and calorie surplus are primary, with the kidneys possibly beginning to struggle. A targeted work?up including endocrine testing is a strong next step.
Recommendations:
- Consult your vet about Cushing’s and thyroid testing.
- Measure and strictly control Chloe’s total calories—food + treats.
- Increase daily physical and mental stimulation.
- Monitor kidney markers over time and prepare for potential renal diet management.
Let me know what additional tests your vet recommends or how much she’s been actively moving—I’m happy to help refine the plan!
In short, ChatGPT explained: “It’s most likely Chloe is dealing with a hormonal imbalance… such as Cushing’s Disease or hypothyroidism…”
Now I Know What Killed Nugget
Nugget, my sweet little Shih Tzu, had shown the same symptoms… excessive drinking. Constant peeing.
But I was told everything was fine back when I reported this issue when he was but a puppy… and that his kidneys were normal.
Hmm… now, I know better. Nugget didn’t just die of kidney failure.
He died of an undiagnosed disease… the same one Chloe now has.
If only I had known then what I know now.
Getting Back to Chloe’s Story
Upon receiving ChatGPT’s recommendation, I called Chloe’s vet and asked him if there is a way to test Chloe to see if she has Cushing’s Disease.
The doctor asked me why I thought she may have Cushing’s Disease, and I explained how she’s been urinating a LOT and drinking a LOT… but then stopped suddenly after she’d been doing that for two weeks… and, I also explained about my Nugget.
That poor little Shih Tzu suffered so much pain his last day on planet earth that I’d NEVER want ANY one, pet or human to have to suffer like he did.
That is when the doctor explained to me that Cushing’s Disease is THE MOST undiagnosed disease in dogs to date… and yes, there is a test that can be done.
So… an appointment was set… and on the 12th of August, Chloe arrived at the doctor’s clinic at 8:30am where the three-hour blood testing was done.
It took well over a week to get the results… and… the test came back with a HIGH yes that Chloe has Cushing’s Disease.
Now we’re waiting for the capsule she will apparently be on for the rest of her life…
BUT… she won’t be going ‘home’ anytime soon, simply because ChatGPT made it possible for her diagnoses to be done sooner than next year.
She’s to be on the capsules for 3 weeks and then go back in for further testing to make certain of the dosage of her meds.
After that it should be simply a mater of her daily meds and walks in the park every summer.
I am so-o-o-o thankful to ChatGPT for saving my little Chloe’s life, making it possible for her to feel better real soon.
