Discussions »Health

Advice for dog incontinence?

NosyRosie on Health - Sun, May 04 2008

Freckles has lost some of the use in her back legs. The vet says she's got some intervertebral disk trauma. We decided not to put her through a Myelogram, MRI or CT scan to definitively diagnosis it. She is not a candidate for spinal surgery as she continues to have sensation and movement in her back legs.

We are trying our best to keep her confined. She is dribbling urine whenever we use the beach towel to support her back half to walk to the backyard for potty breaks. Actually, she's dribbling urine whenever she thinks about standing up. She's wearing the denim bloomers and we're going to Meijer today to investigate what other sort of human diapers we can get. She takes the size 6 ones off somehow?? I'm thinking we need pull-ups and safety pins. We're also pretty sure I'm going to have to make her poop on demand as I know she can't squat to do it. I'm trying to read up on various ways to express her bowels.

I'd love to hear about any advice or experiences in handling incontinent dogs or dogs with neurological dysfunction which causes loss of bowel/bladder. The vet says this might improve...but her overall prognosis is poor, as we already knew. I'm just shocked that I have to worry about neurological issues at this point considering we worked hard to keep her weight in range, etc, etc.

BTW, Freckles continues to wag her tail and be an attention and food hound otherwise.

PS: She wants me to tell you all she HATES being confined, even though it is her bachelorette pad. The whining is extremely high pitched and pathetic...sort of impressive, really.

Ojo on May 04 at 09:41 AM

We're sorry to hear about these steps Freckles is taking. Tail wags are a good thing! I'm sorry that I don't have any advise or words of experience to offer you on this one.... just thoughts and prayers.

Freda on May 04 at 10:45 AM

Sammi has this problem but she is smaller and I use a onsie with a liner in it for her, Sammi has trouble walking she falls over alot and the thryoid and seizures all getting worse we know soon we will be making that long trip to the vet. she is not happy lately and often hides. So I understand what you are dealing with, this has been going on for a few years here and we tried the diapers just to have Winston help her out of them and shredd them to tiny pieces. Maybe find a childs body suit with snaps and place a liner in it for Freckles. Oh and be sure to keep the carpet cleaner within reach. We will keep Freckles in our prayers.

Ann on May 04 at 05:24 PM

Have you considered one of those mobility carts they make for dogs? I wonder if you could rent one or borrow one? They have wheels on the back - support for her back end but leave her free to pull herself w/ her front legs. If she were mobile the incontinence might not be as much of an issue. Just a thought...and hugs from me and my "girls" - we'll be thinking of you.

Ann on May 04 at 05:29 PM

Ann said:

Here's a link to one site that sells the carts - they also have diapers / wraps.

http://www.doggon.com/products.html

Kirby on May 04 at 05:29 PM

I'm proud of my Schmoopie for taking off that diaper! Good for her. {{{hugs}}} ♥♥♥

Star Hunter on May 04 at 06:07 PM

Ann said:

I was thinking the same thing. I would spend any amount of money to keep my pup in the best shape he could be. I just got a look from mommy. She wants to know--when she gets old and things do not work well and she pees in the chair--will I still love her. YES!! I will.

Beverly on May 04 at 09:44 PM

All of us girls are sending much love to Freckles and your family. We've been thinking about all of you. We're glad she's wagging her tail and eating!

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