Advice needed/12yo incontinent problem

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by zukeeper on 26 November 2008 - 15:11

I need advice, my 12yo has been incontinent (bowels) for some time now. Until recently this was very manageable as I am at home full time caring for my mom w/dementia. Katie seems to have no warning that she needs to go, I have had her on a 2hr schedule and that was working. Now she goes all the time! I have seen her go 3 times in two hrs even coming in from outside! Overall she is pretty healthy for her age, I have seen a weakness in her hind end but nothing dramatic. She sleeps w/me on my bed, she has her own blanket and needs to be helped up, thank goodness she does make it thru the night but immediately has to go out in the morning. She eats 1 1/2 cups soaked kibble AM/PM. Has anyone gone thru this? I hate to tell you how many times a day I have to pick up after her and clean my floors. Thank goodness she has no urine problems or I would have no choices, my husband is a patient man but he is getting tired of sleeping alone and the mess!

by Liebe on 26 November 2008 - 16:11

Unfortuately this is a case of old age hitting hard.

I have a male GSD who is also 12 and he often has accidents, and seems totally unaware of what has happened. Often if he has a very active dream it will result in a pile on the floor. I have spoken to my vet and they say that its just part of geting old and tatty.

by Kerschberger on 26 November 2008 - 16:11

net search for incontinence in dogs. BUT, I thought it was only incontinence if it was urinary.

I would change the diet and take out ALL grains from the kibble diet you are feeding her. Then, I have recommended Green Tripe from the Can (Merricks or Solid Gold) and you would need to test how much in each meal. Switch to full raw food diet over a week and see if that helps her. It sounds like she could have collitis, which can be uncontrollable. The Tripe helps dogs with collitis. If she goes that often is her stool diarea, loose or firm? Some times imodium AD, or Kaopactate can help, it all depends. The safe route it to switch her food over a week to a raw recipe.

and http://www.petdiapers.com/

by Petros on 26 November 2008 - 17:11

I have tried this product (http://www.onlynaturalpet.com/products/Only-Natural-Pet-Canine-Bladder-Control/999038.aspx) with great success. As soon as you see the first positive results (after 1-2 weeks) you can try lowering the dosage (by 20-30%).

You could also try http://www.dorwest.com/products.asp?dept=67. I have not tried it but it maybe worth a try. Some of their products work well while some others do not...Maybe this one works.

My 14 year old bitch is taking the first supplement for a year now and she is doing just fine. No incontinence any more...

Best of luck

by zukeeper on 26 November 2008 - 17:11

Thank you Petros for the link, but it is not a bladder issue, she has an iron bladder thank goodness. Her stools are well formed she is just not aware of the need to go most of the time and even when she does it is a crisis and we must run to the door, that is why she sleeps w/me. If she stirs at night I know I better get up and take her out. She can still do 4 stairs easily and on a good day will run up them, she just doesn't have the strength to jump up on a high bed but she gets off by herself. She has had canine lupis for 7 yrs now and is symptom free. We have managed to keep her on a very low dose of prednisone w/minimum side effect so far. I have considered raw but w/her compromised immune system I do not dare. We were able to keep her prednisone dosage lower w/the use of tretracycaline as an immune system modulator and the addition of probyotics. I feel that tightrope has given her a few extra years. She is a happy and alert diva. She has been a driven and tough dog unless you have a ball or a treat she will blow you off, including my husband. But she and I relate well and can do so w/out talking. Although I can't imagine my life w/out her, if I thought she was in any pain I would not hesitate to do right by her, she deserves no less, I do not feel that her uncontrolled pooping is a reason I just wish I could find a better way to manage this issue. Katie and I have been thru alot together and someday I will tell you the story of Katie's one and only litter. It will serve as a lesson to all those want to be breeders who think they covered all the bases and will give you knowledgeable breeders a chuckle a true comedy/tragedy.

by Two Moons on 26 November 2008 - 17:11

I do not know of a cure for old age, you can't roll back the clock.

And I don't believe in scientific miracle cure's. You may just have to find a way to keep her in a specific area that's easy to clean up.

Sound's like you have both been through a lot together.

Try feeding just once a day and time out the going outside from there.

Good luck and happy Thanksgiving,

Moon's.

by zukeeper on 26 November 2008 - 18:11

Thanks Moon. I know her clock is ticking and I know I can't turn it back. It's just sad, she is everything I always wanted in a GSD, when I take her to the vet it is kind of funny, my vet will clear his office thinking she'll bite someone or start a fight. My vet is very excitable! For those who remember my story about Vida that was her daughter. But all I have to do w/Katie is put her in a down, roll her on her side then I place my hand on her neck tell her to stay, he can do anything he wants from that point on. She trusts me 100% and I trust her 100%. By the way Moon, my Katie looks an older sister to your Midnight.

by justcurious on 26 November 2008 - 19:11

I have considered raw but w/her compromised immune system I do not dare.- zukeeper

i think Kerschberger advise is very worth considering. if you are worried about bacterial contamination i would just marinade all her food in yogurt whey (or better yet kefir whey) for a day and you will see her immune & digestive systems improve.

by susanandthek9s on 26 November 2008 - 20:11

The incontinence plus the hind leg weakness suggest that you might be dealing with degenerative myelopathy. You might want to try the online degenerative myelopathy suppoort groups to see if anyone has a solution.

by Two Moons on 27 November 2008 - 01:11

Best wish's to you both zukeeper.

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