For those of you who have had dog with DM... - Page 1

Shelby has started licking a lot; her feet, her legs, her bed and the carpet. She also has been licking her lips. It's almost as though she has become obsessive. She'll lick her bed to the point that there are big wet spots. Any ideas as to what might be going on? I've heard licking may indicate an upset stomach, but she's rarely had stomach issues. She was retching a bit recently, but that has stopped. I've also heard it might be an indication of pain, but she is on 100mg of Tramadol twice a day. Possibly stress or anxiety? I'm really concerned about my girl. She is not urinating much & I wonder if her bladder is becoming paralyzed. She was refusing to urinate at home so we took her to a park area last night where people walk their dogs & she went three times, but prior to that she hadn't gone in 24 hours. Urine is clear & doesn't smell at all. Temperature is normal. I'm taking her in for a urine culture anyway. I really don't know what is going on. I question whether or not she is giving up & telling me her time has come. If so, I want to honor that, however I don't want to act in haste. I want to be certain as I can possibly be. Shelby is down in the rear although still has some control of her hind legs. We have to walk her in a harness as she is unable to walk on her own. Her attitude is still good other than she doesn't want to go out to urinate . Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Hi Starrchar: My first thought is stomach upset. See if a low dose Pepcid A/C will help her out.

It could be she doesn't feel the urge to urinate as the disease progresses? 

Hope this helps. 

star;  the disease is definitely progressing and rearing it's ugly face.  Am so sorry for you to go thru this as well as your girl;  it is so devastating to watch.  It sounds like that spinchtor (SP ??) muscle might be trying to either tighten up and not let the urine pass thru or she is not able to feel when she needs to go.  I would maybe try some gaterade or some sort of electrolite maybe l/2 cup at a time just to see if she needs electrolites or ??  Even pedalyte a couple times per day.

My boy started defactating while walking in the later stages, maybe a year before he died, I just remember he was so embarrased when that happened and of course it was always when we were out.  He was such a private boy with all that;  however, I did not notice any changes during urination except I could see some cloudiness at times but that was during his lifetime;  not towards to end so much.

PS:  I would also take her out very often to try to get her to go.  What does our vet say?  If I can think of anything else, I will let you know.  My heart goes out to you and Shelby;  godspeed.  Nan

PSPS:  Also is she drinking a lot?  Her kidneys may be trying to shut down.  No symptoms are good symptoms as you know.   Nan  Stay strong. 

Beetree, Thank you. I will definitely try the Pepcid and see if she licks less. Nan, Yes, the disease is definitely rearing it's ugly head. Shelby seems to be drinking plenty of fluids. I monitor her intake pretty well. I do try to take her out often, but she clearly isn't happy about it and just wants to go back in the house. We took her out to a park again today and she urinated a lot, so that made me feel better. It almost seems as though she needs mental or sensory (doggy smells) stimulation in order to go. If that is what it takes we'll continue to do it! So far she still has good control of her bowels. We are out of town right now (Shelby is with us) and I'm waiting for a call from the vet. I'm trying to stay strong, but it's hard sometimes, as you know all too well. My heart is breaking at the thought of the decision I will need to make in the future. Thank you again very much, both Beetree and Nan. I know that you know what I'm going through.... Sorry for the lack of paragraphs- using an iPad.

Know that we are thinking of you both (You and Shelby and your family) and YES we do know what you are going through.  so sorry for that and I wished I had some helpful answers for you, BUT as you know there just aren't any,  and Shelby will let you know when the time comes.  Post us or whatever if we can help or you just want to vent.  BOL  Nan

to shelby.

Awww, thank you! That was so sweet and encouraging! We just took Shelby out for a potty run down at our neighbor's house (they have two dogs) and we had success! It's amazing how the little things can mean so much when it comes to those we love. I've gotten some feedback from Marjorie's DM board and it sounds as though this may be the beginning of bladder shut down which means I'll need to start expressing her bladder in the future, but we need to take it one day at a time right now. As I am writing, sitting in my own bed, Shelby is is lying down on her bed next to me with bright eyes and perky ears waiting for her bedtime snacks :) You'd never know there was anything wrong with her. She still has so much zest for life left in her....

Sending hugs to you and  Shelby. Keep the faith; miracles can and do happen.

That is what is so hard about these guys being so young with this disease;  I can understand the older ones having all the issues but the young ones, well as you know is so very hard to watch.    Keep in touch,  Nan

Oh Char
I am so sorry to hear Shelby is not doing so well and you are facing what may be the next stages of this disease.  My heart is breaking for you both.

All those smells obviously helped to get her to 'go' for you, and I hope this can continue for a while. Marj's DM board is amazing for the help from people with experience of all the different stages of DM.

Thankfully she is still bright eyed and happy and you will know when that changes. I know it's hard to stay strong, but as you say - one day at a time, and enjoy each precious moment in each and every one of them.

Hugs and love to you and to Shelby.