Please can anyone offer advice? - Page 1

Hi,

I'd appreciate some advice please

I'll try to be brief ..... we have an 11mth old male gsd - I've posted previously about problems with his health - he's had problems since the day we brought him home but until this week we didn't have any diagnosis.

Recent symptoms have been difficulty passing urine, vomiting and sporadic loss of appetite.

After numerous tests the vet has determined that our boy has reflex dyssynergia - a neurological condition whereby the urethral sphincter is not able to relax to allow him to pass urine normally. He's spent a couple of days at the vets being treated - we brought him home yesterday and are having to catheterise him twice a day to empty his bladder.

As of yesterday his treatment is phenoxybenzamine 10mg twice daily (this should act to reduce contraction of the sphincter and thus allow him to pass urine)

He's also on antibiotics and 6 skullcap and valerian tablets a day.

Needless to say I am worried sick about him - this isn't a common condition and there is no guarantee that treatment will work.

Since we started the current treatment, Murphy has been very subdued - his heart rate at rest this evening is 56 which seems very low - I've just had him up and took him out for a short walk - his heart rate when we returned was still 56 (taken a few times) - I'm not sure what is normal for a dog of his size and age - before I start needlessly ringing the vet, can anyone give me some idea please?.

Also, has anyone experienced this problem before? If so, any information would be appreciated

Murphy;s had a great appetite today and yesterday and hasn't vomited for 5 days (the vomiting was only ever occasional - 3-4 times a week at most and always occured when he was off his food and his stomach was pretty much empty) - the vet doesn't think these symptoms are related to the reflex dyssynergy ( a vet at our local university veterinary centre also does not believe this is related). He's suggested that because he's quite a 'highly strung' dog this may be the cause - he hopes that treating with the skullcap and valerian will calm him down and these symptoms will cease. Personally I don't think this is the cause - onset of the vomiting was around the same time we noticed that Murphy was urinating more when out in the garden (I now believe he wasn't actually urinating more - he was spending longer trying to pass urine). Also occasions when he has vomited have been in the middle of the night and first thing in the morning when he is very relaxed......but we will of course stick with the vets recommendation.

Any responses about his heart rate would be greatly appreciated

thank you

Hi Mo, thank you for responding

We've had full bloods and urine tests done this week and no infection is showing up at the moment (everything looks normal). Previous bloods(few weeks ago)  showed a few abnormalities and he was treated with antibiotics (a few days into the course of antibiotics he had the best appetite that he's ever had). 

Do you have any links to information on bladder dysfunction being associated with nausea? I'm convinced that they are linked but the vet insists that he knows of no literature that states this. This is a rare condition though and it is the first time he has seen it. Initially he wanted to refer him to the university for treatment but after discussing the condition with them, decided not to.

We absolutely feel that 'this isn't him' at the moment and it's very upsetting - we don't have a bouncy happy boy at all - I think the skullcap and valerian dosage may need reducing.

The cause of the condition is unknown. There are a few drugs we can use to try to relax the urethral sphincter - no guarantee that they'll work though and if they don't the only option is to continue to catheterise him.

2 Valarian knock me out cold so this is more likely why your boy isn't bouncy.

I wish I had some more useful information for you.

Melissa

I would not give my dog skull cap & valerian for any reason, on any one's advise; but I am not a vet. Can you consult another vet for a second opinion? Or ask at the University you mentioned? JMHO jackie harris

Hi Ronnie1 go to vet info.com/canine+heart+rate  large breeds should be 70 to 120 bpm range but visit the web site good luck with your dog hope he gets well very soon

Ronnie1 there are lots of web sites if you google the dogs problems you will find them try www. vin.com or www.vetlatranquera.com good luck

Ronnie, I looked back through your posts and seems like you need another vet for a fresh opinion.... You've had problems since day one it seems.... sorry for that. If the pup cannot live on food and water without all the medications it's been subjected too.... I am sorry but I would have no other option than to put it down myself. There comes a point when the dogs suffering should end, just because it's not crying out in pain does not mean it's not suffering and it can only get worst with time. You can't fix things with drugs and money. Moons.

Is that him as a pup in your avatar Ronnie?  What a beautiful puppy!!


I had a female terrier cross when I was little, (she was a house dog) and when she came in season, my dad put her in a kennel.  Well, she didn't urinate the whole time she was in there and ended up ruining her bladder muscles and then couldn't urinate.  We either had to help her as you do, or put her down, and my dad opted for putting her down, broke my heart.

I'm so sorry to hear all that you are and him are going through. HUGS to both of you.

Ronnie I am so sorry about your dog. My heart goes out to you. Your dog and you will be in our prayers.