Question:
We have a 15-month-old female West Highland poodle. She is the joy of our life. We had an ovarian hysterectomy done when she was 6 months old. She is housebroken, and we can leave her up to 10 hours without her relieving herself in the house. She never messes in the house. Over the past three weeks, something strange has been happening: When she gets off her favorite chair, there is a wet spot and her entire behind is wet. This has happened about three times. She is a healthy dog that plays, runs and eats well. Can you give us an idea what the leaking is all about?
D.M., Carver, MN Aug 30, 2009
Answer:
Your little dog has developed a weakening of the bladder's ability to retain a normal volume of urine, common in spayed dogs. Incontinence can be associated with cystitis (bacterial or other inflammation of the bladder), which should be checked for by the veterinarian. Factors such as consuming a highly alkaline cereal-based diet, being overweight, under-exercised, under-stimulated and stressed by separation anxiety and boredom can lead to flare-ups of cystitis and incontinence. I have found that oral hormone-replacement pills (stilbestrol; DES) given for seven days in increasing doses, peaking at .5mg/kg on the fourth day than tapering back down to 0.25 mg, can work well. Often, such course of prescribed veterinary treatment lasts for several months, keeping spayed dogs more continent, and everyone more content. Most dogs are treated with phenylpropanolamine, a type of human cold medicine, but the side effects, including panting, increased heart rate and anxiety, can be upsetting for some dogs. Others take it in their stride. I advocate a more holistic approach, emphasizing diet, nutrition and physical activity, rather than relying on this drug.
Subscribe