Canine bowel incontinence - looking for a cure?

My Huskey/Lab/Angel is 14. He has arthritis in his back which his vet says is pressing on a nerve limiting his ability to feel the need to eliminate a stool. She prescribed Previcox(?) and another anitinflamitory. These had no effect on continence but did loosen his usually firm stool. She says for more money she can more compeletly diagnose this then can offer an expensive surgery he may not survive and if he does the surgery may not work.


His new vet has completed 5 treatments of accupuncture for the arthritis and hopefully the incontinence. This has had no effect.


She has prescribed "Body Sore" (Psoraiea-Bu, Zhi, Peony-Chi Shao Yao... etc.) and Bu Zhong Yi Qi (Atractylodes - Ba Zhu, Bupleurum - Chai Hu, Citrus - Chen Pi... more.)


He also gets Pet naturals Glucosamine HCL 2250 mg, MSM 1200 mg Chondroitin Sulfate 400 mg and Nuti-Vet Asprin 600 mg

Canine bowel incontinence - looking for a cure?
Unfortunately there really is no cure for bowel incontinence. You have stated that he has arthritis in his back... there are so many reasons for incontinence but a problem in the lumbo-sacral area is possible, truly my dear friend, do you really want to put your baby through such invasive surgery at his age? It's so very hard I know. I lost my dear friend Mozart on June 18 this year, at the very young age of 10 years and 8 months and I still grieve deeply for him, but I had to tell him that it was okay for him to go.. I think he needed my permission. My thoughts are with you.
Reply:Before subjecting your poor, old dog to anymore vet visits for the incontinence I suggest just investing in some doggie diapers. At 14 you may not have much more time with the dog and surgery isn't something to go into without considering all the possible consequences carefully. Do all you can for the arthritis so he'll be as comfortable as possible. I've heard wonderful things about acupuncture for pets. You'll know if it helps soon because if it is working the dog will actually start to look forward to playing pincushion. Sometimes a hot water bottle or a heated dog cushion can ease a lot of stiffness in an older dog.
Reply:i would be afraid all those meds will shut down his kidneys and he will not be able to pee. happened to my 10 year old dane with just the chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine. you are in a real tuff spot my friend. do you continue and cause more harm or back off and just treat for pain till his time comes. i have found less invasive homeopathy more effective in other probs. maybe they have something for his bowel. we use probiotics for bowel health. i dont know how effective in old dogs it is. good luck to you .
Reply:How about something with a little fiber like wheat germ? Don't overdo it or the dog will be constipated. Sounds like you are being taken advantage of. I know what it is like to have an elderly dog though. We've lost 7 now to old age. Be sure you have pee (in your case poop pads) available for the dog to get easy access. When it is no longer possible for the dog to get to the pads by itself (after stools are not soft) maybe you should consider putting your dog to rest because by this time the dog is not having a good life. Some hints your dog is unhappy now are: if it whines a lot, doesn't eat like it used to and sleeps excessively. The arthritis medicines will mask some symptoms. I only tell you this out of compassion. It is very hard to realize one's favorite friend in the whole wide world is about at life's end.


By all means don't let the vets keep taking your money for things that are not helping the dog.
Reply:Yikes! Sounds like you have a lot going on for you and your dog. It is just so sad when our dogs get old, and suffer all this debilitating aging problems. I feel for you as I have been there with my 13 year old Yorkie.


I don't know where you are in the States but here in Berkeley, we have a great store called Holistic Hound. (I've placed the store's URL in the source). The owner is Heidi and she may be able to help you. Give her a call or e-mail her. Heidi is very helpful. Lots of luck!
Reply:Wow, how bout just going simple??? Try prune juice, you never know. It works for my dog but than again, my dog doesn't have all those complications. I'm truly sorry and I hope everything works out for you.
Reply:I had this ame problem with my old lab. i ended up buying a large size of depends and cutting a hole through it for her tail. It actually worked pretty well