Incontinence

[Tracee Norris]

My 8 month old puppy was diagnosed on Saturday with incontinence. When I got her from the animal control, she had been spayed at 6 weeks. I'm not sure if this has anything to do with it.

Has anyone else had a young dog been diagnosed with incontinence and what is the treatment you've done? They had discussed basicaly doing a MRI and other work ups on her, but are starting with the Proin pills first.

I'm just worried it's something internal, because she's so young and this is an old dog's problem.

[Rachel Webb]

I have a 16 month dobie mix who was diagnosed with incontinence a few months ago. She was spayed at 6 months. The vet says though it usually happens in older dogs, it is not uncommon for female dogs to develop this problem at an early age. My vet also prescribed Proin to strengthen her bladder muscles. She takes it everyday.

My roommate has a female, spayed lab who is 3-5 years old (she is a rescue). She also has an incontinence problem. She is also on medication.

I hope this info helps you feel better.

[Tracee Norris]

Has the medication helped? And did the vet tell you if your dobie would be on it for life, or if they would wean her off then do it on an as needed basis?

[Rachel Webb]

The medication is definitely helping. There has been no more "bed wetting" since Ellie started the Propin. The vet did say she would have to be on it for life but that the meds could be adjusted to one dose a day instead of two.

At some point I am going to research holistic alternatives to Propin in hopes of finding a natural "bladder muscle strengthener" (if one even exists) but until then it is working great.

[Teresa Jones]

My 7 y/o started wetting in the house about a year ago (he's fine at night when we go to bed). I took him to the vet and they ruled out a UTI and any other health associated issues. They never mentioned the possibility of incontinence. Perhaps I should take him back and inquire about Propin? Does it have any side affects? Is it OTC or presscribed? How often does it have to be given? Is it really working?

I went on line and found a kennel that makes a product for males with incontinence. It's an oblong piece of material, similar to a long scarf that has a plastic center lining in which I place a maxi pad and I wrap the band around his waste (secures with velcro) to prevent him from having accidents while I am not home. You may want to try this if you are not crating your dogs.

[Tracee Norris]

The side effects for Proin are really mild from what the vet said yesterday to me. That's why they start on the Proin (is also known as PPA which was pulled by the FDA, so you can't get in an OTC) For mine, the next step would be estrogen which has a lot more side effects, especially for a dog her age. I know the 60 pills I got that are supposed to at least last a month, (or possibly 2 if the low dose takes) was about $23. So figured that's not bad.

Right now we're starting at 1 pill a day (1/2 in morning 1/2 at night) if that doesn't work I go up to 2 pills a day. I'm praying the 1/2 works though. She just started on it on Saturday, so really hasn't had time to get the full effect yet I think.

[Teresa Jones]

Thank you, Tracee. Do you know why was PPA pulled?

[Rachel Webb]

phenylpropanolamine (PPA) was in over the counter diet pills and cold/cough/alergy medicine. As I understand it, the FDA banned it because reports claim it increases the risk of strokes in humans.

Tracee - I thought you would like to know - When I started Ellie on Proin - it started to work pretty quicky. By the next day she was done with wetting the bed. Has your pup made any improvements on the 1/2 pill doses?

[Ann Morscher]

My previous dog had incontinence as a senior dog, but did develop problems around age 6. We tried the DES hormones and they did not help at all. She was on phenypropanalomine for 6 months or so. I was not happy about her being on it since it is so bad for humans, but Aspen developed bone cancer and I needed to do whatever was necessary to keep her comfortable. My vet always suggests natural products to try and we did try Genesis Resources Incontinence, but did not have long enough to see if it would work since my main issue at the time was keeping Aspen comfortable so we discontinued using them. Here is a link about the product if you are interested.

http://www.genesispets.com/products/incontinence.html

Ann

[Teresa Jones]

Thank you for the link, Ann. I am so sorry to hear about Aspen.

[Rachel Webb]

Thanks for the link Ann - I would much prefer to treat Ellie naturally, if possible.

[Tracee Norris]

Rachel so far we haven't seen the improvements, but it isn't a constant thing with her either, so it's hard to tell. I have a feeling I'm going to have to up the dosage, but I'm not supposed to do that till next week. I'm just really really worried that it's something else completely, something with her bladder or uretha or such.

[Rachel Webb]

Tracee is it possible she is having a regression in her potty training? She is still a young pup. If not, perhaps increasing the Proin will do the trick for her. Try not to worry too much (I know easier said than done) - she is still young and developing so this could work itself out.

Did the vet say it could be something other than incontinence?

[Mickelle Weber]

this may sound silly, but what is incontinence???
thanks

[Jill Ramsey]

lacking normal control of the bladder, leaking.

[Monique Shimm]

My Franny got urinary incontinence at about 2 years old. My vet has her on 1 mg of Stilberstrol per week. We started out once a day and gradually reduced it to once a week. It works great. But it is not natural - and has side effects if taken in higher doses.

I seem to remember the holistic forum on DoggieDoor recommended Propolin. Is that the same as proin?