Update On Hattie-She's Still Wet-Vet Says It's Probably Incontinence

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

Well, the vet called me yesterday and filled me in on her conversation with two specialists in San Antonio. Hattie has been on the antibiotics for seven days now and is still damp which means she probably is incontinent. But; she is not wet all the time, that's the strange part. She is dry upon waking in the morning but damp to wet after four hours in the crate. The vet said they now use an antihistamine (Phenylpropanolamine which has been banned for human use) to control her pee. Hormones can also be used. She and I both are so very hesitant to put Hattie on any medication we are just going to wait and see. It is not messy, and or, drippy. The vet says incontinence does get worse over time, but how fast that will progress I don't know. I am so heartbroken at this news and the fact that this will be lifelong for Hattie. The vet believes this is a side effect of early spay because the hormones don't have time to develop in the body. I researched early spay before I signed on with the breeder and couldn't really find anything bad. My breeder told me many breeders were doing that now, so I really didn't question it all that much. Anyway, we still have seven days to go for antibiotics, but the vet said she should be dry by now if they were going to clear up the problem. I will take another pee sample in next week to make sure the infection is clear though. Does anyone else have a young female that is also incontinent that can shed some light for me? And is this something I should have covered in my 24 month health guarantee?

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Baby Hattie-I wish you would feel better soon-praying for a miracle for you!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Sorry to hear that the problem is not resolving with the treatment she is receiving for infection. :( My sis had a dog that became incontinent later in life and supplementing with estrogen really helped. Even though the dog was older I think the cause is probably the same if Hattie's is hormonal. (?) I would be very hesitant to use a drug on my girl that has been banned for human use!  OMD!  Sounds like a bit over overkill since her problem is so minor.  I think there are a few other options to try first.

 

Also, I would be surprised if this is covered under the 24 month guarantee. They normally cover illnesses of a genetic nature. I don't think this would qualify if it is from the spay.  BUT since the breeder chose to do the early spay and not YOU then perhaps she might be open to working with you on this. Doesn't hurt to ask.

[F, Calla & Luca]

The drug was banned because it is an ingredient used in "home" methamphetamine labs. This doesn't mean it's unfit for human, or doodle use.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Oh, that's good to know. I was WONDERING!! Thanks! :)

[Bonnie and Kona]

Sandy, You were one of the mama's that posted while you waited for Hattie and I followed your posts pre and post getting your girl. I think that many of us feel very connected to you and Hattie Rose. I am hoping and praying that this turns out to be so very mild and controllable that no more drastic measures are required than the simple wipes you are using now. Blessings to both of you and lots of doodle kisses from my boys.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I'm still puzzling over this. Maybe you could use one of those belly band sort of things with a pad in it. If she's dry inside then maybe it is licking. Does Hattie smell of urine? I know Calla does only if I really sniff her bottom, never just casually, don't ask. This is when I'm trimming her vulval area. I always wonder why she, and other female dogs I see, get that red staining on the hair there.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

It is strange that she is only wet coming out of the crate and that she can go all night without problems. Because she would be laying down most of the time in both situations and also not drinking water in both situations.

 

Sandy, does where does Hattie sleep at night?

[shelly]

Oh boy... the things we doodle owners do... no one would believe it!  I actually do this a lot with Tori - her anal glands sometimes still need to be expressed - most of the time now... if I can get her to poop - it does it naturally.  but when she was a puppy, I often would crawl on the floor sniffing after her - OMD... some people would call me a freak if they just saw this!  LMBO!!!

[Lynda Kamrath]

My male dog had problems with incontinence when he was taking steroids.  He had liver problems and had many different types of meds, including antibiotics.   Drugs can always be a problem so watch her after she get finished with the antibiotics.  We way we dealt with it was to use a cami turned backwards and to put a pad under his penis.  He was so cooperative and we would take it off when he went out and put it back on when he came into the house.  I will try to find a photo to attach here.  He was fine with this apparatus and it was convenient for us.

[Leslie and Halas]

I don't know much about this condition, but it sounds like it's something you can manage. She's your sweet baby, and this doesn't change that.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Are you saying they aren't supposed to spin like tops????LOL!!

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Hi Sandy, I just know that Hattie has the right owner. I know that you love her just the same. This is just a glitch in an otherwise perfect baby.

Good luck and hopefully things just improve.