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?

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

So sorry to hear about Beautiful Hattie.  I am sure you will get many responses and support in this discussion.  There are several members who have posted about this.

 

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

poor little thing. I'm so sorry to hear about this. Sophie was spayed early too, and she doesn't have a problem. I feel for you and your pretty little doodle. *doodle kisses and hugs to both of you*

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm very sorry for Hattie and for you. I'm glad she has an owner who loves her and is willing to care for her no matter what.

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

I can't give you any advice on this, but I know that you and Hattie will manage this the best way possible.  Hattie is so lucky to have you!

[Cindy M, Zachary & the Frenchies]

My friends  boxer has the same problem. Also was an early spay. She takes estrogen and it helps quite a bit although does not completely resolve the problem.

[Cindy M, Zachary & the Frenchies]

She got her as a rescue when she was less than a year old from a boxer rescue group - I am not exactly sure how old though. I believe she was spayed at 2 months. I think she is about 5 now. Before the estrogen she dribbled a lot, now she just dribbles a little bit, and it's worse when she gets excited. I can get more info if you want next time I talk to my friend.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I'm so sorry to hear this, but it does sound like it can be somewhat controlled with meds.  I have no advice, as I haven't known anyone else who had a dog with this problem.  You'd have to actually check your health agreement to know if it's covered, but I would definitely let the breeder know.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Sandy, I know how hard and long you searched for Hattie and you got yourself a beautiful, loving dog, no matter what. In the scheme of things a little leakage is not the worst that could happen, so try not to be too heartbroken. She is so young and who knows what might happen. I would just invest in some wipes and keep her clean and dry and love her all the more because she is your sweet dog. I would contact the breeder and see what she says. There are so many arguments about when to spay/neuter that I would not beat yourself up about having her spayed early. What is done is done. Sounds like you have a great vet and just an adorable little sprinkler of a dog :) If we lined up all of our doodles in a line that came with some imperfections, we would have a very long line :) Good luck and hugs to both of you!!

[Mimi Linna, Lilly and Lolly]

so sorry to hear about hattie...there are those doggy diapers you could try to keep the crate dry during the day.

[Elizabeth & *Kosci*.]

Hi Sandy , hope there is another answer for you and Hattie. Has your breeder responded to the news?
Love and doodle kisses to you both.

[Elizabeth & *Kosci*.]

I think you should inform her, only so it may not happen to anyone else.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Oh sweet Hattie. I'm sorry. I hope there are excellent ways to manage this for both your sakes. Hugs for both of you.