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?

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am sorry to hear about Hattie. I think it's hard to know if the early spay is responsible for this problem. Certainly the vast majority of dogs with early spay don't have this. It is hard for me to understand that she is dry all night. Maybe you should get a second opinion even though the vet spoke to some specialists. See how it goes with the antibiotics first, though.

[F, Calla & Luca]

In people there are various kinds of incontinence. Certainly there is the leak all the time kind. Then there is stress incontinence, for example if you sneeze, cough or trip. Are you sure when she's damp to the touch she hasn't been licking herself.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I'll look up why the antihistamine was banned. Although I think it may really be a decongestant. And it may be connected to methamphetamine production.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Yup. What I thought was true. If you get to this stage I would opt for this over the hormone probably but maybe , given what you describe, you won't need anything. Both my dogs, but especially Luca, lick their urethral areas.

http://www.wedgewoodpetrx.com/learning-center/professional-monograp...

 

[F, Calla & Luca]

There is always the possibility just as in humans. There are lots of side effects from hormones, as I'm sure you know. Breast cancer could be a possible problem. But we are getting ahead of the problem.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

That is exactly what my DH said when I was talking about this....are you sure she isn't licking herself. Vern sometimes licks his legs at night....I think it is a calming mechanism for him. I never see him do this, just see the wet legs.

[Kyoko]

So sorry to hear about Hatti... She is still a little puppy, yet..... I hope you and doctor will find the best solution to this issue...

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Sandy, I am so upset for you as this seems to be something that will be with her for life.  One thing is for sure she couldn't have a better Mom.  Hopefully there are others here who are dealing with this problem and can shed some light and/or advice on it for you.  Lots of love and hugs.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Just doing some reading up on this and wanted to ask if a dye study of the bladder was done?

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/cliented/incont.aspx

I just thought this was an interesting article though it posed more questions than it answered.  The possibility of an abnormality of the urethra caught my attention and I was wondering if any tests had been done?

I think I would get her to a specialist for a more thorough investigation.  I don't understand that she is dry in the morning either.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Ok that makes sense but this may be an abnormality she was born with and not a result of ESN that's what I am trying to understand.  If so then surgery may be able to sort the problem though this seems a difficult enough area.  I do think you must inform the breeder and also get the best specialist if it comes to thinking about surgery.

I do think this is something that should be covered in the health guarantee if it is either a birth defect or indeed the result of ESN (in which case I'm hoping you have the guarantee that covers Vet bills) In any event I think you have insurance, am I correct?

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Me too (praying hard) and in the big scheme of things it's not life threatening, a management issue yes  but it doesn't cause Hattie one iota of a problem. Hattie is one of the most gorgeous Doodles ever and I feel that I have some connection with her as I was with you all the way.  I remember you  asking to choose between two puppies and I chose Hattie.

I would still opt for a specialist opinion before any long term meds are being talked about though. ( It's a quarter to one here and I have to go to bed now).  Riley starts his first classes at 9am!  I will catch up with you tomorrow.