Where's the Leak?? Update!

[Valarie]

I am concerned about our foster Airedale Kemba.  She is less than two years old.  She has received treatment for heartworms and we are keeping her calm as she recuperates.  She has been with us a week today.  She has done very well with very few challenges. Climbing and descending steps was one but she conquered that in a couple days.  She has had no potty accidents but I watch her very closely and since I'm home all day she is in and out frequently.  Today we were working in the yard most of the morning.  She and Sophie were in the backyard with us exploring and having fun.  They were worn out when we came inside.  She likes to sack out on the travertine tile in the kitchen and cool off.  She fell into a deep sleep - I went in and out of the kitchen a couple of times and she didn't even look up.  We had an errand to do so I went to the kitchen to direct her to the crate.  She was lying in a pool of water(?) still asleep.  The water was mostly around her hindquarters.  She got up and her whole right thigh was wet. There was absolutely no odor and no color to the liquid.  She immediately went outside and urinated.  I rinsed her off and dried her.  She is eating and drinking and perky as ever.   I know the most likely thing is urine but she has been so consistent in going outside and there was no odor - none.  The only thing I can figure out is that she was so sound asleep and was incontinent of urine.  She drinks a lot so it could be dilute enough to be clear and odorless.  If that is what happened should I be concerned about anything else?  She is recovering from heartworms.  Is a vet visit in order or am I overreacting?  Should I notify the rescue?   Thanks so much for any thoughts. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I would definitely tell the rescue about it. I have no idea what it could be, but if it happens again, I think she should be seen by the vet. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I just looked up the side effects of immiticide, which I'm assuming is what Kemba received to treat the HW. In rare instances (less than 1.5%) there was "inappropriate urination" and polyuria, so that might be what's going on with Kemba.

http://www.drugs.com/sfx/immiticide-side-effects.html

[F, Calla & Luca]

Good catch Karen. That certainly could explain things.

[Valarie]

I will email the rescue and monitor her closely.  Thanks Karen it certainly could be related to the treatment. 

[Valarie]

Vet visit last week.  We had a long discussion about the possible causes of the incontinence.  The most likely reason, he says, is hormone-responsive incontinence even though she is young for this.  He prescribed Proin which she has been taking twice daily.  She has had no incidents since beginning the medication.  Vet says if the medication is successful then we can try backing it down to once per day.  So seems we have isolated the problem.  But she will have to continue the medication indefinitely.  She really is a joy.  Will this negatively impact the rescue's ability to find her a permanent home?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'll be very honest, it may. It will depend partly on the cost of the medication. It will be considered a pre-existing condition, so insurance will not pay for the meds if the new owners choose to get it (and they should). People also tend to worry about further complications or issues down the road when a dog has a permanent or chronic illness. 

On the other hand, there are a lot of people who are attracted to a special needs dog, and many, many dogs with health issues have been successfully placed in new homes. You may remember Selmer, the chocolate doodle who was placed by DRC this past year. His Addison's meds alone were costing the owner almost $300/month, and several potential adopters naturally backed out when they learned that it would cost $3500 per year over and above all of the normal costs associated with owning a dog. But all it takes is one person willing and able to provide what a dog needs, and Selmer found that person. It may take a little longer, but I am sure Kemba will, too. :)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

And as luck would have it, a new photo of Selmer and his adoptive mom was just posted today on the DRC FB page. This is what is possible, even for an older, "special needs" dog, and this is what I wish for Kemba:

[Valarie]

Oh my, Yes, yes, yes!  If a really good home cannot be found I guess we will be a "failed foster" our first time out.  :-)