Bowel Incontinence

[csonsini]

My neighbor's 13 year old mixed breed dog has recently become bowel incontinent. It only happens when she sleeps.
Other than hip problems, the dog seems to still have quite a bit of life left in her and they don't think it's time to put her down, yet.
I have suggested that they take her to my holistic vet but, in the meantime, I thought that I could find some information for them by posting to this group.
Does anyone have any suggestions or experience with this problem?
Thanks.

[davet]

i have no idea what a holistic vet can do in this case but i guess it can do no harm but i think a "regular vet" might be considered and some type hormone or antispasmotic medication might be in order....but a diagnosis has to be made first.

[connect..the..dots]

[ Look into acupuncture and chiropractic- that combined with glucosamin, alfalfa, a diet low in protein and high in vegetables- raw- finely grated and/or lightly steamed- brrown rice(cooked)- In The Last Cahnce Dog- by Donna Kelleher,, DVM- the dog was incontinent, and had severe arthritis- five visits and the dog was running around. It may take more or less time in the case of your dog but for a holistic vet in your area as well an info on their credentials check out www.ahvma.org or for vets experienced in acupuncture check out the site www.ivas.org;office@ivas.org.

[TheSkeptic]

[ Look into acupuncture and chiropractic- that combined with glucosamin, alfalfa, a diet low in protein and high in vegetables- raw- finely grated and/or lightly steamed- brrown rice(cooked)- In The Last Cahnce Dog- by Donna Kelleher,, DVM- the dog was incontinent, and had severe arthritis- five visits and the dog was running around. It may take more or less time in the case of your dog but for a holistic vet in your area as well an info on their credentials check out www.ahvma.org or for vets experienced in acupuncture check out the site www.ivas.org;office@ivas.org.

You need to really connect th dots.

Accupuncture has limited effectiveness because inserting the needles can in a few cases cause endorphines to be released which in turn causes the manufacture of corticosteroids. All in all a very unreliable and ineffective method when compared to just injecting coticosteroids themselves.

Again testimonials are useless and unreliable. Without controls you cannot say for sure why the dog improved. If it was the arthritis slowing him down, you should be aware that this is a cyclic disease with periods of extreme pain and difficulty moving alternating with periods when there is little impairment. Since most people begin medicating when the symptoms are at their worst, it is not uncommon to see dramatic improvements, which may or may not have anything to do with the treatments they give. Having said that, glucosamine has shown some benefits when injected into the joints. Taken orally, the digestive processes destroy the effective agents. While touted as safe, recent studies indicate that it can be dangerous to people with high blood pressure. (One of the things that the digestion breaks it down into is SALT.)