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Post by Jennifer&Elvis on Jan 29, 2014 12:47:18 GMT -7
About 6 weeks ago, we adopted an IVVD dog. His name is Elvis and he was left at the shelter last Summer paralyzed and not walking. He was rescued from death row by an amazing rescue group and got the care and rehab he needed and is now walking great! I see his back legs getting stronger every day. He did not have surgery, but attended physical therapy including water treadmill and cold laser with the rescue during his recovery. He is a great dog and is a good match for our family (of 2 other IVDD dogs – Jake – Surgery 12/1/11 and Kaia – Surgery – 9/21/12 – both walking now!!).
Elvis “leaks” occasionally and doesn’t seem to be in control of it. He is housebroken and squats to go potty outside (after sniffing around) normally, but , there have been times, his bladder just releases (sometimes in the house, sometimes outside). I wonder if his bladder was stretched while he was paralyzed and perhaps not being properly expressed. The rescue told me there was no bladder infection during his recovery, but he did “dribble”. Has anyone experienced this? Can it get better? Is a belly band the way to go? Thanks for any input. Jennifer
PS - I hope I have posted this in the appropraite spot.
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Marjorie
Moderator~ 
Member since 2011. Surgery & Conservative
Posts: 5,724 
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Post by Marjorie on Jan 30, 2014 8:37:40 GMT -7
Sometimes the nerves just don't heal properly and Elvis may not have complete control. Do you notice that the leaking occurs hours after going outside or does it occur shortly after going out? He may not be able to hold his urine well and when his bladder starts to get full to a certain point, he can't hold it. You might need to take him outside more often so his bladder doesn't get to that point where he can't hold it.
Yes, it may improve in time. Nerves can take a long time to heal, months, even a year or more. We don't encourage the use of diapers or belly bands as they tend to hold the urine against the skin and can cause problems with long time use. But if taking him out more often doesn't work, you can use a belly band for parts of the day, not 24/7. You can put a small microfiber towel inside the belly band to help absorb the urine. Use cooled down green tea to wash his belly from any urine after wearing a belly band. The green tea neutralizes the urine and helps prevent urine scald.
Kudos to you for adopting an IVDD dog and for the rescue for saving him from death row and rehabilitating him! Elvis is one lucky dog to have come across such caring people.
Blessings to you all.
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,549
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 30, 2014 9:49:53 GMT -7
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Post by Jennifer&Elvis on Jan 30, 2014 13:13:05 GMT -7
Thanks very much for the response. These “leaking” episodes seem to occur when he has been inside for a few hours (but I’ve seen it happen outside on the cement – even though he access to grassy areas – it’s like he doesn’t know it’s happening – he keeps walking and peeing). I will continue to be diligent about making sure he gets out enough. I do note he can “hold it” all night and has not wet his bed. I don’t like the idea of a diaper either, but I may make the homemade item suggested and keep it on hand. Let’s hope for more nerve improvement as time goes by.
He is a good boy and I feel blessed to have found him  |
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,549
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Post by PaulaM on Jan 31, 2014 10:42:32 GMT -7
Jennifer, just a thought… sometimes a sign of a UTI can be leaking. Has there been a recent urinalysis to rule out a bladder infection?
Sounds like Elvis is giving as much as he is receiving… a blessing indeed!
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Post by Jennifer&Elvis on Apr 2, 2014 12:40:09 GMT -7
As an update, Elvis went to the vet for a check up and there is no bladder infection (blood work, stool and urine all came back normal). I'm taking him out to pee many many times and that seems to help - accidents are less frequent. All is good for this boy!
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