Petal

I really do appreciate your interest, and after 2nd Vet opinion I am feeling frustrated and frankly distressed. After a thorough discussion of Bellas symptoms & result of the prescribed medication she has been on and physical exam & request for lab testing of urine sample the opinion was that Bellas condition is 'urine pooling' and to get her to be very active directly after she goes for a wee (active ie run/jump about/dance on hind legs) to empty the bladder fully. No urinary tract infection was evident and the vet didnt see the need to culture the sample. To give her an ultrasound the Vet did not think it necessary with no pain indicators at examination...so what can you do. I am still interested to pursue Bowen treatment but I really want to go to a therapist who is experinced in treating Incontinence issues in dogs, and I have approached one but they did not answer this question - so not too impressed... frustration starting to get the better of me! Just really so upset that the commitment and interest to get to the reason why this is happening just doesnt seem to be there.. listen attentively, give an opinion and get paid. Losing faith in 'professionals' very fast , cold canvassing another vet without knowing they have experienced treating urinary issues just seems a waste of time and money and distressing to me and more importantly Bella.

Thanks for sharing your experience Ruby star. I have made an appointment with a Vet surgery in Albury that does offer both ultrasound and alternitive therapy including Bowen.

If it stops your dog's incontinence, why wouldn't you be keen on hormonal medication if the reason for the incontinence IS hormonal?? Stilboestrol is one alternative to Propalin and it IS 'try it and see" to get the dose right. Some dogs can take a course for a few months and then not need it for ages. Others need it more often. My 15 year old girl, after starting on an initial dose of one tablet every two days is now dry on one tablet a month. It doesn't work on every bitch so you have to try it and see. I guess - as I am seeing Bellas condition get worse rather than improve since she has been on Propalin- that I dont have a lot of faith in either the diagnosis or the treatment being increased. I have been questioning what way to go next and seeking others experience with problems of this type, and I do feel the advice to get an ultrasound and lab urinary test will allay fears that there might be something nastier lurking and being overlooked

You asked for information about acupuncture in your first post I 'm sorry Rebanne if I sound confused. I did inquire if anyone had experience using Acupunture or Bowen therapy for incontinence and it is good to get that info about a practitioner/vet in my region- much appreciated.

OK.. that is a good point regarding the diary - will start one today :) thanks for that suggestion. All for getting an ultrasound, but feel I may be better going to a different Vet - someone more specialised in these problems to get the ultrasound done and following through from there.

Thankyou for your advice westiemum .. that was my feeling as well that the consulting Vet has taken the view that it is hormonal straight up but Bella's symptoms don't seem to meet all the criteria for age related incontinence, particularly as she is not speyed and has not had pups and this problem has manifested overnight and is not responding as I see it consistently to the medication. Other options were not offered and I really do want to find out what is the reason for the problem. Not knowing how long this medication should start showing improvements and is taking effect if the Vet is on the right track, am I getting the correct response with her incontinence getting worse then the odd dry time is confusing. The Vet did not answer those querys just upped the medication and said each patient is different (obviously.. ) Making the trip to either Albury or Melbourne is fine, getting the right 'specialist' is the question. I was doing some research on the net and one practice I found near Melbourne require a referral which would mean another consult with the current Vet. I see you are in SA. Apart from the suggestion of Christine Gee , vetinarian for Acupuncture treatment in Wangaratta(which I am not sure Acupunture is helpful for incontinence but was interested to know if anyone has used it in such conditions) can anyone suggest a practice in Albury that offers "endocrine - internal medicine/neuro/surgical". Your suggestion of the Vet School I have taken on board ... any particular Vet there that is recommended?

Thankyou very much for the responses so far :) And, no .. an ultrasound has not been recommended by the Vet at two visits to date. Bella doesn't 'frequently urinate', she just doesn't seem to have the consistent ability to shut off her wee as normal - she thinks she is finished, as she comes inside but most times is either dribbling or streaming all over her rear legs. Also she is not drinking copious water as per Cushings disease... had a Malty with that previously, so am familiar with those symptoms.

Hi, I have a sweet Maltese who is 7years old this month. She is a healthy entire girl - left entire as I have had a dog with spey incontinence previously (doberman). End of July suddenly Bella was dripping urine after she had done a wee. At first I thought it may be because she was in a hurry to come inside (access via doggy door) due to the icy weather and she hadn't quite finished, but it quickly became apparent that she had no control at finishing off after her wee.She doesn't wet the bed in the night and her problem is only after urinating. We took her to the Vet and had her checked for any urinary infection which was clear. We were advised that it was probably hormonal and put on a course of Propalin. Bella has been on a dose of 0.1ml twice a day for a fortnight and as her condition worsened during that time - urine not dripping... now running after a wee, her dosage increased last week to same amount three times a day. Presently her response is erratic - some after wees are dry and then it cant stop! I made her some doggy diapers in which I fit a pad (got a pattern off the net) and as soon as she comes inside I fit one of these, otherwise the house has wee from one end to the other.. thank goodness for hard floor surfaces! Is this the usual results when treating with Propalin intermittent dry and then flooding? I would like to find an alternative to Propalin if at all possible. Not too keen about homonal medication as the Vets approach was 'try it and see' and the dosage advised was very vague as to what was appropriate for Bella specifically. From everything I have read her condition could be 'sphincter muscle weakness' and I was wondering if Bowens or Acupunture treatment would be helpful and if anyone has had experience using these treatments for incontinence. I am located in NE Victoria and am prepared to travel if someone can recommend a good therapist. Also, in my searching I found a holistic animal medicine website that offers a product called HAMPL Better Bladder (Tinkel Bladder Control) in liquid form drops which are applied to the body. Has anyone heard of them or had experience with that product? Your advice appreciated

Thanks Lillysmum.... will probably take a sample to the vet tomorrow and have her checked out.

My Maltese is having her first season. Her stools are normal apart from a thick mucuous (slimy white to clear) coating which I had not noticed her pass before. I have seen it in an older dog I owned - but she was often unwell - and that is why I am concerned. The only other change is that we are on the road.. travelling north... maybe she has not having sufficient water as although offered - she doesn't drink much while on the move. I have also given her a couple of canned meals over two weeks... doubt this would cause this result. And her poo is much more pongy than usual. Your imput appreciated.

I am sorry you are feeling very saddend by this particular dogs plight. It makes us very sceptical of people in general when we see how fickle they can be when it comes to their commitment and compassion for animals (and people... there are many old people in homes for many of the same reasons!... a nuisance; time consuming; wet the bed; boring ect) I expect your fears about pet shop pups ending up in this circumstance ... once they are no longer the cute pup happens all too often and is a tragedy

Jaznmont... I think many of us experience these same feelings when we see a dog in a pet shop .. it is hard to turn away. To go to a pound and quickly walk through the enclosures only briefly looking into the pen to see what dog is there.... and moving on if it isn't what you are looking for or can cope with. To even making the call to have a dog put to sleep.... a hard, hard place. I know - I have been there and done all that... taken the pup from the pet store on Christmas Eve... not being able to bear it being left over Christmas ... my dear sweet friend for 10 years. Looking desparately for my Father-In-Laws dog which we think was stolen.... and we took home another little Foxy from the pound for him to cherish and many more dogs in years to come have found homes with us (Incidently this foxys was named Lucky .. not so unique but apt) And Angus my headstrong enormously strong Blue cattle dog... saved from being put down only to be such a handfull he became a risk to all people( and horses which he brought down with no effort) and I had to take him to the vets and put a healthy dog to sleep rather than see him chained or penned... it broke my heart but he did not suffer and was not left or abandoned but much loved and I took that responsibility! We all have our journey... so long as we do our very best by our dogs and being responsible and caring owners and not leave our dog to be bored, uncomfortable, a danger to themselves or others or uncared for... we can be sure... what goes around comes around!

Thankyou Roux and LittleMiss ... the pup is an Australian Silky and no name as yet.... hubby did suggest Ginger but I am hoping he changes his mind! :rolleyes: (I like Amy - a name thats part of her breeding heritage) But like all kids I think a name will fit when we meet and get to know her character a little. :p Thanks to everyone for your interest and advice ... all very much appreciated.

This is the one :D ... my OH is going to be training her so I gave him the choice ... and he picked the little pup. Isn't she a cutey !! Edited to change the photo... it had links to personal stuff (too much information ) ....noooo nothing naughty ;)

Appreciate your kind advice. It is one of those situations where I cant get to Sydney this week and puppies are just over 12 weeks and ready to go.... so first in best dressed. I have decided to collect myself.... but if one pup is sold this week then I had to make a call on which pup I would prefer based on the photos As has been said... just have to have a bit of faith - no doubt they are both just as beautiful as one another. It may be a dilemma...... but a happy one :D

Thanks Toohey and Wylie for your responses. The breeder is very non commital about the pups personalities saying they are very similar which is fair enough. One has had more attention from her child... so is a little more interactive but other than that they are like two peas in a pod ;)

Hi Sandy, I have a 9month old female Maltese. We have had three maltese altogether and have found them to be a creature that likes their comfort. Prefer the light to be on outside - so we put a lo energy globe in the outdoor light so we could leave it on all night - not so frighty to go outside with the light on We have found that limiting their area at night is good so the crate and separated might be a solution - if they will settle on their own - it is hard to chastise one when you dont know which pup to scold and being male- is one covering the others spot? If not a crate can you put them in the laundry perhaps and maybe get a piece of synthetic carpet (you can buy it at Bunnings) that you can take outside and hose off and let air etc (that is after they have chewed up all the newspaper) ;) We have been having a bit of separation anxiety and scratching at doors - no use putting a child barrier at the door our little one can walk right through the bars - so hubby made a panel to fit the door out of a steel panel from a washing machine .... too high for her to jump over and with rasped edges quite safe - nothing to catch on - and thin enough to close the door on if necessary. I use a product called Downrite Herbal Stable & Kennel Spray which has 'neem oil, citronella oil and tea tree oil' in it. It is great at cleaning up wees and eliminating odour so 'the spot' does not become a regular 'place' It lasts for ages (comes in a litre spray bottle)... so I havn't bought it for a couple of years but the Aussie company is called Triple M Magic Mud 4/10 Dual Avenue, Warana Qld. 4575 Ph 07 5493 3322. I think this product is a lot stronger than vinegar and hopefully still available. One last thing.. which I know you have probably well aware having two... they are sensative little critters and a reproachful tone will work far more effectively than a loud yell... the ooh whats this??? why has this happend???? seems to work well for us. They are just delightful little dogs ;)

Two registered girls, both cute as a button, one a little bit bigger than the other but both look pretty much the same. Without actually seeing the pup and how it behaves any suggestions on what to ask the breeder on choosing which puppy? Second question - seeing there has been a thread about flying a very young pup what transport options are there from NSW to Vic?

We also have this problem with our pup and after she completly destroyed the wire mesh in the flyscreen of the caravan door (its on the inside) my husband made a door barrier out of a side of an old washing machine... cut it off the body with tin snips to size. If fits inside the door frame and around the locks & hinges (down low as it has a triple lock) is thin enough not to bind too much on the door. We rasped the cut edges with a file so no sharp edges. Now when our girl gets the frantics... gotta be with you or anyone else outside the door - its a pretty slippery surface and no great result like mesh to chew !! The only thing Ive got to remember is not to forget its there in the dark or Ill be head first out the door I'm sure this could be adapted to an ordinary door (just got to find a big washing machine outer casing or similar)

Hello Kirsty... I feel so much for people going through the loss of their beloved pet. Dogs in particular are so accepting and appreciative of our attention to their needs - it is a big hole to fill when they are gone. Sounds like Shadow liked the look of a little 9 year old.... felt you needed some looking after and 'shadowed' you home He must've been special. My thoughts go out to you in your loss RIP Shadow ... a girls best friend.

What a caring account of how much Boffa gave you and how much he appreciated the loving home you and the family gave him - he was a fortunate boy. Snuggle up with your others and know you did right by your boy.

Thats a great story Shelly - got a real ... can imagine how your Dad reacted to that one

I was at an obedience trial the other week... saw the best heeled Sheltie ever, asked your question??? Short Answer:- Cabanossi or Kabana - a short piece in your hand... doggy cant take their eyes off you. Easy to peel off a little bit as a reward and the smell.... Ohhhh doggy heaven and the big bit at the end of the lesson

Our 10month old maltese has an annoying habit of harrasing your shoes and pulling the laces... its a real game (tho she is fine on the lead when training) and we have been trying to get her to 'leave it' (save ourselves falling flat on our faces ) My OH did the objectionable.... a loud flatulant trumpet style outburst ..... our little miss was disgusted..... You could see it in her face "What the!!!" reeled backwards and gave that disgusting look we females are good at :D OH thought about this reaction and next time little miss was playing terrorist... he blew a rasberry... sure enough she reacted in just the same way - sits and looks at you like you have done the most disgusting thing... it really is hilarious. I suppose what works - providing it is followed up with a 'leave it' as soon as the rasberry leaves the lips is just like a clicker.

Thanks Cavandra for those great recipies and jbbb too... fantastic Ill definately be giving these a whirl and see which are the favourites... sure will help out with the budget :D