shekhina Posted July 30, 2014 Share Posted July 30, 2014 Kovu is 11 years old and has demylienating neuropathy. He can get up from laying down fine and run around like a puppy no worries, but sometimes doesn't realise he has his back toes tucked under when he's standing still. This doesn't seem to cause him any concern at all and he's not showing signs of pain except for slight twinges in his back. However he doesn't have much bowel control and this does seem to upset him a bit when he soils inside the house, poor boy Does anyone have any experience with their dogs having loss of bowl control due to this issue and know if anything can be done to help him? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cavNrott Posted July 30, 2014 Share Posted July 30, 2014 Kovu is 11 years old and has demylienating neuropathy. He can get up from laying down fine and run around like a puppy no worries, but sometimes doesn't realise he has his back toes tucked under when he's standing still. This doesn't seem to cause him any concern at all and he's not showing signs of pain except for slight twinges in his back. However he doesn't have much bowel control and this does seem to upset him a bit when he soils inside the house, poor boy Does anyone have any experience with their dogs having loss of bowl control due to this issue and know if anything can be done to help him? Do your specialist vets have access to a myelogram or MRI machine. It would show exactly what is happening and where it's happening in his spine. I hope you have pet insurance Shek, a myelogram or MRI is costly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shekhina Posted July 30, 2014 Author Share Posted July 30, 2014 I'm not sure and I don't even know if we have specialists as such here. I don't have insurance, no. These animals are costing me a fortune lately and Arwen has a $600 operation coming up as well. Arrrrrr! :laugh: The vet only said that it's common in German Shepherd Dogs and wasn't concerned at all... but I'm quite sure Kovu would feel bad soiling in the house and we're not particularly fond of it either of course, even though we understand he can't help it at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ish Posted July 31, 2014 Share Posted July 31, 2014 Is it the same or similar to Degenerative Myelopathy? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shekhina Posted July 31, 2014 Author Share Posted July 31, 2014 I think so, yes. The vet said it was common in older GSDs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ish Posted July 31, 2014 Share Posted July 31, 2014 DM is, or apparently so. There is a DNA test now available for it and some breeders have begun testing. The national breed commission is deciding if they will introduce it as an official health test for the breed. None of that helps you now but I guess a good thing for the future. Sorry I can't offer any advice but wishing you and Kovu well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shekhina Posted July 31, 2014 Author Share Posted July 31, 2014 Good to know, thanks :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mim Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 My old girl Lucy had DM but did not lose bowel control. In terms of her movement and strength, acupuncture was the best thing. She was having acupuncture fortnightly and the vet would also give her a massage and advise us on exercises for her. She would move so well, so sprightly, and be so comfortable after a session. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White Shepherd mom Posted August 6, 2014 Share Posted August 6, 2014 I am sorry to hear about Kovu's condition Shekhina. Casper has had DM for almost 4 years now and needs a doggy wheelchair to go for his walks. He stumbles around the house but still gets around. Unfortunately he has reached the stage where he also poos without realising it until it's too late for him to go to the lawn. As he has free access to the house, we have put sheets of vinyl on the floors which makes cleaning easier. It's not a nice look but I know my boy won't be around for ever and so I will live with the vinyl as long as I have to. I've also bought a couple of waterproof single-bed mattress protectors and cheap huge bath towels from K-mart with which to cover his bed. When he soils them, I hang them over the garden wall and hose them till they're clean. Once a week I wash the "cleaned" bedding in the washing machine. Casper goes to a therapist every two weeks for underwater treadmill therapy and massage. Does Kovu not scuff his feet when he goes for his walks? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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