Pomeranian Leaking Small Stools: What Other Treatments Are There?
by Fred
(Murfreesboro, TN )
Approx 8 wks ago, Puffy began "leaking" small feces (M&M size) at night when she sleeps &/or a couple times during the day. Also, sometimes jelly bean size feces will come out while we are on our daily walk, usually shortly before she defecates.
Our local vet said her anal sphincter was not as tight as it should be & she thought there might be a nerve problem....& referred a vet surgeon. He agreed probably a nerve problem, but an MRI to facilitate a more specific diagnosis would cost about $2K & then a satisfactory treatment would be unlikely. We took Puffy to a vet acupuncturist & she has completed 4 of a series of 5 acupuncture treatments. There has been no change.
My lovely bride & I are not satisfied that all treatment possibilities have been recommended. CAN YOU
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Leaking small, formed stools during sleep or on walks fits what your vets found: the anal sphincter isn't closing as tightly as it should, often because of a nerve problem. Treatment depends on the cause, which is why the MRI was suggested, but there are still things to try without it.
Ask your vet about: a diet that makes stool firmer and more predictable, often a highly digestible food, sometimes with added fibre; feeding at set times and walking soon after meals so she empties her bowels on schedule; checking and treating her anal glands; and checking for back pain, which can affect the nerves. Antibiotics or vitamins are unlikely to help unless there's a specific problem they treat. Surgery to support a weak sphincter exists but is rarely done and results vary. Medicines that slow the bowel are sometimes used, so ask your vet. A veterinary rehabilitation therapist can advise on exercises to keep her back and hind end strong. A veterinary neurologist can review her case and tell you whether an MRI would change treatment.
See fecal incontinence in dogs.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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