Senior Dog With a Weak Anal Sphincter: 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.
Fred, Edna & Puffy
You’ve clearly been very thorough with Puffy. When the cause is weakness of the anal sphincter from a nerve problem, there’s no medicine that treats the incontinence itself, and antibiotics, vitamins or “nerve-strengthening” supplements aren’t known to help unless they treat a specific cause. Some dogs are candidates for specialized surgery to support the sphincter, but results vary, so it’s worth discussing with a surgeon or veterinary neurologist.
Practical management makes a real difference for many dogs. Ask your vet about diet: a highly digestible diet can reduce the amount of stool, while added fiber can make it firmer and easier to pick up. A predictable routine helps too, with walks soon after meals so her bowel empties outside. Keeping her at a lean weight and walking regularly support her overall health.
Keep her rear trimmed and clean, and use washable bedding. Watch for any weakness in her back legs or urine dribbling, and tell your vet if they appear, as that could change the picture. See our guides to senior dog fecal incontinence and bowel incontinence in dogs.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Incontinence.
