Young Dog With Sudden Urine and Fecal Incontinence: Could It Be Neurological?
by Melissa
(MA)
We’re sorry you’re going through this after losing your last dog. When a dog suddenly loses control of both urine and stool, vets look closely at the nerves at the base of the spine, which control the bladder, bowel and tail. That’s why spinal problems are on the list. Normal blood work and X-rays don’t rule them out, because the spinal cord and nerves need MRI or CT to be seen clearly.
In a young dog, possible causes include an injury, inflammation or infection of the spine or discs, and malformations present from birth. Some of these can be treated, so it isn’t always a degenerative disease. Bladder stones can cause urine dribbling but wouldn’t explain the bowel problem, and finishing floors is very unlikely to be the cause. Dogs don’t really get hemorrhoids, so a swelling by the anus should be rechecked too.
A referral to a veterinary neurologist is the best way to get answers. Go urgently if he becomes weak or wobbly in the back legs, strains without passing urine, or seems in pain. See our guides to bowel incontinence in dogs and urinary incontinence in dogs.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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