I had a spinal injury a few years ago and the surgeon warned me of permanent nerve damage causing incontinence being a potential consequence if it got worse. It's called "cauda equina syndrome", I did a quick search and it looks like it occurs in dogs too. Essentially you lose all nerve feeling on your bowel, hence not knowing when you need to go. I'm not sure what the solution is (if any) but it could be a clue.
Fecal Incontinence Post-Surgery
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My first thought is related to the recent surgery... is your pup taking any antibiotics or other post-surgery meds that may be affecting his digestion?
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@elbrant He was in Rimadyl and Flagyl through yesterday.
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@amongmany This is something no-one should guess at. It is a question for the Vet -and if this one is at a loss, find another one. Take as much information with you as possible from the vet who carried out the procedure and possibly get him involved with another vet in discussions. But it is a matter that a vet should solve.
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@zande Yes, obviously we're working closely with the vet to resolve the issue. But given the depth of experience that folks here have with B's compared to the average vet, it seemed prudent to ask to see if anyone has dealt with something similar.
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@amongmany - I would maybe talk to the Vet about the Rimadyl? I have had Lipomas removed and never had a Vet give Rimadyl but I have never had this issue? Could be a reaction to the combo of Rimadyl and Flagyl? Did the vet give you a reason for the Rimadyl? Please remember that I am NOT a Vet and do NOT pretend to be so.... So I agree with Zande that if you are not getting answers from your Vet, get a second opinion.
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@tanza The Rimadyl is a pain reliever. I did ask about the possibility of the meds causing the issues. Doc indicated that was unlikely, but obviously we're pursuing all angles.
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I looked up Rimadyl. Interesting possible side effects include diarrhea. . Obviously clear it with your vet, but if it was my dog I would stop the Rimadyl if you haven't already and see what happens.
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@eeeefarm I saw that as well. The odd thing is that he doesn't have diarrhea — when he goes #2 on a walk, it's fine. He's just...leaking a bit when he's napping/sleeping and relaxed. He's finished the Rimadyl as of a couple of days ago.
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@amongmany said in Fecal Incontinence Post-Surgery:
He was in Rimadyl and Flagyl through yesterday....
He's just...leaking a bit when he's napping/sleeping and relaxed.A quick Google search suggested that diarrhea isn't unexpected with either of these drugs. Could the leakage be a result of the combination of the drugs?
- Rimadyl ... potential side effects, which can range from mild to serious.... Diarrhea
- The most common side effect of Flagyl (aka metronidazole) is diarrhea...
I don't know how long the drugs will stay in his system, but I'm leaning towards the idea that he would return to normal once the drugs dissipate. I am also (curious) why your DVM didn't think about the side effects of the medication(s) as possible contributing factors and jumped straight into another procedure.
(Doggie diapers are always an option until the issue is resolved.)
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A quick Google search suggested that diarrhea isn't unexpected with either of these drugs. Could the leakage be a result of the combination of the drugs?
- Rimadyl ... potential side effects, which can range from mild to serious.... Diarrhea
- The most common side effect of Flagyl (aka metronidazole) is diarrhea...
I don't know how long the drugs will stay in his system, but I'm leaning towards the idea that he would return to normal once the drugs dissipate. I am also (curious) why your DVM didn't think about the side effects of the medication(s) as possible contributing factors and jumped straight into another procedure.
(Doggie diapers are always an option until the issue is resolved.)
I agree with elbrant the side effects from the drugs are likely causing the fecal leaking. As the human, I had to be on a long course of Flagyl having contracted Amoebic Dysentery in Nepal. Believe me, I was never far from a bathroom while taking this drug.
