September 25th, 2007, 10:52 PM
Hello, first time post.
Lately, while my dog sleeps, she seems to urinate. I've noticed that this seems to happen at any time, even if I take her out, she takes a nap for about an hour or so, and I see a urine spot when she wakes up. Is this something that can be corrected by myself and family, or is it something a vet has to look at and personally diagnose? Lastly, she is about 14 years old.
Also, with animal dentistry, are many vets able to perform dental work, or is that a more specialized field that is just found at an animal hospital?
September 25th, 2007, 11:01 PM
Welcome to the board, NextTime. :D
I'm afraid you'll need a vet to figure out what is ailing Bingo. It could be a urinary tract infection, but it sounds a lot like spay incontinence. Is she spayed? Sometimes after spaying (especially as the dog ages), the lack of estrogen can lead to loss of bladder control. It's a cheap treatment--either estrogen supplements or phenylpropanolamine tablets. But you'll need a vet to determine exactly what's going on.
Not sure what percentage of vets do dental cleanings. If you call around to clinics your area, you'll get a better feel for what's available. Don't forget to ask for price schedules, too--we've found that vet clinics can vary widely in what they charge for a cleaning.
I'd be utterly remiss if I didn't ask you if you have any pictures of your furbaby to share with us. We love pictures! :thumbs up
September 25th, 2007, 11:14 PM
Thanks for your speedy and informative reply.
She was spayed when she was younger, just to answer your question.
Also, on the topic of dental, would it be possible for severe tooth decay to be corrected by a vet with dental qualifications. When I was younger and my father was helping me raise my dog, I was pretty much ignorant when it came to tooth care. My father never told me she needed dental care, and he never told me to brush her teeth, so I didn't think about it. I guess the vet we brought her too never told him anything. It wasn't until my 3rd solo visit to the vet with my dog that I was told about tooth decay. Nowadays, I just feel really terrible and guilty for that ignorance of crucial dog care.
Sorry for the big story, but I just always feel guilty and responsible for any possible pain she ever has.
September 25th, 2007, 11:44 PM
Well you wouldn't love your dog if your didn't feel responsible for her now would you ! :laughing:
Definitely speak with your Vet about spay incontinence. As Hazel said, sometimes as a female dog ages her ureter's sphincter relaxes. Happily it's a simple fix. Worthwile to to take a urine sample in with you for analysis to rule out any infection.
There are specialists who work solely in dentistry ~ ask your Vet for a referral after they have done an initial assessment.