Hello and thank you for writting in.
Can you tell me if her bowel movements are normal during the day.?
Does she get in position to go or does it just fall out?
When she goes in her sleep is it normal and formed or is the stool loose?
Ok, Thank you for the information.
I just have a few more questions?
Did your vet do x-rays?
Do you know if a recat exam was done?
Ok,
I can understand your frustration. Bowel incontinence will most often have some symptoms during the day as well as at night. So the fact that she is only having this problem when she sleeps would lead me to belive the problem may be neurological.
I would recommend having a complete neurological exam done as well as x rays, there may be a reason she is not fully eliminating during the days and the feces that is left in the rectum is being released when she relaxes all her muscles in the rectum during sleep.X-rays may be able to tell if there is any disc or spinal compression or lesions.
If there is a veterinary neurologist in your area you may want to have a consultation as this is their area of expertize. I think this would be the best option. Your girl is much younger then most dogs that present with this problem, so I would continue to seek the cause.
I do not believe that her diet would be the cause of this as you would see symptoms all the time and not just while sleeping.
Please keep me updated on her progress.
Candy
Her stools are always like pellets
Ok, This changes things somewhat, This was the reason I asked about the stools earlier on.
If the stools are always like pellets then this is not normal and could be a sign of constipation. It may be that she is just not expelling all of the hard stool in her rectum and the remaining is just falling out when she relaxes these muscles.
In this case a change in food to one that is higher in fiber may be beneficial. Change the food slowly to avoid stomach upset. You can also try adding a small amount of real pumpkin to her daily diet. Real pumpkin only not pie filling.You can also sprinkle a small about of metamucil on her food to add fiber and soften her stool.
Veterinary Technician
Practicing Veterinary Technician for 23 years. Veterinary Practice Owner, Technician Trainer