Senior Poodle with Fecal Incontinence

by Karen
(Bossier La.)

My 13 year old poodle was diagnosed with rectal and colon inflammation, and was administered antibiotics with anti-inflammatory medication.

His rectum isn't as red and swollen as it was, but he has been having problems with fecal incontinence.

He doesn't have diarrhea, just small firm but not hard droppings every now and then. He has always been well house trained, and for the past three weeks he has no control. He can be walking and a small piece of feces will fall out.

I changed his diet with boiled chicken and rice along with Purina EN special diet for gastro problems, hard dog food. His appetite is very good considering this problem he's been having along with congested heart failure (taking meds for that).

Can you suggest what the problem might be, to contribute everything he's been going through.

Thanks,

Karen

Veterinarian Suggestion regarding Poodle with canine fecal incontinence

Hi Karen,

Fecal incontinence is a problem that we do see with some frequency in older dogs. Sometimes it is due to neurologic problems that affect the end of a dog’s gastrointestinal tract or diseases of the colon and anal area themselves. I’m afraid that I can’t determine which is to blame without examining your dog. The inflammation that you describe could be either the cause or an effect of your dog’s incontinence.

If you haven’t already followed up with the veterinarian who initially diagnosed your dog, call him or her with an update. Your vet is in the best position to determine what is going on and what form of treatment might be most effective.

Options could range between a change in diet, continued treatment for infection and/or inflammation, or additional diagnostic testing.

Good luck,

Jennifer Coates, DVM