Dog accidents- help!
My 7.5yr old male lab/golden mix has begun having accidents over the last several weeks. Some of them do not seem like accidents, in fact, he usually does not even make an effort to go to the door. He also has been having tremors, will pace endlessly and sometimes just stands and stares into the closet. He has been tested for kidney function, urinary tract infection, and has had a normal abdominal ultrasound and pelvic x-ray. Has anyone had a similar experience? Could this be behavioral? I don’t know what to do next.
GlenBethJ
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All of these tests were normal and the vet has no idea what is going on?
Has the vet discussed any kind of neurological disorder with you?
redfire
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No. He does have a history of seizures but has not had one in over 5 years. He has been off of seizure medication for this long as well. One of the incidents he lifted his leg on the side of our couch. This one almost seemed deliberate. At the same time, he clearly is not right. (i.e. tremors, etc.)
GlenBethJ
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The tremors and the past history of seizures seem to almost suggest some sort of neurological disorder. However, lifting his leg on the side of the couch does seem deliberate…has he been under any stress lately? New family members? Renovation to the house, etc?
I would seek a second opinion about him and maybe even speak to a specialist.
redfire
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Thanks for the help. Yes, it did seem to begin the week we had a new septic system installed and there were lots of new people around and lots of digging and work in the yard.
GlenBethJ
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Everything you described in your first post are symptoms of seizures. Dogs do not always thrash about when seizing. Some even sit & bite the air as tho catching flys which is also a seizure.
Have they not done any nurologicial testing? I’d insist on it. I don’t think his actions are behaviorial or of his choosing.
suebgone
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I’d also recommend having his thyroid checked. That probably wouldn’t have been done as part of a standard blood panel, so you’ll have to request another blood test specifically for thyroid testing. Hypothyroidism is a common cause of seizures in dogs.
The pacing and closet staring also may be symptoms of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction. There are meds that can be used to treat CCD. Ask your vet to explore that possibility.
Tempest