Has anyone ever used PPA?

[leahluvsherpups]

My pup Cody is 7 months old and has been losing control of her bladder in her sleep. She did it again last night so I called the vet. She said it was hapenning as a result of her spay and hormones. So I will pick up the meds tonight. Has anyone had any success with the drug? I just can't wait for when she's not having accidents all over the place. That Natures Miracle is getting expesive.

[Carolk9s]

Never used PPA here.
When was Cody spayed? Did the vet indicate this was a tempory problem that is expected to stop soon?
I've heard of older spayed bitches becoming incontinent as they age but never heard of a pup having this problem. Not saying it does not happen, just new to me.

[leahluvsherpups]

She was spayed 2 and a half months ago. My vet did say it was a temporary thing. I'm hoping that that is all it is as I cant imagine it being more serious.

[Carolk9s]

Has she been having incontinence ever since being spayed or has it started recently? How often does it happen? Does it only happen when she is sleeping? Are you sure she is actually losing control or just not yet able to hold her urine all night? Are you restricting her water intake shortly before bedtime? Does she have a rousing playtime shortly before bedtime without ample time to go out again for the night?

[leahluvsherpups]

Yes her water is restricted. She has only lost control 3 times in the last couple of months and is just in her crate for about 6 hours at night with a potty break around midnight. Last night when she lost control it woke her up and she freaked out by jumping up on the bed. I don't know how she busted out of the crate but she did. I know she's doing it in her sleep because the first time she did it she was sleeping next to me when I felt it and she was sound asleep. Oh yea, and the dogs are outside all the way up to bedtime.

[Carolk9s]

leahluvsherpups,
Hope you are still checking in, I have posed some questions to another list I am on regarding your pup and her incontinence.
Some more questions if you don't mind, just trying to get to the root of this in case it is NOT related to her spay.
What food do you feed? I have been told that Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Lamb & Rice Formula may contain way too much phosphorus which can cause kidney problems, especially in youngsters.
I also got a reply from the resident veterinarian on that list.
Has your pup had a urinalysis run? Been checked for bladder infection? How about bladder stones? While stones are uncommon in young pups, they are not unheard of and could cause this problem as well.
Hope to hear back from you!

[leahluvsherpups]

She is eating Nutro but it's the Max Puppy and as soon as it is gone she's going to eat what my other dogs are eating which is Nutro Light. As for testing, my vet didn't seem to think it is necessary at this time. I started her meds last night so paws crossed. If there was a problem with her kidneys or bladder, would I see any symptoms in her? When she is outside she doesn't go potty alot usually 2 to 3 times in a 3 hour period.

[Carolk9s]

I have passed the additional info along and should get replies soon.
Now I have another question, I think we need TDG for this! The Nutro Lite has just 14% protein, is that enough for a young dog? I would think it is too low for most dogs unless you supplement this food with protein sources such as extra chicken or fish.
I also have been told that spay incontinence is not THAT uncommon is pups spayed so young. It is possible that her vulva was not completely developed, also possible a nerve was damaged during surgery. That may not be the case at all but I will relay all answers I get to you.

[leahluvsherpups]

Thanks Carol,

I have the big dogs on
lite because they were grossly overweight. Niki has lost 8 pounds and Bozy has lost 11. Cody is about 18" and weighs 45lbs and I am only giving her a cup twice a day. I just think she's overweight and I have read that puppy food accelerates growth and she doesn't need any more acceleration.

[Sarahstaff]

I definitely think that your pup should be on adult food, but I agree with Carol that she shouldn't be on light food. Just changing her to an adult kibble rather than the puppy variety should cut her back enough.

[leahluvsherpups]

Thanks Sarah will do. I really like the Nutro brands and so do the dogs. Which one do you think I should switch Cody to?

[courtnek]

does she seem excessively thirsty, and did the vet check for diabetes?


that's one of the major symptoms. they cant help it, they just have to go all the time...

[leahluvsherpups]

No tests whatsoever. I hardly ever see her drink water atleast not any more than the big dogs.

[Sarahstaff]

I don't feed Nutro, but my preference in a kibble is that it not contain corn. Mainly, this is because corn gives Elmo gas, but in fact, corn is difficult for a lot of dogs to digest. Pet food companies use it because it's cheap, not because it's good pet nutrition.

[Carolk9s]

Most replies I received from my other list suggested your pup be tested for UTI. It is possible that the spay and hormones are the culprit but if she only loses control at night, perhaps not. I believe that in general, spay incontinence will result in leaking on a more frequent basis. I just like to cover all the bases.
Also, switch her to adult food as soon as possible, just make sure the protein content and quality are sufficient for a still growing dog.

[leahluvsherpups]

Thanks for all of your time and effort Carol. I will have her tested and will switch the food asap.