peeing problem - 12 year old

[LucyTudeOn4Feet]

We went through this with Lucy. She needed to pee every 2 hours at best, and if there were thunder storms, or noises outside, or she had night time anxiety, it was a lot more frequently. We used washable diaper covers for dogs - we got them at PetSmart. And then inside them, we used basic men's incontinence pads from Walmart. If I remember right, I used the mens based on advice received here that they were a bit bigger or thicker than the womens. She didn't really seem to care about wearing the diapers, once in a while we'd come home and find it off, but usually it stayed on. I'm sorry you're going through this with Cilek, it's so sad to watch them become geriatric. My heart grew by leaps and bounds for Lucy at this time, and I didn't know that was possible.

[Mollysmomma]

Hi Oya! I am sorry you are having these troubles with Cilek! It makes my heart hurt for you & for her.....as you know my Molly is almost 13 now & has the problems getting up, too, because her hind legs are weak. Did you get that lifting harness, and does it help at all? I have the one from Solve It, but I haven't been putting it on Molly lately......I used it lots when we had ice & snow, but now that the weather is nice, Molly seems to be doing a little better, & it seemed like the harness was uncomfortable for her when she was laying down, & it almost seemed to make it worse for her to get up. But she only has the peeing problem when she gets excited if a friend comes in. Then she pees from one end of the house to the other. It's like she can't squat right anymore either--she has to keep moving. Our poor old girls--I remember we were friends since our girls were young! I guess the diapers might be worth a try, & also there is some kind of indoor potty thing like fake grass that you can get (I think the company that sells it might have a category on this board?). But I'm not sure if that would work, as Cilek would have to be trained to go to it, & it seems like she might not get that much advance warning that she needs to "go." Also, you might try the meds from the vet--I've never had to use them, but you never know, Molly might need that at some point too.

I know it is "the way of things...." but it sure is hard to watch our precious babies get old......so sending along lots of hugs for you & Cilek & Tilya & the kitty too......

[POPTOP]

It's so hard when they get older and the infirmities that come with age. Melody had bowel incontinence and it was contributed to her lower spine arthritis impinging on nerves. Thankfully, Tramadol helped her with the discomfort and also helped with the incontinence.

Otherwise, diapers might be the solution. The one concern is skin scalding from the urine. If you do go that route, discuss some kind of skin protection for her.

Sending gentle hugs and prayers for Cilek.

[capra]

I know what you mean.

With Hershey, his behavior told me that he wasn't happy. I figured that the two pain meds he was on weren't really controlling his pain. He was also obviously freaked out when he lost control of his legs. He was already hiding in his bed a lot and I figured the diapers would send him over the edge...so I spared him that. I tell myself that I let him die with what dignity he had left. Hersh was the kind of dog who knew who he was and didn't have to prove anything to anybody...he was just a great self-assured but not arrogant easy-going dog. And then "he" disappeared. No-brainer for me.

But it sounds like Cilek still enjoys her life, yes? The diapers might be sad for you (believe me...I do understand what you mean) but not faze her one bit. I mean...look at all of the dogs we know or at least see or hear about who live their lives hooked up to carts after accidents or whatever and seem to be enjoying themselves. (Remember Nancy's dog Daisy? I know you do.) That logic didn't work on me with Hershey but life enjoyment is a big factor. And who knows...she just might get to like all the attention she'll get if she's wearing pretty (pink?) panties over her diapers....

Cilek enjoys life yes. She enjoys lots of things. She just doesn't want to walk much and sleeps more.
Yesterday was the first time that I realized she is old. Of course I knew that she is a senior but yesterday it seemed so clear.
At night I read rainbow bridge and senior labs sections to see at what age labs were dying. It was about 12-13 years most of the time. I also read about a number of 14 year old labs. I read a few stories just like Cilek, first having difficulties in walking and standing on her own, then incontinence, plus hearing loss (Çilek also has) or some other things. Most of the time they deteriorated fast and died. Some died suddenly, some with help.
Cilek is 12 years 4 months old.

Yesterday she didn't have any pee issues.

[capra]

We went through this with Lucy. She needed to pee every 2 hours at best, and if there were thunder storms, or noises outside, or she had night time anxiety, it was a lot more frequently. We used washable diaper covers for dogs - we got them at PetSmart. And then inside them, we used basic men's incontinence pads from Walmart. If I remember right, I used the mens based on advice received here that they were a bit bigger or thicker than the womens. She didn't really seem to care about wearing the diapers, once in a while we'd come home and find it off, but usually it stayed on. I'm sorry you're going through this with Cilek, it's so sad to watch them become geriatric. My heart grew by leaps and bounds for Lucy at this time, and I didn't know that was possible.

I'm so sorry that you also went through all these. It's really so sad.
Cilek lost her hearing, not totally but you should talk really loud for her to hear. She doesn't react to the outside noise. At one side it is good and also not good.
Was Lucy wearing the diaper all day long?
I'll not start on diaper right now but it seems like at one point I'll need to.

[capra]

Hi Oya! I am sorry you are having these troubles with Cilek! It makes my heart hurt for you & for her.....as you know my Molly is almost 13 now & has the problems getting up, too, because her hind legs are weak. Did you get that lifting harness, and does it help at all? I have the one from Solve It, but I haven't been putting it on Molly lately......I used it lots when we had ice & snow, but now that the weather is nice, Molly seems to be doing a little better, & it seemed like the harness was uncomfortable for her when she was laying down, & it almost seemed to make it worse for her to get up. But she only has the peeing problem when she gets excited if a friend comes in. Then she pees from one end of the house to the other. It's like she can't squat right anymore either--she has to keep moving. Our poor old girls--I remember we were friends since our girls were young! I guess the diapers might be worth a try, & also there is some kind of indoor potty thing like fake grass that you can get (I think the company that sells it might have a category on this board?). But I'm not sure if that would work, as Cilek would have to be trained to go to it, & it seems like she might not get that much advance warning that she needs to "go." Also, you might try the meds from the vet--I've never had to use them, but you never know, Molly might need that at some point too.

I know it is "the way of things...." but it sure is hard to watch our precious babies get old......so sending along lots of hugs for you & Cilek & Tilya & the kitty too......

Hi
We are living the same situation, it is really sad.
Yes I bought that harness and I'm very happy about it. If I'm at home she wears it (not everyday though). She doesn't wear it when I'm out or when I'm sleeping.
She sleeps with it with no problem. I checked her to see if it causes any skin problems, up to now everything is perfect.
When we go for walk she has it on to help her especially on the stairs. Otherwise she walks by herself slowly.


I'm considering to give a try to a med. I'll talk to the vet to see what he thinks.
Today I put some mattress pads at home on the ground. I don't think she will use them but I'll try.
Thank you so much for your comments. On one side it's good to have friends who know what you feel, on the other side you know that they understand you because they're also going through the same sad thing.

[MontananDakota]

I suppose if we all reach old enough age that we too may need diapers once again. Breaks my heart but if she is otherwise happy and comfortable, I would just put down some piddle pads so that she doesn't feel stressed if she cant hold it.

[Mollysmomma]

Hi again....

I just typed a whole long post, but then lost it somehow--hit a wrong button, I guess. I don't have the energy to retype the whole thing right now, so just want to say thanks for posting the picture of Cilek with her harness on--what a sweet & beautiful girl......I like your harness better than the Solvit one I got for Molly--yours looks more comfortable......sending along hugs!

I tried to send a picture of Molly with her harness on but I have a new computer & can't figure out how to do a picture either....have to make lunches for tomorrow, so will try to post again soon when I have a little more energy than I do tonight......

[capra]

Hi again.... I just typed a whole long post, but then lost it somehow--hit a wrong button, I guess. I don't have the energy to retype the whole thing right now, so just want to say thanks for posting the picture of Cilek with her harness on--what a sweet & beautiful girl......I like your harness better than the Solvit one I got for Molly--yours looks more comfortable......sending along hugs! I tried to send a picture of Molly with her harness on but I have a new computer & can't figure out how to do a picture either....have to make lunches for tomorrow, so will try to post again soon when I have a little more energy than I do tonight......

Sorry, I couldn't reply earlier. Thanks for your long post even if it's lost If you can I would like to see Molly's picture
I have some updates.
Took Cilek to the vet on Saturday. This is a vet specialized on joint problems. He said Cilek's joints are really bad. She has arthritis both on her hip and vertebra. Luckly, no problems in nerves. Incontinence did not repeat again so it might be something caused by pain or I don't know. In the end she has arthritis on her vertebra. It might affect her bladder control vet said.
She had a check-up and everything is perfect, huge relief because I was afraid of kidney problems.
For the joint issue, she will have gold bead implantation on thursday.
I'll write a new post about it when I have more time. I hope it will work.

[SunDance]

Ouch. I hope her treatment will take care of the pain...I'll be interested in hearing about how that goes. Spinal arthritis definitely can affect the bladder...Hershey didn't even know he had a bladder anymore.

All good thoughts headed your way for all of you. (that pic of Momo and Cilek is precious, by the way)