More POOP issues AKA GUM NUTS
Well, the other night I discovered the source of the problem. When we go out for last call at night he almost always poops. I happened to notice last night as I was lifting his back end up the steps (he can no longer manage to get up the steps) and I was nose to butt that there was still a nugget of poop in his rectum (he had not fully expelled it). So back down the steps we went. I thought that perhaps if we walked a bit (he has always been a walking pooper) he would get rid of the last bit of poo. He didn't. I then reached down and massaged thatspace on either side of his rectum from above and the poop popped out. This has happened a few nights in a row. It appears that he is unable to completely push the poo out, then comes in and curls up in the bed and at some point it is expelled.  Anyone else with an aging sheepie had this problem? His appointment with the Vet is next week I just thought I would ask you guys too. |
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| gin, maybe he is a little constipated??!! what if you gave him something to soften the stool a bit? that might help... |
| Tasker has always been prone to diarrhea, so I hate to mess with his bowels. His poop seems to be his "normal" consistency. My fear is that there is some neurological issue which is interferring with his ability evacuate his bowels.
That combined with his back end stiffness and inability to climb stairs makes me fear that there is some kind of spinal issue going on. I have no doubt that next week will be the start of extensive testing  |
| Ginny ask the vet about putting Metamucil in his dinner to help him get rid of the last of it before coming inside. It wont upset his tummy but just gives him a bit more help to expell all in one go and wont make it runny either.
When dogs have perinial hernias where they are having trouble emptying out in one go Metamucil is given to aid them without constant straining. Used it on my previous girl as same problem as Tasker is having now just to help her pass it without constant straining and walking around & around trying to drop bits of gum nuts everywhere. Muscle weakness in the back end so they do find it hard to expell it all in one go. |
Tasker's Mom wrote: That combined with his back end stiffness and inability to climb stairs makes me fear that there is some kind of spinal issue going on. I have no doubt that next week will be the start of extensive testing
Ginny -- I hope it is nothing too serious for your dear boy. Maybe some simple remedies will do the trick (and hopefully for a long while. . . ) Wishing you the best results . . . |
| Thanks!
I do think Lisa is correct, it seems as if he just lacks the strength to get the last of it out. I have noticed over the last year it has taken him longer and longer to "go", now it seems he walks endless circles straining all the while. |
| That does sound like a logical explanation. He doesn't have the muscle strength any more to expel the poop. Perhaps the Metamucil will do the trick. Crossing my fingers for you both that there is an easy fix. |
| Ginny, I cringed as I read this as it sounds like Tasker's heading down the same road as Drez did. I agree that he probably doesn't have the muscle strength to expel all the poop at once, but I don't think he's straining to go. In fact, if he's like Drez was, he doesn't even KNOW he's not finished - the feeling slowly diminished in her hind quarters.
I know all too well about lifting them up the stairs. Have you gotten to the point where he can't go down? Good luck at the vet next week.  |
| He can still go down the stairs, slowly. We also have to lift him in and out of the car, he has ALWAYS jumped right in. Now he just stands there and stares |
| We went to the Vets last night. Didn't really find out anything I didn't already know.
Tasker is old. We did have an xray of his back and hips, gave him a very mild sedative and was able to get adequate pictures. As expected he has significant arthritic changes in his ships and spine. In the past we have not had very good luck with the anti steroidals so we are going to try heavy duty supplements; Cosequin, Derm Caps and some other supplement I can't remember the name of but it's high in Omega 3's. The Vet also gave me some literature on a special prescription "joint diet" but for now we are going to try the supplements for 4-6 weeks. His poop problem is due to spinal weakness and pain with Pushing the poo out. I'll just keep "helping him". He also confirmed what I pretty much knew, Tasker has very little sight left and only in VERY bright light (which explains the running into FIre Trucks at the Fire House  ) due clouding of the lens.
The Vet also told me that dogs can in fact get senile dementia. Not sure if Tasker is senile or just doing odd things because he can't see. There is a medication they are trying but it's expensive and my Vet didn't seem too enthusiastic about it. But other than that he's in pretty good health. We were majorly otimistic and went ahead with the 3 year distemper shot............ |
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