My Neuf is ten. He has little control of his bowels for months now. He smells and I am always cleaning up after him.I was told it was because of his age and his weak hips (he has difficulty getting up). He had a history of inner infections, probably caused by use of many steroids and antibiotics for hot spots. We finally have that under control (his problem was yeast). Now, I don'y know what to do except maybe euthanise him as the bowel problem is constant and very difficult. Does anyone have any suggestions or help? I am at a loss as to what to do. Thank you. Tina (e-mail: csherman51@hotmail.com).
loose bowels
- Thread starter Tina
- Start date
Maggiesmom
New member
I went through a similar thing with Arthur in the last several months of his life. It first started in his sleep, he'd poop and sleep right through it. Then it started happening when he got startled too. Then sometimes the urge to go would strike him but he didnt have enough time to get outside and was going while he was walking. It just kept progressing. What the vet told me is cuz he had such bad arthritis in his hips that the nerves that normaly control the pooping just couldnt work right anymore. It wasnt that bad, not a daily thing or anything more of about 1 time a wk sometimes 2. What made the decision for me to put him to sleep was his hips got so he couldnt get up by himself, or walk up or down the 1 step in and out of the house anylonger. Then cuz he no longer could do the things he enjoyed and was in a good deal of pain even with the meds I knew it was time. The poopin part I just dealt with. But I would strongly urge a long honest conversation with your vet. It will be one of the hardest conversations you'll ever have but then you can make an informed decision. My heart goes out to you.... I know how hard it is.
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Shawn....
Maggie, JoJo, Alex, & Destiny too
http://www.geocities.com/furrycritterspage/furrycritterspage.html
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Shawn....
Maggie, JoJo, Alex, & Destiny too
http://www.geocities.com/furrycritterspage/furrycritterspage.html
Sound Bay Newfs
Active member
I'm sorry to hear that your newf is not feeling well. I really don't know much about this though. But having a 9 yr. old dog, that doesn't get around like he used to, I can somewhat identify with your desperate feeling. It's tough watching your friend like this. I guess at some point, you, along with your vet, will have to decide how much pain he is in and how much his quality of life is effected. I'm sure it will be a tough decision to make and I wish you luck. I really wish I could be of more help. Good luck and let us know how things are progressing.
Lynn
Lynn
In reading your post on Newf-net this evening ...I wish I had appropriate and comforting words to send ...however... it always seems when I need them most, I simply can't find them......but my heart and prayers go out to you.
I have lost two best friends over the years ...two Newfies ...one named Jeepers and the other Keifer. We encountered situations hauntingly similar to those you describe. I really didn't care about anyone else's advice ...from my vet I knew that there was nothing that could be done ...and I knew both were so uncomfortable. But it was a decision I made with each dog .....we decided together. I remember my last evening with each of them and recalled their days as puppies, young adults, and finally insightful old men. They had brought so much happiness (and pleasant chaos) into my life and asked so little in return ...a warm bed, clean water, healthy food ...and all the love I could share with them.
The mornings we said goodbye ....on each occasion..... I asked my vet to come to my home to put them to sleep ....she was helpful, respectful, and gentle ...and my babies fell to sleep in my arms for one last time.......
Time passes and I now have a new puppy in my family ....he is an almost 9 month old black Newfie (with a white crescent on his chest) named Wesley. He seems to be an old soul, quiet, insightful, and proud ....gentle and loving .....its not only fun, but comforting watching him run throughout the yard and house .... perhaps the one last gift I gave to my old guys was to continue the love I shared with them ....
I have lost two best friends over the years ...two Newfies ...one named Jeepers and the other Keifer. We encountered situations hauntingly similar to those you describe. I really didn't care about anyone else's advice ...from my vet I knew that there was nothing that could be done ...and I knew both were so uncomfortable. But it was a decision I made with each dog .....we decided together. I remember my last evening with each of them and recalled their days as puppies, young adults, and finally insightful old men. They had brought so much happiness (and pleasant chaos) into my life and asked so little in return ...a warm bed, clean water, healthy food ...and all the love I could share with them.
The mornings we said goodbye ....on each occasion..... I asked my vet to come to my home to put them to sleep ....she was helpful, respectful, and gentle ...and my babies fell to sleep in my arms for one last time.......
Time passes and I now have a new puppy in my family ....he is an almost 9 month old black Newfie (with a white crescent on his chest) named Wesley. He seems to be an old soul, quiet, insightful, and proud ....gentle and loving .....its not only fun, but comforting watching him run throughout the yard and house .... perhaps the one last gift I gave to my old guys was to continue the love I shared with them ....
Hi Tina,
Your post made me weepy. I really feel for you and your guy! I very much hope something can be done for him. Old dogs are the best dogs.
I've known dogs with this problem, and the people who loved them, so I know this is very difficult for you, and I worry that it is even more difficult for your Newf. I don't know his personality or temperament, but I know some dogs (especially older dogs) are very proud. Controlling their bowels is one of the first things we teach dogs, and if an old dog's body says "no way", the dog can feel a lot of shame...he can't be a "good dog" anymore.
Definitely seek a second (perhaps a third) opinion. If really nothing can be done, and your dog seems very humiliated, then it is (as mentioned above) a quality of life issue.
Whatever happens, tell him all the time what a good boy he is, and be proud of him. He has, after all, earned it.
Audrey
[This message has been edited by Odri (edited 03-05-2002).]
Your post made me weepy. I really feel for you and your guy! I very much hope something can be done for him. Old dogs are the best dogs.
I've known dogs with this problem, and the people who loved them, so I know this is very difficult for you, and I worry that it is even more difficult for your Newf. I don't know his personality or temperament, but I know some dogs (especially older dogs) are very proud. Controlling their bowels is one of the first things we teach dogs, and if an old dog's body says "no way", the dog can feel a lot of shame...he can't be a "good dog" anymore.
Definitely seek a second (perhaps a third) opinion. If really nothing can be done, and your dog seems very humiliated, then it is (as mentioned above) a quality of life issue.
Whatever happens, tell him all the time what a good boy he is, and be proud of him. He has, after all, earned it.
Audrey
[This message has been edited by Odri (edited 03-05-2002).]
Sound Bay Newfs
Active member
Tina, let us know how things are working out for you and your friend.
Lynn
Lynn
Jeannie
Super Moderator
Welcome Tina
As I read through these posts my eyes filled with tears. My Sara will be 11 in May and I am so afraid of the dreadful day. I pray that she can fall asleep in my arms naturally. BUT now she is still very healthy and happy and alert so I thank God each day for this and pray for many more days.
Tina, as far as your boy (Jack?) have you tried any different foods. I know that as Sara got older her body could not handle some foods. Even foods that she ate just fine before. I finally tried Bill Jack Select and her stools are normal. I have to drive over an hour each way to get her food, but she is well worth every minute--she loves to go with me.
Please keep up posted on what happens. We will say a prayer for you -- for wisdom and strength
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Jeannie and the rescues
Sara, Samantha and Panda
www.newfland.com
As I read through these posts my eyes filled with tears. My Sara will be 11 in May and I am so afraid of the dreadful day. I pray that she can fall asleep in my arms naturally. BUT now she is still very healthy and happy and alert so I thank God each day for this and pray for many more days.
Tina, as far as your boy (Jack?) have you tried any different foods. I know that as Sara got older her body could not handle some foods. Even foods that she ate just fine before. I finally tried Bill Jack Select and her stools are normal. I have to drive over an hour each way to get her food, but she is well worth every minute--she loves to go with me.
Please keep up posted on what happens. We will say a prayer for you -- for wisdom and strength
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Jeannie and the rescues
Sara, Samantha and Panda
www.newfland.com
Jeannie
Super Moderator
Dennis,
I had to read again your post. Such a wonderful discription of how you made your decision and remembering the lifetime you spent with each newf. Then holding them as they drift off to another world. You are right -- They don't ask for much but they give so much in return.
I think everyone should stop reading this post right now and go hug your newfs and give each a special treat.
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Jeannie and the rescues
Sara, Samantha and Panda
www.newfland.com
I had to read again your post. Such a wonderful discription of how you made your decision and remembering the lifetime you spent with each newf. Then holding them as they drift off to another world. You are right -- They don't ask for much but they give so much in return.
I think everyone should stop reading this post right now and go hug your newfs and give each a special treat.
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Jeannie and the rescues
Sara, Samantha and Panda
www.newfland.com
Dear Tina,
I just wanted you to know that my thoughts are with you as you go through this difficult time. My family had to make the tough decision to put our 13 yr. old Mocha down. While she didn't have the bowel problems that Jack has, she was diagnosed with lymphosarcoma about a month prior. She was already dealing with being nearly blind and deaf, and her hips were getting really bad...then the cancer seemed to take whatever strength she had left away...to the point where she could not get up or stand on her own power any more...it was a really tough decision, but it was the right thing to do for our Mocha...it was our last act of love for her...I hope that things work out for the best with you and Jack....take care.
Geoff
I just wanted you to know that my thoughts are with you as you go through this difficult time. My family had to make the tough decision to put our 13 yr. old Mocha down. While she didn't have the bowel problems that Jack has, she was diagnosed with lymphosarcoma about a month prior. She was already dealing with being nearly blind and deaf, and her hips were getting really bad...then the cancer seemed to take whatever strength she had left away...to the point where she could not get up or stand on her own power any more...it was a really tough decision, but it was the right thing to do for our Mocha...it was our last act of love for her...I hope that things work out for the best with you and Jack....take care.
Geoff
I wish so very much that I had an answer that would fix your boy right up.
I hope with all my heart that you somehow find that answer. (Perhaps it could be he needs a change of diet like Sara. I'd like to add my name to the long list of those thinking of and praying for you and your Newf.
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A tribute to his Newfoundland:
"... beauty without vanity
strength without insolence
courage without ferocity
and all the virtues of man without his vices"
- Lord Byron, 1808
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A tribute to his Newfoundland:
"... beauty without vanity
strength without insolence
courage without ferocity
and all the virtues of man without his vices"
- Lord Byron, 1808