RECTAL INCONTINENCE IN DOGS.
This is a difficult problem. Elderly dogs that are incontinent may be improved by medication for geriatric confusion etc. A reader whose dog had a rectal hernia says that you can have an op to tighten the muscles -- discuss (he says) with the vet if she/he is doing both sides, otherwise you will just need a second op for the other side.

If this doesn't work, and it doesn¹t always, it's a question of assisting nature - ie helping the dog to expel the faeces by pressure applied to the sides of the rear end. "Timing is everything." Keeping to a regular routine is important. He suggests feeding your dog a moist rather than dry evening meal. By the following morning, when the dog would normally be exercised, it will attempt to pass a motion. At this point assistance is required. "If this doesn't work, wait till the second walk. Do not worry if you have to wait 24 hours but normally once a day is preferable."

Another reader with the same problem washes the anal area, to keep it clean of faeces, then sprays on an antiseptic Hibitane, and diluted Tee tree oil - check this out with your own vet. Over the counter herbal remedies can sometimes make things worse. If you want to try alterntive remedies for this serious problem, ask for my list of qualified vets who do alternative therapy. There is a homoepathic remedy silicea which may help a little.

Some owners use incontinence pants for human, polyester not plastic. Cut them up the side seams so they can be fitted with the inserted pad going sideways across the dog. Boots nappy booster pads worked fine. Stitch on Velcro and press stud fasteners from Woolworths. Fasten the back end beneath the tail with a nappy pin. Or use a baby-gro to keep them on. One reader used a nappy rash cream and changed the nappies at least once every four hours.

URINARY INCONTINENCE IN DOGS
Urinary incontinence can be a symptom of phantom pregnancy so a veterinary check up is essential. Overflow incontinence can also occur when the animal cannot empty its bladder, and becomes incontinent as the bladder fills up and overflows. Elderly dogs that are incontinent may be improved by medication for geriatric confusion etc.

Some vets put bitches on to human HRT tablets which is often cheaper than canine HRT. Or there is a veterinary drug which reduces urinary incontinence by improving muscle tone It is a syrup which has to be given twice or three times a day. Dogs seem to vary in their response, so the different drugs may not work as well as the one you are using. What's more, these drugs are effective only for one of the many causes of incontinence so further veterinary investigations may be required. "There is also a surgical technique which can cure about half the dogs and helps about 40 per cent more," says Dr Peter Holt, specialist in urology at Bristol University Vets School. "People whose bitches have this problem can ask their vet to refer them for a full investigation to a specialist. Pet insurance will often pay for this."

His researches, with a colleague at Edinburgh University Vets School, suggest that Dobermans, old English sheepdogs, rottweilers, Weineramers and Irish setters are breeds which are slightly more likely than others to suffer from this relatively rare problem. "Some bitches are born with urinary incontinence but will dry up after the first season. So it may be worth letting these breeds have one season before spaying." Spaying before the first season protects bitches from mammary cancer which is why it is often done. Spaying after just one season, not more, also carries some protection.

OVERFLOW INCONTINENCE
Dogs with CRDM cannot release their urine and their incontinence occurs when the bladder literally overflows. They will be much more comfortable when they are regularly helped to pee. Placing a hand on either side of the dog just beneath the hip area, back end of the stomach, and very gentle pressure on the bladder is enough to cause the dog to pass water, according to an owner.