Hello, my 8 month old french bulldog suffers from chronic incontinence due to a neurological dysfunction (a form of spina bifida). He was operated on which prevented paralysis of his hind legs; however some damage is irreversible, hence his incontinence.

After many failed attempts and months of his dripping fecal matter everywhere, we seem to have found a diet that suits him (fish, carrots and pasta: all boiled) and which produces fewer and more compact stools; thus easier to clean up.

The issue now is to "attack" the urinary incontinence, which is manifested by constant dribbling all day long, and abundant bladder relief at night. The doctor suggested we use Propalin, however, given how delicate my dog's digestion is, I first wanted to know if anyone has encountered any digestion-related side effects (diarrhea). If so, which would be the best way to counterbalance such a side effect?

It would be awful if, in trying to resolve one problem, I caused another. The puppy is otherwise a VERY happy little fellow, eats for twelve, runs around all day, is full of energy and does not seem to suffer from his condition. I am therefore trying to find the best solution that will be manageable for him and my family.

Any advice or feedback on using Propalin in male dogs would be much appreciated.

thank you
Icaru

Hi icaru and welcome from a french bulldog owner too :)

I'm afraid I haven't any advice for you just that these little furry people are so stoic aren't they and will put up with so much without causing a fuss! Our pupster is 7 months and has had his share of problems but nothing as serious as yours. He has however, had a very sensitive tummy with blood/mucus in his stools which has now cleared up. One thing I do give him everyday is half a banana - I remembered frm when my daughters were babies that I would give them mashed banana when they had diarrhea. The pectin and fibre in the banana would help soak up the bugs and xtra fluid in the gut causing it and add bulk to form a better stool. I don't know if this would help you with your fellows leaky bottom ;)

I do hope you find the answers you are looking for - give your little lad a hug from me and Louis :)

Hi,

I have an older boy who has degeneration of the nerve endings in his rear end which has made him incontinent (urine). The vet tried him on Propalin but was dubious about how useful it would be since it was developed for hormone related incontinence in bitches. Unfortunately, it did not make any difference to my old lad so we just plod along.

Here's hoping your situation will be different though.

ive only every seen it used in bitches so cant comment on how it will work for your little guy. never say any side effects with it, but on the safe side maybe you could ask your vet? i have a small animal drug formulary at home and it states under side effects - incontinence may recur if doses are delayed or missed. the onset of action may take several days. adverse reactions may include restlessness, aggressiveness, irratability and hypertension.

Treatment of urinary incontinence associated with urethral sphincter incompetence in the bitch.
Efficacy has only been demonstrated in ovariohysterectomised bitches.

5.4  Undesirable effects, frequency and seriousness
In the course of field clinical trials, loose stools, liquid diarrhoea, decrease in appetite, arrhythmia and collapse were reported in some dogs. Treatment was continued depending on the severity of the undesirable effect observed.
Sympathomimetics may produce a wide range of effects, most of which mimic the results of excessive stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system (e.g. effects on heart rate and blood pressure).

Quote is from                  http://www.vmd.gov.uk/espcsite/ProductListP.aspx        very useful site for any Meds Chris

I have been using Propalin on a bitch for nearly 7 years and she has not had any side effects what so ever.