Lucy saw an IM specialist yesterday at OSU. She was there all day and the diagnosis was :
URINARY INCONTINENCE - SUSPECT URETHRAL SPHINCTER MECHANISM INCOMPETENCE.
Whatever that means. They did x rays which were negative for stones. The preliminary urinalysis was negative for bacteria or infection but they are sending it away for a culture.
Basically, they said it could be caused due to low estrogen or the Royal Canin diet, etc. etc. They don't think it has anything to do with her liver as her numbers are 'subclinical' and the stones were a different kind. Her bloodwork was good; BP good, etc. They didn't say how the bladder surgery might have impacted the incontinence.
Bottom line, they recommend that I increase her "Proin" to 1/4 tab three times per day as opposed to twice a day. If that doesn't work - they will consider adding estrogen.
THEY CALLED HER VET
and made arrangements for her to have her BP checked in two weeks. And I will need additional medication this week. So I won't be escaping from him until I get that.
Anyway, a pretty good report - I still have no idea as to the cause - but they are convinced that she is on the right food for her and the right medication for her and she may need to be at the increased dosage for several months. Her BP was very good and that is their main concern with the Proin. So that did give me some peace of mind; that we are on the right track.
The IM mentioned that if this does not help - they could consider an ultrasound and cystoscopy to rule out any other disease process. Last resort - placement of a urethral occlusion device - which the IM said may not be an option due to Lucy's small size and probably not something she would consider for her own dog, she said.
That's where we're at!