To Jennifer (and the rest of you going through this too), I am so sorry. I wish I could offer advice, but all I can do is assure you that you have given Teagan the best life she could ever have had. I hope things work out so that you can continue to provide it for her. Keep us posted!

Jen,
I just saw this and I hate this for you and Miss T.
One thing I am going to suggest you discuss with the vet is a hormone level check for the loss of bladder control. That would be a simple fix.

the potty issue...well...if she has stenosis beginning in her spine and the nerves are being compressed, there is a chance she can lose both bladder and bowel control.

Does she do this on purpose? No. My opinion is she doesn't know she is still full or she doesn't have the capacity to control the flow or passage of feces any more. Sometmes, the simple pressure of feces moving through the bowels will cause a bowel movement and if there is loss of control, an accident will happen.

I didn't see in your post (and I apologize if I missed it) that she was on an opiate for pain. Hambone is back on his Tramadol as well as a NSAID as well as multiple supplements. Pain management goes a long way to stop grumpiness and sometimes out right aggression.

IF she doesn't seem to notice her accidents AND it doesn't mortify her to lose control...diapers...IF you can manage her pain.
As to when...when SHE loses her dignity in living. As hard as it is to let them go when they appear to still enjoy life, we are their guardians. Her zest may be there, but if she only experiences pain, what dignity is there? Manage her pain, do what you can, and make the right decision for Miss T.

If I remember correctly, your three pups are the first dogs you have ever owned. My heart goes out to you. Get all the information from the vet that you can, do what you can, let Miss T lead the way, and don't second guess yourself. All of us support you.

Hug Miss T for me.

Thanks Katie, and thank Jo.

Jo, you're right, they are my first dogs, so I've never gone through this with a dog before. She's not on an opiate for the pain right now, and I'm not sure I want to go there, but we'll see what the vet says. I was thinking, and your post confirmed it, that we should do x-rays as well, just to see what's going on/changed back there.

Hi Jennifer---I'm so sorry it is time for you to make this decision. I always cry reading people's stories about their loved pets and deciding when it is the right time to let them go. You're a good pet owner, and you'll do what is right for Teagan.

Thanks Carolyn.

Teags just had a little accident.... I was hoping she'll rebound or something.

Just keep your decision to see the vet first before worrying. Again, the bladder control may just be hormone related. Bowel problems may be fixable. Love her, keep her clean, give her plenty of time to pee and poop, and breathe.

(I tell myself the same thing so I am passing it on to you... )

Oh, we'll still see the vet and discuss options, I was just hoping she'd rebound anyways, before then.

Just another thought - grumpiness and incontinence could both stem from low thyroid levels. It could be well worth your while testing for this. Even with dog with borderline thyroid levels can have some of the side effects of a low thyroid.

Thanks! She's had washroom issues before when her hips were first being diagnosed, but I will check into it.