jannie My understanding of the issue is your DH has mobility problems thus an accident once in a while and occasionally problems voiding. There are options to the self cath. In This case I would not suggest a Supra Pubic Catheter. A person who can use his own functioning plumbing but only needs to have a cath to use in times he can not void naturally. The possible problems of a Supra Pubic Catheter are more than just cathing occasionally and from my understanding can not reverse the procedure to normal function sphincter muscle which would cause an incontinence issue for the rest of life. Other than an adult diaper there is a type of collection catheter that uses a condom with a tube attached to a holding bag available at many medical supply stores and your hubby can use this for the times he is having the mobility problems, They can be used/worn for long periods of time in a day. They should left off for some time so they will not cause a tender spot or sore. If your DH has been going potty since he was taught how ask him how can doing your private business in the privacy of a bathroom or bedroom be an embarrassment? Every living thing has to matriculate, if it happens naturally fine if not then a means to do so must be found or death occurs sooner and even uglier. A self-cath is easy for most people and much easier for a man than a woman to accomplish. The procedure is not painful (just rather uncomfortable) if the proper amount of lubricant is used. All insurance plans and recently even medicare/medicaid approve payment for a new catheter every time, if Dotor prescribed. A viable solution to having to pay for UTI (from reusing a plastic tube that can not really be sterilized/cleaned properly) treatments as often. I hope some of this is helpful and your DH can make a choice suitable for his needs and dignity. Lil

All those things might help and definately won't hurt. Dogs have short memories as far as past bad experiences. he may have withdrawal problems, but should return to normal quickly after you get back----as long as you do not feel sorry for him and inject human feelings---which, of course, dogs cannot understand. They simply understand you are different and that causes them to respond differently. Example---we rescued a whippet mix---in the pound, she was the most abject, miserable looking/acting dog I have seen in a very long time. But, our male---for whom she was to be a companion liked her----so home she came. It took us months to get her self esteem raised---and then we left for a weekend. We had the wife's sister(who Molly loves) come take care of the dogs---Molly had a relapse. Her house training disappeared, she would not go outside---my SIL was frantic. Two days after we returned, Molly was back to normal---no after effects at all. The SIL treated Molly like she was in mourning since we left---so the dog responded by doing that exact same thing. So, the folks at the bording facility understand the problems that can arise and are probably competent at handling situations---and being a friend, she will probably do extra. Go---have fun. Don't worry about the dog. And be glad to be reunited, but do not feel guilty when you coame back..

I think being in the shelter for so long (& his age) he just had to 'go' where he was confined. He has been caged, taken outdoors to do his business & then comes in & does it in his cage... or on the floor if out of his cage! Unfortunately, they live on 5 acres unfenced in the country where there are rattlesnakes, & rabbits that he would chase & get lost so he is on a leash when outdoors most of the time. He is praised when he potties outdoors but it doesn't seem to register yet.. but they have had him only about 4 months x the shelter so hopefully he will improve with time & patience. When he is visitung our 4 dogs he sees where they go but he will just do it anywhere-cement patio usually- when he feels the urge! Such a sweet lovable old guy though otherwise! We have never had chihuahas & some tell us they are very stubborn but our 3 Min-Pins learn things quickly (too quickly at times!!)& also our German Shepherds ... we have had 7 of them over the years. Thanks for your suggestions!

Hi Silver, yes I am sure she is medically ok. If she doesnt show signs of urinary urgency (small amounts of urine being passed often that she physically cant hold on to) along with any urinary burning, then she is likely just fine. I used to have to go every 5 mins and dribble and it would burn SO badly. I am sure any of you lovely ladies who have ever suffered cystitis...well x10 and thats how it felt. I was one miserable kid. All is finally good 30 years later:) The only other thing to be slightly aware of is of a tendency towards an immature bladder...that is the nerves and muscles of the bladder can be a little underdeveloped and dont respond as well to the pressure of urine in the bladder. This improves with time, and there are strategies/meds to help train the bladder to hold more and for longer. Believe it or not, voiding frequently ("just in case")when you dont actually feel the urge can worsen the problem. It trains the bladder into sensing the need to void with a small volume, and therefore creating the need to void more frequently. You are right in thinking though that this could very well be an acting out and situational problem-for that i would quietly defer to those moms who have dealt with this types of issues before. That is a challenging problem and my heart goes out to you as you try to resolve it - especially trying to get your ex and his wife on board. Good luck:)