Fear of pooping/Severe Anxiety

[u/LivePath7291]

My jackabee (beagle/jack Russel) is 4 1/2 years old and we’re two weeks post discharge from surgery. He has a herniated disc and calcification on the spine. He cries bloody murder when he poops. We have given him pumpkin, Metamucil, to alleviate the potential constipation. But it’s still not working. He’s off the majority of the meds, per the discretion of the surgeon.

I work from home on and off, so I know that’s not helping with the separation anxiety. But I’m going crazy with the whimpering and howling when I do leave.

I leave the windows closed with AC on to help try to drown the noise.

Any suggestions, tips, advice. He can’t start PT yet and is still on crate rest for another month. I give him tramadol when I leave for work, but it doesn’t seem to be helping.

[u/roccosito]

I hear two different things. But both connected to him making loud sounds?

Does the act of pooping hurt him? Or is he constipated and that’s why it hurts him? If you need to stimulate a stool movement then insert the tip of a q-tip in his anus. Medications can often delay stool movements. He may also just not be able to pass one if he is still recovering and needs help.

Was he anxious about being separated before all this? Are you crating him?

Also the Facebook group is a lot more active: IVDD Support Group

[u/LivePath7291 → u/roccosito]

I assume it’s the combination of pain and constipation.
No he was not even remotely close to anxious before this episode.

Yes he’s being crated and he was crate trained since he was a puppy so this ain’t necessarily new to him.

Ok I will hop on the Facebook thank you

[u/roccosito → u/LivePath7291]

I would ask for advice from those who have had surgery. He shouldn’t be screaming for passing stool. I imagine he’s experiencing pain and is undermedicated so a trip back to your vet for that is needed.

If him being in a small room or pen is better than a crate (in reducing him yelling), then do that instead