French bulldog, age 11, female (spayed), 25 lbs, has neurological condition. My Frenchie started dragging her back paw last August, her mobility seemed weakened in the back leg, and she sometimes moves unsteadily and wobbly. She also started pooping in the house regularly. Vet said she has a neurological or spinal cord disorder. I could pay $6k for an MRI to find out exactly which one, but at her age, vet advised against it and also said the outcome will likely be the same regardless: paralysis in back legs.

Within the last 4-5 months, she’s had approx 2-3 episodes where she will go a few days without pooping. She’s eating fine, but mobility seems even more compromised than normal, and her mood even seems “down.” So I took her in after 2 days, the vet evacuated her. She prescribed lactulose as needed and Miralax powder sprinkled on her food daily. She did fine afterwards until the next episode a few months later. Took her in, vet evacuated her, same drill. It’s happening again now. The vet also coached me on stimulating her anus to try and get her to poop. Did that last night, and she pooped a small amount. She didn’t poop at all overnight or today, so I tried again tonight, and she pooped a small amount again. At what point do I take her back in? Her vet is closed tomorrow (Sunday) but I am happy to take her to the ER vet if I need to. I am hoping she will poop overnight tonight as that is typically when she goes. These little episodes are concerning though. TIA for any feedback or help.