Advice on elderly dog

Question
Hiya.  I would like some advice on our elderly Rough Collie bitch called Megan.  She will be 13 years old in October.  She has never had a litter and was neutered when 7 months old.  A couple of days ago we discovered she has cystitis.  A urine sample taken to our vet diagnosed this.  Unfortuneately, since she had the cystitis she has been incontinent at night.  The vet wasn't surprised at this but do you think the incontinence will clear up once she finishes her course of antibiotics?  Megan doesn't seem to be aware that she is being incontinent.  Don't get me wrong, we have absolutely no problem in washing the bedding etc and if she were to be incontinent in the future, as long as she wasn't suffering we would continue to help Megan in any way we can.  To give you a clearer picture of Megan, she has pretty bad arthritis in her shoulder and has recently recovered from a bout of pancreatitis (this flares up from time to time) but because of the severity of the flare-up and her age she was pretty ill.  I don't mind telling you we were very worried about her.  She is also on medication to ease a recently diagnosed breathing problem.  Having said all that she is still bright, playful (yes, she still wants to play with her soft cuddly toys) and still enjoys her walks.  Her appetite is still a bit of a problem but the vet isn't too concerned.  I have to say we have a very good vet who has known Megan all her life and knows her history.

By the way we have a 6 year old rescue male dog,  a mongrel, who we rescued as a pup.  Both dogs get on very well together although Megan is definately the boss between the two of them.

Thank you very much.

Answer
Thanks for your question.  As large dogs get older that is when you start noticing all these problems.  One thing I can say is just from what you wrote me I can tell that Megan has lived a wonderful life.  VERY RARELY do you every hear of a large breed such as the collie living to be 13.  They are so prone to problems that I tip my hat to you!  As far as making her more confortable....Tylonal PM works wonders if they cant seem to sleep or if they seem adjitated often.  That will also help the pain of the arthritis too.  I understand why you would be worried about her, but your doing everything right.  From what you told me I really dont think megan could be happier.  You have went all out to make her more comfortable and calm and thats what makes a great owner.  Very rarely do you find people with large breed dogs that will take them to the vet, or still get out and play with them, or even small things that most people take for granted like a nice pat on the head.  I dont really know if I answered your questrions...I dont really know what your question was to tell you the truth...but it sounds like you are doing everything right and you just keep up the good work for the next few years they will be the most prescious.

Kati