Urinary incontinence in dogs

Micturition, or the process of urination, is a two-stage process involving the passive storage and the active voiding of urine. Processes that interfere with the storage and voiding of urine are termed micturition disorders. The loss of voluntary control of micturition is defined as urinary incontinence.{{more}}

This medical condition must be differentiated from a housetraining problem and/or submissive urination, especially in young dogs. Incontinent dogs wet their bed or the floor where they are sleeping, urinate inappropriately in the house, sometimes dribble urine, and may void more frequently than normal. There may be an ammonia-like odour about the dog’s bedding. The skin around the penis or vulva may be scalded.

There are several types of urinary incontinence.

1. Neurogenic: Caused by injuries to spinal cord or pelvic nerve, due to accident or disease.

2. Horomone-Responsive Incontinence: This common incontinence is seen most often in middle-aged and older spayed females, and less commonly in young females and older neutered males. It is caused by a deficiency of estrogen in females and testosterone in males. Both these hormones are important in maintaining muscle tone of the urethral sphincter. Hormone-responsive incontinence is much like bed-wetting. The dog urinates normally, but wets when relaxed or asleep.

Treatment: Hormone-responsive incontinence in spayed females is treated by giving a drug that increases the tone of the urethral sphincter.

Incontinence in neutered males responds well to testosterone based drugs.

3. Incontinence due to Urinary Tract Infection: In lots of cases where there is a bladder infection or infection of the urinary tract, the animal may also suffer from temporary incontinence until the infection is successfully treated.

Submissive Urination: This is another common problem, characterized by the release of urine caused by contraction of the abdominal wall muscles, along with relaxation of the muscles that support the urethra – the normal voiding process. The dog passes small amounts of urine when she is upset or in a stressful situation. It has also been called stress incontinence. This is most common in young puppies in their new homes, and many will simply outgrow it.

For further information, contact: Dr Collin Boyle Unique Animal Care Co. Ltd. Tel: 456 4981
Website: www.uniqueanimalcare.com