PPA and Incontinence in a Dog

Incontinence often occurs when a dog is asleep.

Several medical conditions can result in your dog having urinary incontinence. The leaking is involuntary, meaning your dog has no control. Urinary incontinence is not the same as housebreaking issues. Usually the first indication of a problem is finding urine where your dog sleeps. According to Vetinfo, it is a common problem and more frequent in spayed female dogs. Depending on the cause, there are medications to control incontinence. Your veterinarian may prescribe the drug phenylpropanolamine (PPA) to help your dog.

Causes

PPA is not an appropriate treatment for some types of urinary incontinence (UI). It is important to determine why your dog has UI. Dogs born with abnormal physical structures require surgery, according to William R. Prichard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. PPA is a treatment option for a UI caused by an inability to control the urethral or bladder sphincter due to spinal disc or other neurological issues. According to Vetinfo, PPA treats a bladder sphincter weakened due to age or obesity.

Phenylpropanolamine

PPA is a drug that was common in human medications, including over-the-counter (OTC), used as a stimulant, decongestant and appetite control. Because of serious side effects, particularly strokes and cerebral hemorrhages in young women under 50, it is now available only by prescription in the United States. The drug use is for canine UI in veterinary medicine. The drug helps release neurotransmitters. These chemicals improve your dog's ability to control the sphincter, according to Vetinfo.

Side Effects

PPA may cause side effect including restlessness, anxiety, loss of appetite, high blood pressure and increased heart rate, according to William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. The drug poses risks for dogs that have heart disease, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, diabetes or high blood pressure, according to Wendy C. Brooks, D.V.M. educational director for VeterinaryPartner.com. Interactions with some drugs, such as L-Deprenyl, tricyclic antidepressants, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and amitraz, may increase side effects.

Dosage

Dosage is dependent on your dog's body weight and other health issues. According to Brooks, your dog will usually take PPA two to three times a day. Some dogs are able to decrease the dosage and take the drug only once a day every other day. Other dogs may require the addition of hormones such as diethylstilbestrol (an estrogen) for females or testosterone for male dogs. Your dog may require medication for several days before the drug works. Most dogs take the medication for the remainder of their lives.

Alternatives

PPA is usually an effective medication for canine urinary incontinence caused by poor control of the sphincter. If your dog has medical conditions that might increase side effects, other medications that might help control leaking include impramine or hormones (diethylstilbestrol or testosterone). According to Vetinfo, severe cases may require surgical treatment.

References

• William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital: Fact Sheet: Urinary Incontinence in the Dog
• Vetinfo: Treating Canine Urinary Incontinence With Phenylpropanolamine (PPA)
• VeterinaryPartner.com: Phenylpropanolamine

Resources

• Mar Vista Animal Medical Center: Urinary Incontinence
• Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine: Urinary Incontinence
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) Information Page