Incontinence in Dogs
Canine incontinence occurs when a dog is unable to control the opening of the bladder, and urine leaks out through the urethra. Incontinence is most common in older, spayed female dogs, but younger dogs and male dogs can also suffer from a loss of bladder control.
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Causes
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Estrogen and testosterone strengthen the muscles at the opening of the bladder. If these hormones decrease in the dog, the bladder muscles are weakened, and the dog may become incontinent.
Types
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Incontinence generally occurs in older dogs because hormone levels naturally decrease as a dog ages. Younger dogs can experience incontinence after being neutered or spayed, or if they develop congenital anatomic abnormalities. Incontinence can also be a symptom of prostate disease.
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Diagnosis
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If your dog shows symptoms of incontinence, take it to a veterinarian to rule out other illnesses that may be effecting the dog's bladder control. Your veterinarian will analyze a urine sample and a blood sample, and X-rays may be necessary to examine the urinary tract.
Treatment
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If an illness is causing the dog's incontinence, treating the illness should stop the symptoms. Deficient hormone levels can be raised with a variety of prescription medications, and your vet can prescribe phenylpropanolamine (PPA) to strengthen the dog's bladder muscles.
PPA Safety
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PPA was originally used on humans suffering from incontinence. The FDA banned PPA for use on humans after the drug was proven to cause high blood pressure. PPA is still considered safe as a veterinary drug.
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