Bladder Incontinence in Dogs

Dogs that are unable to control the flow of urine from their bladders suffer from bladder incontinence. Bladder incontinence is most common in spayed, neutered or older dogs. Dogs with bladder incontinence have and increased risk of bladder infections.

Symptoms

Dogs with bladder incontinence will uncontrollably leak urine when sleeping or resting. They may also lick their genital openings frequently, according to Dr. Marty Smith, a veterinarian writing for Pet Education.com.

Causes

Hormones regulate a dog's ability to control the muscle that releases urine from the bladder. Older or spayed and neutered animals have lower hormonal levels. Hereditary structural abnormalities called ectopic ureters can also cause incontinence.

Time Frame

Age-related bladder incontinence usually occurs in unspayed female dogs older than 8 and male dogs, both intact and neutered, older than 10. Spayed females can be incontinent by age 3.

Effects

Urinary tract infections are common in bladder-incontinent dogs. Its relaxed opening may allow infectious bacteria to enter the bladder through the urethra. Dogs frequently leaking urine on themselves may develop skin irritation.

Treatment

Both phenylpropanolamine (PPA) and natural or synthetic hormones including diethylstilbestrol are lifelong treatments for hormonal-related incontinence. Surgeries including neoureterostomy, neoureterocystostomy and nephroureterectomy treat incontinence from structural abnormalities.

References

• Pet Education: Urinary Incontinence in Dogs
• Ectopic Ureters

Resources

• Urinary Incontinence in Dogs