Incontinence in Racing Greyhounds

Older racing greyhounds often become incontinent because of back problems.

Racing greyhounds are subject to incontinence, or the inability to control their bladders, as they grow older. This problem can be a symptom of a more serious medical condition.

Lumbosacral Stenosis

Lumbosacral stenosis is a disorder caused by arthritis in the lower vertebrae. The arthritis narrows the spinal column canal, affecting the rear legs and back. This makes it difficult for the dog to urinate. The condition is frequently seen in male and aging greyhounds. According to Pet Education, mild cases can be treated with prednisolone, while more severe cases require surgical intervention.

Primary Sphincter Mechanism Incompetence

Primary sphincter mechanism incompetence, or PSMI, is a disorder normally seen in large breed, spayed female dogs. According to Drs. Dennis Chew and Stephen P. DiBartola from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Ohio State University, this disorder happens when the urethra does not close correctly. It is treated with phenylpropanolamine.

Hormone Injections

The Greyhound Companions of New Mexico website indicates that unspayed female greyhounds are routinely kept from going into heat through testosterone injections. The introduction of male hormones can lead to abnormal vaginal development and incontinence is often the result. Each animal needs to be evaluated individually to determine the best course of treatment.

References

• Pet Education: Lumbosacral Stenosis (Cauda Equina Syndrome) in Dogs
• World Small Animal Veterinary Association: Urinary Incontinence in Dogs--Diagnosis and Treatment
• Greyhound Companions of New Mexico: Cassie's Cure: "Incontinence" Mystery Solved