Urinary incontinence in dogs, characterized by the inability to retain urine, can be a distressing condition for both pets and their owners. This condition, often referred to as bladder leakage, can stem from various factors including age, injury, illness, or even behavioral issues. Understanding the underlying causes and recognizing the signs are crucial steps in effectively managing and treating this condition, ensuring a better quality of life for your canine companion.
The urinary system functions through a coordinated effort involving the kidneys, ureters, bladder, sphincter muscle, and urethra. The kidneys produce urine, which travels to the bladder. A sphincter muscle typically remains closed, preventing leakage until voluntary urination occurs. When this sphincter muscle weakens or fails to close completely, involuntary urine leakage can happen. This might manifest as constant dribbling or occur when the dog is resting, waking up, or even due to submissive or fearful behaviors.
Signs of Urinary Incontinence in Dogs
The most apparent sign of urinary incontinence is the presence of wet spots where your dog sleeps or rests. However, other indicators can help identify the problem:
- Dampness around the hindquarters and thighs.
- Dribbling urine while walking.
- Skin irritation, redness, or inflammation due to constant urine exposure.
- Increased licking of the vulva or penis.
- Urine leakage when the dog is excited, frightened, submissive, or stressed.
Common Causes of Urinary Incontinence
A range of factors can contribute to urinary incontinence in dogs, necessitating a thorough veterinary examination for accurate diagnosis. These include:
- Low Estrogen Levels: Particularly common in spayed female dogs.
- Nerve or Spinal Cord Issues: Diseases or injuries affecting the spinal cord or nerves can impair bladder control. This includes conditions like degenerative myelopathy and osteoarthritis, which can affect nerves in the lower back.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Infections can lead to inflammation and discomfort, potentially causing leakage.
- Bladder Stones: Uroliths can obstruct urine flow and irritate the bladder.
- Enlarged Prostate: In intact male dogs, an enlarged prostate can affect urinary function.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions such as thyroid disease, Cushing’s disease, kidney disease, or diabetes can cause excessive thirst and urination, potentially leading to incontinence.
- Congenital Abnormalities: Some dogs are born with anatomical defects in their urinary system.
- Masses or Tumors: Growths in or around the urinary tract can impede sphincter function.
Breed Predispositions
Research indicates that female dogs are generally more prone to urinary incontinence than males. Certain breeds have a higher predisposition, including:
- Females: Irish Setter, Doberman, Bearded Collie, Rough Collie, Dalmatian.
- Males: Bull Mastiff, Irish Red Setter, Fox Terrier, Bulldog, Boxer.
The Impact of Spaying and Neutering
Spaying, especially when performed at an early age (under six months), has been identified as a significant risk factor for developing urinary incontinence in female dogs. Studies suggest that delaying spaying in larger breeds (over 25 lbs) may reduce the risk of urinary sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI).
Veterinary Diagnosis of Incontinence
A veterinarian will typically begin with a comprehensive physical examination, alongside standard blood tests and urinalysis, to identify potential causes. If initial tests are inconclusive, further diagnostics may be recommended, such as specialized blood tests, urine cultures, radiographs (X-rays), or ultrasounds. In cases of suspected anatomical abnormalities like ectopic ureters, a dye urography might be performed to trace the path of the ureters. Pinpointing the exact cause is vital for effective treatment.
PRO TIP: To manage the mess associated with incontinence, consider using waterproof dog beds, washable pee pads, and waterproof mattress protectors. Doggy diapers can also be a temporary solution to reduce stress for both the dog and the owner.
Conventional Treatment Options
Veterinary medicine offers several conventional approaches for managing urinary incontinence:
Phenylpropanolamine (Proin®, Propalin®)
This medication works by releasing chemicals that help strengthen the bladder sphincter muscles. It is not a cure, and leakage will likely return if the medication is stopped. Potential side effects include vomiting, high blood pressure, diarrhea, appetite loss, weight loss, and restlessness.
Estrogen Therapy (Estriol/Incurin, DES)
For spayed females, estrogen therapy is sometimes prescribed. However, this can come with a significant list of side effects, including vomiting, aggression, hair loss, and even more serious risks like cancer and bone marrow toxicity. Safer, non-pharmaceutical alternatives are often available.
Surgical Interventions
If incontinence is due to an anatomical abnormality, such as ectopic ureters (where ureters connect to the urethra instead of the bladder), surgery may be recommended. Procedures like cystoscopic-guided laser ablation can correct these issues by redirecting the ureters.
PRO TIP: Regardless of the treatment chosen, increasing the frequency of your dog’s potty breaks can help manage incontinence by reducing the amount of urine in the bladder at any given time. Ensure your dog has opportunities to relieve herself before you leave for extended periods and before bedtime.
Natural and Alternative Therapies
For owners seeking more holistic approaches, several natural treatments can be effective:
Chiropractic, Acupuncture, and Osteopathy
These hands-on therapies can be highly beneficial, particularly if incontinence is linked to physical issues like spinal misalignments, muscle spasms, or nerve impairment. Finding a qualified veterinary practitioner is key.
Herbs and Nutraceuticals
Certain herbs and supplements can support urinary tract health, depending on the specific cause of incontinence.
Homeopathy
A qualified homeopathic veterinarian can prescribe individualized remedies to address incontinence, taking into account the dog’s overall health, personality, and history. Homeopathy has shown success in restoring bladder control in various cases. You can find a practitioner through organizations like The Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy (AVH).
Botulinum Toxin Injections
Injections of botulinum toxin into the bladder wall have shown promise in preventing the recurrence of incontinence for extended periods.
Electrical Stimulation
While still experimental, electrical stimulation of nerves is being explored as a treatment for incontinence, particularly in cases related to spinal cord injuries. This may become more accessible in the future through veterinary teaching hospitals.
Supporting Overall Health
Managing chronic health problems like urinary incontinence often requires a multi-faceted approach. While not all cases can be completely cured, consistent management and appropriate therapies can significantly control symptoms, allowing you and your dog to enjoy a happy and fulfilling life together.
References:
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Hall JL et al. Urinary incontinence in male dogs under primary veterinary care in England: prevalence and risk factors. J Small Anim Pract. 2019 Feb;60(2):86-95
Pegram C et al. Associations between neutering and early-onset urinary incontinence in UK bitches under primary veterinary care. J Small Anim Pract. 2019 Dec;60(12):723-733.
Byron JK et al. Urethral Sphincter Mechanism Incompetence in 163 Neutered Female Dogs: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Relationship of Weight and Age at Neuter to Development of Disease. J Vet Intern Med. 2017 Mar;31(2):442-448.
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Smith AL, Radlinsky MG, Rawlings CA. Cystoscopic diagnosis and treatment of ectopic ureters in female dogs: 16 cases (2005-2008). J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2010 Jul 15;237(2):191-5.
Lee JC et al. Clinical application of Clostridium botulinum type A neurotoxin purified by a simple procedure for patients with urinary incontinence caused by refractory destrusor overactivity. FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol. 2007 Oct;51(1):201-11.
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Bertapelle, M.P., Vottero, M., Popolo, G.D. et al. Sacral neuromodulation and Botulinum toxin A for refractory idiopathic overactive bladder: a cost-utility analysis in the perspective of Italian Healthcare System. World J Urol 33, 1109–1117 (2015).
Jan Groen, Bertil F.M. Blok, J.L.H. Ruud Bosch. Sacral Neuromodulation as Treatment for Refractory Idiopathic Urge Urinary Incontinence: 5-Year Results of a Longitudinal Study in 60 Women. The Journal of Urology, Volume 186, Issue 3, 2011, Pages 954-959, ISSN 0022-5347.
