Urinary Incontinence
According to WebMD, urinary incontinence occurs when a housetrained dog loses control of its bladder. This can range in severity from occasional small urine leaks to inadvertent voiding of a large amount of urine. There are many possible causes, among them: congenital anatomic defect; “spay” incontinence; intervertebral disc disease; neurological disorder; prostate disorder; diabetes; kidney disease; urinary stones; urinary infection; hormonal imbalance; certain medications.
Symptoms: Urinating in large amounts; leaking when settled in bed; dribbling urine; pain; free-flowing or halting urine; involuntary urination; licking of genital areas; blood in urine (hematuria).
Treatment: Never assume a behavioral cause, always seek a medical opinion first. A variety of tests to pinpoint the cause will determine the treatment. Depending on the cause treatment may consist of medications, hormone therapy, or surgery.
Age of onset: Varies depending on cause.
Breeds affected:
- Cardigans: yes
- Pembrokes: yes
- Other breeds: yes, including mixed breeds
Incidence in Cardigans: Unknown
Research/Studies:
- Cardigans: No
- Other breeds: No
Registry: Unknown
Tests: Blood and urine tests, and imaging such as x-rays and ultrasound may be needed.
Research Links:
- Urethral Sphincter Mechanism in 163 Neutered Female Dogs
- Clinical Evaluation of a Single Daily Dose of Phenylpropanolamine in the Treatment of Urethral Sphincter Mechanism Incompetence in the Bitch
Published Papers and Articles:
- 13 Things You Should Know About Dog Incontinence
- Canine Urinary Incontinence
- Incontinence In Senior Dogs
- Urinary Incontinence
- Diagnosing and Managing In Urinary Incontinence in Dogs
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