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Dog IncontinenceDog incontinence is rather common, especially in certain breeds of dogs, among female spayed dogs, and older dogs.
Just like us, in dogs, urine is retained in the bladder. During urination, the urine passes to the outside
of the body through a small tube called the urethra. Urinary incontinence is involuntary or uncontrollable leaking of urine from the bladder.
Incontinence is different from submissive urination. Submissive urination occurs when a dog (usually a young pup) is acting submissive to a person or to another dog.
A common behavior in submissive urination is that the dog rolls on its back and urinates. These dogs are not incontinent because they can control urination and
can urinate normally when they are not showing submissive behavior.
There are several main causes of urinary incontinence in dogs, and each requires different treatment. Identifying the exact cause is not easy for dog owners - It is
therefore important that a thorough examination by a vet be done before attempting any treatment for an incontinent dog.
Possible Causes of Dog IncontinenceEstrogen-deficiency Some spayed female dogs suffer from urinary incontinence because their normal hormone production is interrupted. The bladder's smooth muscle groups are functionally connected with a balance of reproductive hormones. Therefore, when the dog's hormonal production is changed, normal functioning of the bladder's muscles is also adversely affected. The common complaint regarding this form of incontinence is leaking of urine while the dog is resting or sleeping. Arthritis or Hip Dysplasia Dogs suffering from arthritis or hip dysplasia may also develop incontinence because nerve impairment caused by arthritis may also affect the muscle tone and proper functioning of the urinary tract. If you have an older dog with urinary incontinence, see if he is also showing signs of arthritis. Neurological Disorders Incontinence in dogs can also be caused by neurological disorders, especially in older dogs or epileptic dogs. Dogs who have suffered trauma to the brain or spinal cord may also develop urinary incontinence. Depending on the seriousness of the nerve damage, the dog may dribble urine intermittently or constantly. If you suspect your dog has neurologic incontinence, look for other signs of nerve-related illness symptoms, such as loss of coordination, fainting, and epileptic episodes. Ectopic Ureter Ectopic ureter is a birth defect. It is an abnormally located terminal portion of the ureter. Instead of the ureter opening in the bladder, it opens in the urethra, vagina, or uterus. The result? Constant dribbling of urine. This defect is more common in certain breeds, such as Siberian Huskies, Miniature Poodle, Labrador Retriever, Collie, Welsh Corgi, and some breeds of terrier. Also, female dogs are more likely to have this birth defect than males. Other Diseases A dog may also develop urinary incontinence as a result of other diseases, such as:
Problems Resulting from Dog IncontinenceDogs suffering from urinary incontinence often have some related secondary problems. For example, they have a much higher incidence of bladder infections. In incontinent dogs, the muscular tissue at the base of the bladder is more lax, it is easier for bacteria to migrate up the urethra and colonize the bladder, causing infections. In addition, dogs with urinary incontinence can suffer from urine scalding. Urine is fairly caustic, and if it remains in contact with the skin for long periods of time, it can cause severe irritations. TopConventional Treatment for Dog IncontinenceNaturally, treatment for incontinence depends on the underlying cause. If the underlying cause can be identified, specific treatment of the cause may resolve incontinence. For example, surgery can be used to correct an ectopic ureter. When no specific cause can be identified for the incontinence, drugs are given to increase the tone of the muscles that hold urine in the bladder. Since hormonal deficiency is a common cause of dog incontinence, replacements with hormones or hormone substitutes may also be prescribed. TopNatural Remedies for Dog IncontinenceSome natural herbal and homeopathic remedies are effective in treating dog incontinence. Please visit our page on Natural Remedies for Incontinence in Dogs for more information.Related Topic Natural Remedies for Incontinence in Dogs References D. Hamilton, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs (North Atlantic Books, 1999). M.L. Wulff-Tilford and G.L. Tilford, Herbs for Pets (Bowtie Press, 1999). PetEducation.com TOP of Dog Incontinence |
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