Dogs are sometimes unable to control their bladder activity, a medical condition that is often caused by an impaired bladder, or from an obstruction in the bladder. This disorder is medically referred to as incontinence. Incontinence is more common in middle to older-aged dogs, and in larger dog breeds.

 

Symptoms

 

Urine leakage (involuntary peeing)Wet hair on the lower abdominal area, or between the rear legsWet spots or puddles in the bedding or sleeping areaUrinary tract infectionsInflammation of the skin around the genitalsMoist tissue areas around the penis or vulva

 

Causes 

 

Obesity is a common risk factor for incontinence in dogs. Neutering is also one of the primary risk factors for incontinence, however, most animals do not develop any medical disorders as a result of neutering; complications are uncommon. If there is incontinence related to neutering, it will be temporary, as the dog learns to control its urinary muscles again during the recovery process . Other causes for incontinence may include:

 

Disruption of the nerves around the bladderLesions on the spinal cordLesions in the brainOveractive bladder syndromeUrinary tract infectionsChronic inflammatory diseasePressure on the bladder caused by a massUnderdevelopment of the bladder or other birth defects

 

Diagnosis 

 

The veterinarian will review and address the causes for the incontinence, so that a treatment plan can be appropriately prescribed. In most cases, prescribed medication will resolve the issue.

 

Treatment 

 

If the condition can be treated with medication, there are several options available. Antibiotics are used if the incontinence is due to inflammation of the urinary tract or bladder. Incontinence caused by obesity will require a weight management plan and possibly dietary supplements.

 

For serious medical cases, surgery may be performed to remove an obstruction in the bladder or tract, or for reparation of the bladder or urinary tract.

 

Living and Management 

 

Most dogs suffering from incontinence will respond well to medications and will have a full recovery. Inflammation is one of the most common issues associated with this medical condition, but it, too, can be treated with topical ointments and antibiotics.

 

Prevention 

 

There are currently no known preventative measures for this medical condition.

vulva

The genitalia of a female; found on the outside

nerve

A bundle of fibers that are used in the process of sending impulses through the body

infect

To cause disease by introducing germs or fungus

otic

Anything having to do with the ear

ion

An atom that has a positive or negative charge

nag

A type of horse that does not belong to a particular breed

nit

An egg of a louse

defect

a) Any blemish that impairs an animal’s value b) Any deviation from what is normally regarded as far as breed is concerned.

pica

A type of ravenous appetite that causes animals to eat or lick at strange substances

neuter

To alter a male animal so that it is unable to reproduce

antibiotic

Term used to refer to any substance that is used to slow down the growth of bacteria or stop it altogether.

obstruction

The blockage of a passage or canal

incontinence

The ability to control excretions from the body

ointment

Salve; usually made of fat or petroleum and is often used for medicinal purposes

genital

Having to do with the sex organs

inflammation

A type of swelling or pain that is the body’s way of warding off injury, pain, or illness

spinal

Anything having to do with the spine or vertebrae

obesity

A medical condition in which an animal possesses an abnormally large amount of fat in the body

tissue

A group of cells designated for specialized function that is similar in function to one another

Related ArticlesInflammation of the Urinary Bladder with Polyps in DogsInability to Urinate in DogsBack to top

 

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Dogs are sometimes unable to control their bladder activity, a medical condition that is often caused by an impaired bladder, or from an obstruction in the bladder. This disorder is medically referred to as incontinence. Incontinence is more common in middle to older-aged dogs, and in larger dog breeds.

 

Symptoms

 

Urine leakage (involuntary peeing)Wet hair on the lower abdominal area, or between the rear legsWet spots or puddles in the bedding or sleeping areaUrinary tract infectionsInflammation of the skin around the genitalsMoist tissue areas around the penis or vulva

 

Causes 

 

Obesity is a common risk factor for incontinence in dogs. Neutering is also one of the primary risk factors for incontinence, however, most animals do not develop any medical disorders as a result of neutering; complications are uncommon. If there is incontinence related to neutering, it will be temporary, as the dog learns to control its urinary muscles again during the recovery process . Other causes for incontinence may include:

 

Disruption of the nerves around the bladderLesions on the spinal cordLesions in the brainOveractive bladder syndromeUrinary tract infectionsChronic inflammatory diseasePressure on the bladder caused by a massUnderdevelopment of the bladder or other birth defects

 

Diagnosis 

 

The veterinarian will review and address the causes for the incontinence, so that a treatment plan can be appropriately prescribed. In most cases, prescribed medication will resolve the issue.

 

Treatment 

 

If the condition can be treated with medication, there are several options available. Antibiotics are used if the incontinence is due to inflammation of the urinary tract or bladder. Incontinence caused by obesity will require a weight management plan and possibly dietary supplements.

 

For serious medical cases, surgery may be performed to remove an obstruction in the bladder or tract, or for reparation of the bladder or urinary tract.

 

Living and Management 

 

Most dogs suffering from incontinence will respond well to medications and will have a full recovery. Inflammation is one of the most common issues associated with this medical condition, but it, too, can be treated with topical ointments and antibiotics.

 

Prevention 

 

There are currently no known preventative measures for this medical condition.

vulva

The genitalia of a female; found on the outside

nerve

A bundle of fibers that are used in the process of sending impulses through the body

infect

To cause disease by introducing germs or fungus

otic

Anything having to do with the ear

ion

An atom that has a positive or negative charge

nag

A type of horse that does not belong to a particular breed

nit

An egg of a louse

defect

a) Any blemish that impairs an animal’s value b) Any deviation from what is normally regarded as far as breed is concerned.

pica

A type of ravenous appetite that causes animals to eat or lick at strange substances

neuter

To alter a male animal so that it is unable to reproduce

antibiotic

Term used to refer to any substance that is used to slow down the growth of bacteria or stop it altogether.

obstruction

The blockage of a passage or canal

incontinence

The ability to control excretions from the body

ointment

Salve; usually made of fat or petroleum and is often used for medicinal purposes

genital

Having to do with the sex organs

inflammation

A type of swelling or pain that is the body’s way of warding off injury, pain, or illness

spinal

Anything having to do with the spine or vertebrae

obesity

A medical condition in which an animal possesses an abnormally large amount of fat in the body

tissue

A group of cells designated for specialized function that is similar in function to one another

Related ArticlesInflammation of the Urinary Bladder with Polyps in DogsInability to Urinate in DogsBack to top

 

registerforgot password?

 

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