Canine incontinence may seem like an insurmountable obstacle to many dog owners who find their dog is struggling with this problem but it is actually quite simple to treat and manage. Canine incontinence is categorized by urine leaking uncontrollably from the bladder. In a dog who is not afflicted by incontinence, he is easily able to control the leakage of urine from the bladder through the use of muscular tissue at the base of the bladder. The function of this tissue is strengthened by estrogen in bitches and testosterone in dogs. When the levels of these hormones are compromised, incontinence may occur. One common theory regarding canine incontinence is that when bitches are spayed too young, the lack of estrogen in the body adversely affects the bitch's ability to control the valve at the opening of the bladder. Other causes of canine incontinence may include congenital anatomical defects, damage to the nerves leading to the bladder and tumors on the bladder although these causes are less common.
Fortunately canine incontinence can be treated through the use of certain drugs. The following steps outline the procedures for treating canine incontinence:
Recognize the problem. The first step in diagnosing and treating any canine medical problem is to be aware of the symptoms associated with the condition. The obvious recognizable symptom in canine incontinence is urine leaking from the body on a regular basis. Other symptoms may include frequently licking the vulva in females and the penile opening in males.- Consult with a qualified veterinarian. If urinary incontinence is suspected, the owner should take the dog in to see a veterinarian to determine whether or not incontinence is a problem and to diagnose the cause of the problem. Determining the cause is helpful for devising a treatment strategy.
- Treat the source of the problem. In most cases of canine incontinence, a hormone deficiency is the source of the problem. Hormone deficiencies are typically treated through the use of drugs. Diethylstilbestrol is one drug which is commonly used to elevate estrogen levels in bitches who have incontinence due to low levels of estrogen. Imipramine and pseudoephedrine are two drugs which have been reported to produce a urinary retention effect in treating other conditions, leading some to believe these drugs will be useful in treating canine incontinence but as of now they are still less commonly used.
- Understand the diagnosis and treatment strategy. Owners who have dogs suffering from incontinence should understand the treatment strategies designed by their veterinarians. In most cases, these treatment strategies will be long-term plans which involve administering drugs for the remainder of the dog's life.
Another aspect of treating canine incontinence is understanding how to manage the condition in the event that treatment options do not fully correct the problem. Managing canine incontinence will likely include the use of specially designed pants for dogs which contain an absorbent pad. These pants are readily available in retail locations and are commonly used in dogs who are in season and who may leak menstrual fluid.
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