This condition
is characterized by the dog loosing control over the ability to hold urine.
Typically, a 'wet spot' is noted where the dog was sleeping, or the dog
itself will be wet in the hind quarters after sleep or laying down.
When the dog relaxes, so does the sphincter muscle of the bladder, which
controls urination itself. This is the same muscle in humans used
to stop urination mid-stream. When this muscle relaxes too much, urine
is then allowed to leak out of the bladder. Some affected dogs can
dribble urine while awake and walking around.
Urinary incontinence is usually
one of easiest problems to solve so it is crucial that veterinary assistance
be sought at an early stage.
It is important to differentiate incontinence (involuntary urine leakage)
from behavioral urinary issues (submissive urination), simple lack of housetraining,
territorial marking of anxious cats or of unneutered males, or the senile
loss of house-training from canine cognitive dysfunction. Animals may urinate
in the house voluntarily and this is different from incontinence. Watch
your pet closely to be sure what you are seeing is really incontinence and
if it is, the good news is that most cases are easily resolved with simple
inexpensive medications.
The above information is simply informational. It's intent is not
to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you in making a diagnosis
of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian for confirmation
of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.
