By the Editor, Golden Times

Incontinence describes an inability to retain urine within the bladder. The bladder can no longer function as a storage organ, as urine simply passes through it into the urethra and out of the body. Dogs with urinary incontinence involuntarily leak urine from their bodies.

The causes of urinary incontinence may include infections of the bladder or congenital abnormalities; however, the overwhelming majority involve hormone imbalances. The principal hormone involved in bladder control is estrogen. Estrogen hormones prevalent in the female are necessary for the normal function of the muscles located at the base of the bladder where it empties into the urethra. These muscles cannot constrict and block off the urethra openings without estrogens. The majority of estrogen hormone is produced by the ovaries. The adrenal glands also produce a minor, but much lesser amount. In the male, the hormone testosterone is necessary for the urethral muscles to function properly. Testosterone is predominately produced by the testicles.

As a pet ages, production of the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone begins diminishing. Hormonal urinary incontinence is more prevalent in geriatric patients than in younger animals. As might be expected, spayed females and castrated males have the highest incidence of urinary incontinence. This is because in the process of spaying the female, the ovaries are removed to prevent heat cycles. In castrating (neutering) the male, the testicles are removed. Removing the ovaries and testicles greatly reduces the sex hormone levels within the body. This does not imply that all spayed females or castrated males will develop incontinence. In fact, less than five percent will ever be affected. It appears that the amount of sex hormones produced by the adrenal glands is generally more than adequate for normal bladder and urethra function.

Symptoms

In common hormonal incontinence, the dog appears very healthy, but leaks urine. Typically, they are unaware of the urine leakage. While the dog sleeps, a puddle of urine may form in the bedding area.

Risks

Infection from incontinence is the most common risk as bacteria may spread up the ureters to the kidneys. Hormonal deficiencies pose no real threat to the patient except that skin irritations may develop about the genital area due to constant urine leakage.

Treatment

Antibiotics are commonly used if an infection is suspected or confirmed. Phenylpropanolamine (a decongestant which stimulates the part of the nervous system that controls smooth muscles and glands), previously the most commonly used drug used to treat urinary incontinence in females, has been recalled by the FDA. Some suggested natural treatments for incontinence in females are:

• Women's Menocaps from Wise Woman Herbals (800) 532-5219
• Black cohosh, readily available at health food stores
• Urinary Incontinence by HomeoPet (800) 556-0738 also available from Chamisa Ridge catalog (800) 743-3188 and The Vitamin Shoppe (800) 880-3055

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