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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Urinary incontinence in dogs from urethral sphincter issues explained

By Applegate, Rory et al.·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·2018·From the University of Tennessee, United States·View original on PubMed

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Original publication title: Urethral Sphincter Mechanism Incompetence in Dogs: An Update.

Species:
dog

Plain-English summary

A dog with urinary incontinence may be suffering from urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI), which is a common issue in dogs. This condition can be caused by various factors, and diagnosing it usually involves a thorough history and physical exam to rule out other problems. Treatment options include medications, minimally-invasive procedures, or surgery, and many dogs respond well to these treatments. With the right approach, the long-term outlook for dogs with USMI is generally fair to good.

People also search for: dog urinary incontinence treatment · USMI in dogs · medications for dog bladder control · dog surgery for urinary problems

Abstract

Urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI) is the most common cause of acquired urinary incontinence in dogs. The pathogenesis of USMI is multifactorial and complex. Studies have shown variable results regarding the effects and timing of sterilization on the incidence of USMI. Diagnosis of USMI is often based on history, physical examination, and elimination of other differentials. Treatment options for USMI include medications, such as α-adrenergic agents and estrogen products, minimally-invasive urethral bulking procedures, surgical procedures (e.g., indwelling urethral occluders), or combination therapy. The overall prognosis for USMI is typically fair to good with long-term therapy.

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Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29131672/