Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Urinary incontinence in female dogs in England and risk factors
By O'Neill, D G et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2017·The Royal Veterinary College, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Urinary incontinence in bitches under primary veterinary care in England: prevalence and risk factors.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that about 3% of female dogs (bitches) in England experience urinary incontinence, which is when they leak urine involuntarily. This condition is more common in certain breeds, like Irish setters and Dobermanns, and is often seen in older dogs, especially those that are neutered and overweight. Medical treatment was given to nearly half of the affected dogs. If you notice your dog having trouble controlling her bladder, it’s important to talk to your vet about possible treatments and management options.
People also search for: dog urinary incontinence treatment · why is my dog leaking urine · Irish setter urinary problems · neutered dog bladder control issues
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To estimate prevalence and demographic risk factors for urinary incontinence in bitches under primary veterinary care in England. METHODS: The study population included all bitches within the VetCompass database from September 1, 2009 to July 7, 2013. Electronic patient records were searched for urinary incontinence cases and additional demographic and clinical information was extracted. RESULTS: Of 100,397 bitches attending 119 clinics in England, an estimated 3108 were diagnosed with urinary incontinence. The prevalence of urinary incontinence was 3·14% (95% confidence intervals: 2·97 to 3·33). Medical therapy was prescribed to 45·6% cases. Predisposed breeds included the Irish setter (odds ratio: 8·09; 95% confidence intervals: 3·15 to 20·80; P< 0·001) and Dobermann (odds ratio: 7·98; 95% confidence intervals: 4·38 to 14·54; P< 0·001). Increased odds of a diagnosis of urinary incontinence were associated with: (1) weight at or above the mean adult bodyweight for the breed (odds ratio: 1·31; 95% confidence intervals: 1·12 to 1·54; P< 0·001), (2) age 9 to 12 years (odds ratio: 3·86; 95% confidence intervals: 2·86 to 5·20, P< 0·001), (3) neuter status (odds ratio: 2·23; 95% confidence intervals: 1·52 to 3·25, P< 0·001) and (4) being insured (odds ratio: 1·59; 95% confidence intervals: 1·34 to 1·88, P< 0·001). CLINICAL IMPACT: Clinical Impact: Urinary incontinence affects just over 3% of bitches overall but affects more than 15% of bitches in high-risk breeds including the Irish setter, Dobermann, bearded collie, rough collie and Dalmatian. These results provide an evidence base for clinicians to enhance clinical recommendations on neutering and weight control, especially in high-risk breeds.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28881018/