Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Sacral nerve implant helps paraplegic dogs pee again
By Granger, N et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2013·School of Veterinary Sciences, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Use of an implanted sacral nerve stimulator to restore urine voiding in chronically paraplegic dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of nine dogs with severe spinal cord injuries that caused them to lose the ability to control their urine were treated with a special implanted device that stimulates nerves to help them urinate. After the surgery, eight out of the nine dogs were able to void their bladders efficiently, with more than 90% success in urination. The procedure showed no significant negative effects, making it a promising option for dogs suffering from incontinence due to paralysis.
People also search for: dog urinary incontinence treatment · paraplegic dog care · sacral nerve stimulator for dogs
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Loss of urinary control after spinal cord injury increases risk of urinary tract disease and is problematical for owners of affected dogs. OBJECTIVES: To design, implant, and test a sacral nerve stimulating device for controlling urine voiding in paraplegic dogs. ANIMALS: Nine pet dogs with severe thoracolumbar spinal cord injury causing paraplegia, loss of hindquarter sensation, and incontinence for more than 3 months. The procedure was offered prospectively to owners of suitable candidates after the irreversibility of the incontinence had been ascertained. METHODS: Open label clinical study. Surgically implantable electrode "books" were designed for insertion and retention of mixed sacral nerves. Sacral nerves were accessed via laminectomy and stimulated to test their ability to elicit detrusor contraction and then inserted into the electrode book, which was attached to a subcutaneously implanted, externally activated receiver. RESULTS: In 8/9 dogs, S2 nerves elicited the largest increases in intravesicular pressure with minimum stimulation and were placed in electrode books. Voiding efficiency was >90% in 8 of the 9 implanted dogs. No important detrimental effects of the procedure were observed. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: This sacral nerve stimulating implant is a simple and apparently effective neuroprosthetic device that restores urine voiding in paraplegic dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23194073/