What causes Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control. The causes of this problem is many and include nerve damage, hormone deficiencies, structural deformities, infections, obstructions from tumors, bladder stones, and enlarged prostate gland, excessive drinking and certain drugs.
Probably the most common type of urinary incontinence occurs in older spayed female dogs. This is caused because of a deficiency of the hormone estrogen. You will notice urine leakage during sleep or while walking, running, etc. The dog probably doesn't even realize she's urinating. This problem can be easily treated with estrogen supplements, but treatment will usually have to continue throughout your pet's life.

Your veterinarian may need to run several tests, including a physical examination, laboratory tests, and x-rays in order to determine the cause of your pet's incontinence.
Your veterinarian will discuss specific treatment with you and will be covering the following areas:
-Medications need to be given as prescribed.
-A special diet may be necessary.
-Your veterinarian may have instructions on the availability of water for your pet.

Watch your pet and call your veterinarian if you are unable to administer the medication as prescribed, if your pet continues to have an incontinence problem, your pet has blood in his or her urine, your pet seems to be straining or cannot urinate, your pet seems unusually thirsty or there is a change in your pet's eating habits.

Are there any other options for treatment other than medications?
We at Northside are in the process of getting animals for a surgical study we are conducting. This procedure involves injection of a suspension of a tissue engineered substance into the sphincter or valve that is weak and causes the urinary leakage.