Abstract
Urinary incontinence is a common condition in spayed, female dogs with a reported prevalence between 3.1% and 20.1%. In the majority of dogs with acquired urinary incontinence, urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence is the underlying cause. Approximately 15% of bitches that initially respond to medical therapy ultimately become refractory. Surgical intervention is indicated when patients do not respond or become refractory to medical treatment. Based on the current literature, placement of an artificial urethral sphincter, i.e. an inflatable cuff around the proximal urethra connected to a subcutaneous injection port, provides a very reliable and longterm incontinence resolution in bitches and has a low complication rate.
Highlights
In spayed, female dogs, urinary incontinence (UI) is a common condition with a reported prevalence between 3.1 and 20.1% (Arnold et al, 1989; O’Neill et al, 2017)
The majority of dogs with acquired UI suffer from urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI) (Byron et al, 2017)
Surgical treatment is indicated 1. when patients do not respond to medical treatment or encounter severe adverse effects from it, 2. to treat refractory urinary incontinence, or 3. when owners are reluctant to administer lifelong medication
Summary
Female dogs, urinary incontinence (UI) is a common condition with a reported prevalence between 3.1 and 20.1% (Arnold et al, 1989; O’Neill et al, 2017). The majority of dogs with acquired UI suffer from urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI) (Byron et al, 2017). The first treatment option in dogs affected by acquired UI is medical management. Some cases become refractory to treatment, medical management is highly efficient in many cases. Urinary incontinence and subsequent medical management have been discussed in more detail in a previous literature review article published in this journal (Timmermans et al, 2019). Indications for surgical treatment in patients with acquired UI due to USMI are highlighted and the currently available surgical options are discussed
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