URINATION DISORDERS IN DOGS

Urination disorders can create serious and frustrating problems for pets and their owners and can severely damage the relationships between them. If left untreated, urination disorders may lead to unresponsive urinary tract infections that can be persistent and expensive. Incontinent animals may also lie in their urine, leading to the development of rashes or lesions. Pet owners should be aware that these disorders can often be successfully treated with medication.

Urination disorders most frequently occur in middle-aged and older pets, but can become a problem at any age. Physical malfunctions in the organs of the urinary system - the kidneys, bladder and urethra - often are the source of the trouble.

There are two distinct stages in the process of urination. First is the storage of urine in the bladder and second is the active voiding of the urine from the body through the urethra. Problems can occur in either one of these two processes, each of which involves the special functions of several types of muscles and nerves operating at a proper strength and in sequence. If your dog is diagnosed with urinary incontinence, he or she has lost the voluntary control of these muscles and nerves resulting in the inability to control the storage or release of urine.

Should your pet exhibit difficulty controlling urination, your veterinarian may be able to find the cause of the problem based upon your description of the animal's behavior, although, a number of diagnostic tests may be required. He or she can then prescribe a treatment. Here is a brief description of the symptoms and causes of some common urination disorders. If you notice these symptoms in your dog, you should consult with your veterinarian.

Continuous incontinence or "dribbling" may be caused by a looseness in the wall of the bladder or a malfunction of the muscles and nerves which open and close the bladder or the urethra. Your veterinarian may ask you if the "dribbling" usually occurs while the animal is asleep and whether the animal is spayed or neutered.
A sudden disruption of the urine flow soon after it begins may indicate that your dog is experiencing an involuntary contraction of the muscle which opens and closes the urethra.
Involuntary urination in a stressful situation may be a sign of muscle incompetence or that the urethra is not positioned as it should be.
Frequent voiding of small amounts of urine may indicate an inflamed or irritated bladder.

Your veterinarian may recommend surgery and/or medications to correct urination disorders in your dog. Working with your veterinarian, a compounding pharmacist may be able to provide the prescribed medication in adosage form which is pleasing to your pet, for example, a treat. Giving the medication in this form will most likely be less stressful for you and your pet. This often produces better results in treatment, particularly if your dog needs long term drug therapy.

Copyright © 2002 - 2003 Jetkat, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Web design and hosting by BizNetix.