|
Incontinence in Dogs
Diagnosis and Treatment of Incontinence in Dogs
Diagnosing Incontinence
To determine the cause of your dog's incontinence, your veterinarian will give your dog a physical exam and review her medical history. He or she will also evaluate any medications or medical conditions your dog has to see if incontinence could be a side effect.
A urinalysis will be performed to determine if an infection is present. If your veterinarian believes an infection is the cause, he or she will prescribe antibiotics to help clear it up. If an infection and pre-existing conditions are ruled out, your veterinarian might conduct blood work, an x-ray or an ultrasound to ensure there are no unaddressed issues.
Incontinence Treatments
When it comes to incontinence, there are two approaches to managing the problem: treating any underlying causes and treating the symptom (lack of bladder control).
The types of medications or therapies for the cause of incontinence can vary and depend on your dog's diagnosis. To treat the incontinence itself, your veterinarian may recommend anything from medication (typically phenylpropanolamine) to hormone therapy to surgery. Fortunately, medication is usually effective but you will likely have to keep your dog on the drug for the rest of her life.
|
Sponsor HEARTGARD® Plus HEARTGARD® Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel), the #1 veterinarian-recommended heartworm preventive, prevents heartworm disease and treats and controls roundworms and hookworms that can cause zoonotic disease in people, including children. |
Next in
Pet Health: Incontinence in Dogs:
Living with an Incontinent Dog
EMAIL
SHARE
