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URINE LEAKAGE IN OLD AGE

First broadcast on www.provet.co.uk


This information is provided by Provet for educational purposes only.

You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.

Urine leakage is a common problem - particularly in older pets, and it is one reason why owners request euthanasia

The average age at which urinary "incontinence" occurs in dogs is somewhere between 5 and 8 years. The problem of urine leakage is not caused by a single disorder - there are several possible causes of which the most common are :

  • Urinary tract infection - most common in females
  • Urethral incompetence - the tube leading from the bladder does not close off properly leading to urine leakage, particularly when the dog is relaxed or asleep. This usually occurs in spayed females 
  • Any cause of increased urine loss eg kidney disease, diabetes, Cushings disease. (Often these disorders also cause increased thirst)
  • Any cause of increased thirst eg diabetes

Apparent urine leakage will occur if the dog is unable to move through some physical disability or discomfort eg advanced arthritis, or if it loses it's normal brain function (so-called "cognitive dysfunction") which results in loss of normal behaviour patterns, including a loss of house-training.

The signs that owners see when an older dog is losing control of urination include :

  • Wet patches of urine where the dog has been lying and sleeping
  • A strong urine odour in rooms where the dog lives
  • Urination may occur when the dog gets excited - for example when greeting the owner
  • Untypical waking up during the night

Many of the causes of urine leakage can be successfully treated  but, of course, providing the correct treatment depends upon the underlying cause, so a full veterinary examination is needed which often involves laboratory tests on urine and blood samples. 

If urine leakage is not treated it can lead to secondary problems including urinary tract infection, so if you notice any of the signs above seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.

 

Updated October 2013