Old Greyhound

Question
Dear Dr Charlotte,

I have a 13 year old Girl(she will be 14 this coming year) she seems to be slowing down Althgouth she is still in good health she eats well(has all her teeth) still has her hearing (just a little deaf) she still have her eyesight. She had developed a little problem being that she seems to wetting where she lays. She has never done this before. I know she is getting on and it is a very hard fact for me to face, she is such a major part of our lifes. Could you please tell me what their lifespan is and what do I need to look out for. She has some cancer growths on her chest my they dont seem to bother her my vet has advised me to leave them if they are not bothering her because she is very old and she is afarid she would not do so well under anethesitic. Please help me I need to prepare my self and make her comfortable.

Thank you for your kind time
Yours sincerely
Desley

Answer
Delsey -

Unfortunately, I cannot determine what is causing the symptoms you describe without the benefit of a physical exam.  I can however suggest the most likely cause of urinary incontinence in older females.


Some female dogs experience urinary incontinence when they reach advanced age - the lack of estrogen causes the urinary sphincter to become loose and the animal will urinate while sleeping or even after sitting.  


A bladder infection can also be the culprit of the incontinence you describe.  Have your dog examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.  The treatment for the both types of urinary incontinence are relatively easy to treat and medications are relatively inexpensive.

Your vet will most likely perform a urinalysis and determine treatment based on results.


Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM