Help with incontinent cat

Question
Dr. Fry,
I have a 9 year old spayed female Persian that "dribbles" when she sleeps. I had our vet, who specializes in cats only, check her for this a couple of years back and he did every test to rule out disease or other problems. The only thing he can attribute the leaking to is lazy spincter muscles at the bladder opening. The urine pools and she stays irritated causing a blood tinged spot. I had excellent results with a homeopathic remedy called "Leaks No More" made by Homeopet for these 2 years but it is not working anymore. Lately I have increased her dosage to almost double the recommended amount and she still dribbles a small amount. Today the spots are about the size of a half dollar! I also tried a product called "Tinkle Tonic" in tandem with the LNM but it seemed to make matters worse. I have also tried cranberry extract but at the same time with the other so quit both the added meds at the same time and just kept using the LNM. Do you know of any other products or meds that might help? Will the cranberry help if I stick with it longer? I have done a good bit of research on the web and Plantago Major is the main ingredient in the LNM product. I am even considering buying that in capsule form and giving that in the appropriate strength by itself but really doubt that will work either. I very much appreciate any help you can offer. My cats are my "babies" and I know she is really uncomfortable!
Thanks so much,
Jan

Answer
Hello Jan.

I would recommend you have a urine sample checked at this point to rule out any underlying infection, inflammation and crystals as well as check her urine pH.  Since she is leaking urine from a weak sphincter that means that bacteria could also travel the other way (from her skin to bladder) and this could be why it is worse.  And if she hasn't had any blood tests in the past year or two, checking a chemistry screen would be a good idea as well.

I would try to seek out a chiropractor or acupuncturist in your area as that is likely to help her.

The tinkel tonic probably made it worse because it contains diuretic herbs, which causes them to urinate more.  Tinkle tonic is better used with feline lower urinary tract diseae.

Homeopathic Remedies to consider...Give ONCE a day...crush a tablet between 2 spoons and sprinkle powder in mouth...

SEPIA 30C...for urinary incontinence during the first few hours of sleep

CAUSTICUM 30C for unconscious dribbling when standing or walking together with hind limb weakness

I am not familiar with Plantago Major but I would be careful in just increasing and increasing the dose.  This may be an herb with hormonal activity--estrogen?

I would also make sure to keep her backside clipped and clean....wipe with baby wipes daily and if the skin is red and irritated apply Zinc Oxide (Desitin).

Good luck,
Dr. Fry