incontinence

Question
I have a 12 yr. old mutt, mostly terrier. She recently had l9 teeth pulled. The night I brought her home, she started leaking when she slept. It has gotton worse in the last two weeks. Have you ever heard of dogs that have been put to sleep for this procedure becoming incontinant. I would like to know before I take her back to the vet.
                              Thanking you in advance.
                              Janice Kiser

Answer
Hi Janice,

It's true that becoming incontinent is pretty much the final health concern that causes many a dog owner to consider that "it's time".

Some medications can cause a dog to temporarily become incontinent. If your dog is on any medication because of her oral surgery, there may be a relationship between the medication and the sudden change in urinary habits. Ask your vet about this.

Urinary incontinence is fairly common in female dogs, especially if your dog has been spayed. It's also highly treatable. Before considering putting your dog to sleep, have your vet examine her, and try treating this condition.

It is important to let your vet know if your dog is drinking more than normally and urinating larger volumes than normal. There are also diseases and disorders that increase the urge or need to urinate without an increase in actual urine volume. These include cystitis, bladder stones, or stones elsewhere in the urinary tract.

Until your dog can be seen by your vet it will help to restrict fluid intake after 7pm and then take her out very late at night and make sure she empties her bladder. Give her frequent opportunities to go outside during the day.

At 12 years old, if your dog doesn't have any other health concerns, she could live happily for many more years, with treatment.

Best of luck,
Patti