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[Urinary incontinence in spayed bitches. 1. Pathogenesis, incidence and disposition]
C Blendinger1, K Blendinger, H Bostedt
1Ambulatorischen und Geburtshilflichen Veterinärklinik, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen.
Tierarztliche Praxis
|June 1, 1995
Summary
Urinary incontinence in spayed female dogs is complex. While certain breeds show higher incidence, the study found no direct link between a dog's individual weight and incontinence risk.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Canine Urology
- Animal Reproduction
Background:
- The exact causes of urinary incontinence in spayed female dogs (urethral sphincter incompetence) remain unclear.
- Existing research suggests breed and body weight may play a role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on urinary incontinence in spayed bitches.
- To investigate potential correlations between specific breeds, body weight, and the incidence of incontinence.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
- A follow-up study analyzed breed incidence and body weight data in affected spayed dogs.
Main Results:
- Giant Schnauzers, Irish Setters, Boxers, and Old English Shepherds showed a significantly higher incidence of incontinence.
- While 78% of incontinent dogs weighed over 20 kg, 58% of all spayed bitches in the general population also exceeded this weight threshold.
- No statistically significant correlation was found between an individual dog's weight and the likelihood of developing incontinence.
Conclusions:
- Certain breeds are predisposed to urinary incontinence due to urethral sphincter incompetence.
- Body weight alone, irrespective of breed, does not appear to be a direct causal factor for incontinence in spayed dogs.