[Urinary incontinence in spayed bitches. 1. Pathogenesis, incidence and disposition]

The exact aetiopathogenesis of urinary incontinence due to urethral sphincter incompetence in spayed bitches is not fully understood. A literature review is given and breed and weight disposition are discussed. A follow-up study showed that the incidence of the breeds Giant Schnauzer, Irish Setter, Boxer, and Old English Shepherd was significantly higher in relation to the population. It could be confirmed that mainly heavy dogs become incontinent (78% had a weight of more than 20 kg). On the other hand, most of the spayed bitches (58%) weighed more than 20 kg. Therefore it could not be verified that there is a correlation between the individual weight and incontinence.