Urethral Sphincter Mechanism Incompetence in 163 Neutered Female Dogs: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Relationship of Weight and Age at Neuter to Development of Disease. (3rd March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Byron, J.K.; Taylor, K.H.; Phillips, G.S.; Stahl, M.S.
• Is Part Of: Journal of veterinary internal medicine. Volume 31:Number 2(2017)
• Page Start: 442
• Page End: 448
• Publication Date: 2017-03-03
• Subjects: Incontinence -- Ovariohysterectomy; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; 636.0896
• DOI: 10.1111/jvim.14678
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0891-6640

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI) is the most common cause of urinary incontinence in neutered bitches and is most common in dogs weighing >20 kg. Objectives: To describe a population of neutered bitches with USMI and investigate their initial presentation, the relationship between weight and age at neuter, and treatment. Animals: One hundred and sixty‐three female dogs with USMI (UI) diagnosed between January 2009 and December 2012, and 193 continent neutered control (C) bitches. Methods: Retrospective data were collected from neutered female dogs with USMI and healthy, continent neutered females presented between January 2009 and December 2012. Results: Urinary incontinent dogs weighed more than C dogs ( P = .003), and there was no difference in age at neuter. The relationship between weight at diagnosis and age at neuter was found to impact the hazard of USMI. A decrease in the hazard of USMI was found in dogs weighing >25 kg for every month delay of neuter in the first year. The hazard did not change for dogs <15 kg. Median time from neuter to development of incontinence was 3.73 years. Phenylpropanolamine was prescribed in 75.5%, diethylstilbestrol in 21.5%, and both in 3.1% of dogs. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Neutering bitches expected to be >25 kg adult weight later in their first year may decrease the hazard of developing USMI, whereas age at neutering of bitches <25 kg may not impact continence. Heavier dogs have increased risk of USMI, and onset occurs within a few years of neuter.