Canine Urinary Incontinence Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Urinary incontinence (UI) is defined as the passive, involuntary leakage of urine. This is a common clinical problem in dogs, affecting 3-20% of spayed female dogs and a smaller percentage of male dogs. Understanding the pathophysiology, diagnostic approach, and treatment options is essential for NAVLE success and clinical practice.

UI significantly impacts the quality of life for both pets and owners. Many cases are treatable with appropriate medical or surgical intervention, making accurate diagnosis crucial. The 2024 ACVIM Consensus Statement provides the current standard of care for diagnosis and management.

Physiology of Micturition

Normal micturition involves two phases: storage and voiding. Understanding the neural control is essential for diagnosing and treating incontinence.