Urinary Incontinence in Small Animals Flashcards
What are the most common causes of juvenile incontinence?
Ureteral ectopia
Congenital urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence
Genitourinary dysplasia
What are the most common causes of adult incontinence?
Urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence
Outline the typical signalment of USMI
Dogs, esp neutered bitches
Acquired or congenital
Following neutering
Medium-large breeds
What is the sign of USMI?
Variable urine leakage during recumbency (due to increased abdo pressure > resting urethral resistance)
What are the risk factors for developing USMI in bitches?
Neutering
Rottweilers, Dobermans, English sheepdogs
Obesity
What is ureteral ectopia? Outline the typical signalment..
Ureter/s bypass the bladder and divert urine straight into urethra or vagina
- Congenital or acquired
- F > M
- D > C
- Bi or unilater
What are the two types of ureteral ectopia that occur and in what species is each most common?
Intramural - normal site or attachment but runs further into urethra (DOG)
Extramural - attachs to urethra (CAT)
What are the clinical signs of ureteral ectopia?
Constant dribble of urine
Severe scalding
Staining of fur, strong smell
Associated with UTI
What other abnormalities may occur alongside a ureteral ectopia?
SMI
Hydronephrosis
Hydroureter
Ureteroceles (ballooning of ureter)
What is the most common cause of incontinence in cats other than ectopic ureters?
Genitourinary dysplasia - a congenital abnormalities affecting vagina and urethra
What is the role of diagnostic imaging/endoscopy in incontinence cases?
Identification of anatomical abnormalities that may cause or result from incontinence
What information does retrograde contrast studies of the urogenital tract in incontinence cases?
Intrapelvic anatomy
What information does US give in the incontinence case?
Can confirm normal ureteral emptying in bladder
Can assess kidneys, bladder and prostate
How are incontinence patients medically managed?
Treat UTI
Treat underlying systemic dz
Diet if obese
Specific medication for diagnosis
Which nerve supply is responsible for continence?
a-adrenergiv receptors on the internal urethral sphincter supplied by the hypogastric nerve
