Acquired urinary incontinence in the bitch: update and perspectives from human medicine. Part 2: The urethral component, pathophysiology and medical treatment

Vet J. 2010 Oct;186(1):18-24. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2010.06.011. Epub 2010 Jul 23.

Abstract

Various pathologies can affect the bladder and/or urethral contractility causing signs of urinary incontinence. In this second part of a three-part review, the pathophysiology of impaired urethral contractility (including urethral hyper- and hypotonicity) in the bitch and in women is discussed. Urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI) is the most common form of acquired urinary incontinence in bitches and is characterized by a decreased urethral tone. The pathophysiology and current recommended medical treatment options for USMI and cases of modified urethral tonicity due to a neurological disorder or functional outlet obstruction are discussed. Treatment options in human medicine in cases of impaired urethral contractility are described.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Dog Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Dog Diseases / therapy
  • Dogs
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Muscle Contraction
  • Urethra / physiopathology*
  • Urethral Diseases / physiopathology
  • Urethral Diseases / therapy
  • Urinary Incontinence / physiopathology
  • Urinary Incontinence / therapy
  • Urinary Incontinence / veterinary*