Dear Dr. Mulder: My two year old labrador female dog has been giving a a few wet surprises when she is cuddled up on the couch. The last few evenings, she seems to be licking her "privates" a bit more than usual. When she got up from the couch, there was a puddle that looked and smelled like urine. What is going on? She has been house trained for years now. Has she forgotten?
Dear Wet Pants: Your girl's problem may be one of several problems. First off, a veterinary exam is the best option. Then I can see if there is any indication of a discharge, inflammation, pain or even sometimes I can feel a bladder stone. Given her young age, the most likely problem is a weakness in her bladder sphincter muscles.
The bladder is held closed by two bands of muscle. An internal muscle that is reflex controlled by the fullness of the bladder, and an external one that is under conscious control. When there is pressure on the bladder, the inner muscle opens up putting pressure on the outer muscle. That is the cue that we are supposed to respond to and go to the bathroom! However, in spayed female dogs, the estrogen level drops and for some dogs, this can lead to a weakness in that muscle. When the inner muscle relaxes and the urine flows, the second muscle can't stop it and there is often not even enough pressure to send the signal to the brain that "we have to go!" So, suddenly, usually when they are sleeping or deeply relaxed, you can find a puddle and your dog is often as surprised as you are! Some dogs are very aware of the leaking sensation and will start to lick the area to clean it up. (then give you kisses right afterwards!)
The weakness of this sphincter can lead to urine flowing out and can lead to infection getting in. If the problem goes on long enough, there can be a bladder infection as well as a rash on the exterior area from the constant dribbling of urine.
Thankfully, we have 2 good medications to address the problem. These medications can strengthen the muscle during a period of higher dosing and then maintain the strength at a lower long term level. Once the muscle is strong, the normal reflexes and conscious control return and you can get back to worry free cuddling.
Be thankful your dog doesn't have the opposite problem that is common to cats. Next week I will discuss "not enough of a good thing."
Dear Dr. Mulder: My 4 year old male cat was straining to pass bowel movements 4 days ago and then started messing both bowel and urine outside of the litterbox. Then, he took off the moment we opened the door and has been outside ever since. I caught him this morning, what should I do? At the risk of being repetitive, get him in for a veterinary exam as soon as possible! Urine troubles in cats can be life threatening. Male cat's anatomy puts them at a high risk of blockage of their urinary pathway. There is a significant narrowing of the urethra just before it exits the body that can trap any crystals or blood clots that may come down from the bladder. As a result, despite the cat's best efforts at straining, the plug gets lodged harder and harder until there is complete obstruction. If this is not quickly resolved, the build up of toxins can truly be life threatening. There has been a lot said about the crystal problems in cats. Many have said that the food is the cause. Research shows that approximately 0.6% of cats are at risk for this crystal problem. For these cats, an average over the counter diet is not going to be appropriate. It is important to note that the diet does not cause the problem but merely will trigger it in these at risk cats. When these crystals form, they start to build up at this narrowing of the urethra until the sludge of crystals slides up and gets wedged into place. After relieving the obstruction with a urinary catheter, a special diet designed for cats with this problem will help to reduce the risk of the recurrence. A relatively new problem for cats is a problem called interstitial cystitis. If you are a language scholar, you could figure out that the name means inter = between, stitial = walls, cyst=bladder, itis=inflammation. In a word, it means inflammation between the walls of the bladder. Sound confusing? Yes, it is! We really don't know the root cause of the inflammation. Some researchers have proposed a neurological cause related to stress levels. What seems to happen is that ulcers form in the lining that seals the bladder and there is a leakage of irritating urine that irritates the space under the muscle layer. This causes the very painful inflammation that can create vicious circle of pain and more ulceration. When the ulcer forms near a blood vessel, there can be dramatic bleeding into the bladder. Clots of this blood can be trapped at the narrowed area and an obstruction forms just like with the crystals. The treatment for this condition is much more complicated but the goals are increasing the effectiveness of the seal layer, addressing the pain factors and keeping the urine dilute so it is not quite as irritating. Female cats can get the same problem in the bladder but they rarely get an obstruction due to anatomical differences.
Again, urinary problems are not a do it yourself problem. Early treatment can not only be life saving but also can reduce the costs of treatment too.
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ReplyDeleteThomas Mulder DVM
To Much of a Good Thing?
ReplyDeleteDear Dr. Mulder: My two year old labrador female dog has been giving a a few wet surprises when she is cuddled up on the couch. The last few evenings, she seems to be licking her "privates" a bit more than usual. When she got up from the couch, there was a puddle that looked and smelled like urine. What is going on? She has been house trained for years now. Has she forgotten?
Dear Wet Pants: Your girl's problem may be one of several problems. First off, a veterinary exam is the best option. Then I can see if there is any indication of a discharge, inflammation, pain or even sometimes I can feel a bladder stone. Given her young age, the most likely problem is a weakness in her bladder sphincter muscles.
The bladder is held closed by two bands of muscle. An internal muscle that is reflex controlled by the fullness of the bladder, and an external one that is under conscious control. When there is pressure on the bladder, the inner muscle opens up putting pressure on the outer muscle. That is the cue that we are supposed to respond to and go to the bathroom! However, in spayed female dogs, the estrogen level drops and for some dogs, this can lead to a weakness in that muscle. When the inner muscle relaxes and the urine flows, the second muscle can't stop it and there is often not even enough pressure to send the signal to the brain that "we have to go!" So, suddenly, usually when they are sleeping or deeply relaxed, you can find a puddle and your dog is often as surprised as you are! Some dogs are very aware of the leaking sensation and will start to lick the area to clean it up. (then give you kisses right afterwards!)
The weakness of this sphincter can lead to urine flowing out and can lead to infection getting in. If the problem goes on long enough, there can be a bladder infection as well as a rash on the exterior area from the constant dribbling of urine.
Thankfully, we have 2 good medications to address the problem. These medications can strengthen the muscle during a period of higher dosing and then maintain the strength at a lower long term level. Once the muscle is strong, the normal reflexes and conscious control return and you can get back to worry free cuddling.
Be thankful your dog doesn't have the opposite problem that is common to cats. Next week I will discuss "not enough of a good thing."
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDear Dr. Mulder: My 4 year old male cat was straining to pass bowel movements 4 days ago and then started messing both bowel and urine outside of the litterbox. Then, he took off the moment we opened the door and has been outside ever since. I caught him this morning, what should I do?
ReplyDeleteAt the risk of being repetitive, get him in for a veterinary exam as soon as possible! Urine troubles in cats can be life threatening. Male cat's anatomy puts them at a high risk of blockage of their urinary pathway. There is a significant narrowing of the urethra just before it exits the body that can trap any crystals or blood clots that may come down from the bladder. As a result, despite the cat's best efforts at straining, the plug gets lodged harder and harder until there is complete obstruction. If this is not quickly resolved, the build up of toxins can truly be life threatening.
There has been a lot said about the crystal problems in cats. Many have said that the food is the cause. Research shows that approximately 0.6% of cats are at risk for this crystal problem. For these cats, an average over the counter diet is not going to be appropriate. It is important to note that the diet does not cause the problem but merely will trigger it in these at risk cats. When these crystals form, they start to build up at this narrowing of the urethra until the sludge of crystals slides up and gets wedged into place. After relieving the obstruction with a urinary catheter, a special diet designed for cats with this problem will help to reduce the risk of the recurrence. A relatively new problem for cats is a problem called interstitial cystitis. If you are a language scholar, you could figure out that the name means inter = between, stitial = walls, cyst=bladder, itis=inflammation. In a word, it means inflammation between the walls of the bladder. Sound confusing? Yes, it is! We really don't know the root cause of the inflammation. Some researchers have proposed a neurological cause related to stress levels. What seems to happen is that ulcers form in the lining that seals the bladder and there is a leakage of irritating urine that irritates the space under the muscle layer. This causes the very painful inflammation that can create vicious circle of pain and more ulceration. When the ulcer forms near a blood vessel, there can be dramatic bleeding into the bladder. Clots of this blood can be trapped at the narrowed area and an obstruction forms just like with the crystals. The treatment for this condition is much more complicated but the goals are increasing the effectiveness of the seal layer, addressing the pain factors and keeping the urine dilute so it is not quite as irritating. Female cats can get the same problem in the bladder but they rarely get an obstruction due to anatomical differences.
Again, urinary problems are not a do it yourself problem. Early treatment can not only be life saving but also can reduce the costs of treatment too.