Urethral sphincter incompetence spayed dogs

Urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI) is the most common cause of acquired urinary incontinence in female neutered dogs. Historically referred to as “hormone-responsive urinary incontinence,” it is now understood that its origins and pathophysiology are more complex than loss of estrogen and likely involve changes in tissue structure, collagen content, vasculature, and estrogen receptors, as well as alterations in follicle-stimulating hormon e and luteinizing hormone concentrations. Conformation of the animal (e.g., pelvic bladder, recessed vulva), tail docking, and the position of the urogenital tract in the pelvis also may play roles in the development of USMI.
Source: Advances in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery - Category: Veterinary Research Tags: Nephrology/Urology Source Type: research