Dog incontinence & straining after bladder surgery: Is it normal, and when will it subside?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Female | spayed | 8 years and 8 months old | 7 lbs
My dog had bladder stone removal surgery. Afterwards, almost immediately the Bladder started leaking urine into abdomen - but we didn't catch it until 2 days later. She had repair surgery 3 days after original surgery. It is now 5 days post op of repair surgery and still no fluid in her belly based on ultrasound however she has incontinence and still squats with nothing coming out. Is that all normal due to inflammation? When should it subside?
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on August 18th, 2017
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Zoey! What a rough time she has had! I think it is a good sign that there is no evidence of urine leaking in to her abdomen 4 days after the 2nd surgery! Her bladder went through a lot of trauma because of that there is inflammation. She will take longer than an average cystotomy for that to occur. I would want the straining with small urine production to improve every few days. It may take 7-14 days for the straining ti subside. I would expect similar for the incontinence. As long as she is eating, drinking and happy be patient! Good luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on July 17th, 2019
Skin incision looks fine, healing normally. Incontinence can last up to about a week after operation. It is not a true incontinence really but more due to the inflammation caused by the surgery and the previous condition. Signs should resolve spontaneously and urination should be completely back to normal in about two weeks.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on March 19th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is normal for several days post bladder surgery to have increased urgency. Dogs will strain often and only pass very small amounts of urine and the urine can be bloody. Usually by day 5 they strain less and the urine volume increases. If she is eating and relatively comfortable and passing small amounts of urine frequently then this is normal. If she is vomiting and is lethargic then I would contact your Vet. I hope this helps and I wish Penny Gene a speedy recovery!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on October 22nd, 2017
Hello there! It is totally normal to have anxiety about your pet having surgery. While there is always an inherent risk to any anesthetic procedure. the fact that your girl is young and healthy works in her favor, and the likelihood of complication is low. The procedure she is having is called a cystotomy, and is a very common procedure that most vets are well-versed in. You can expect that afterwards, she will be sluggish for a few days, and due to inflammation and healing in the bladder, she will have to urinate frequently and there may be a small amount of blood in it. This is fairly normal, but if she remains lethargic, doesn't want to eat, or has excessive bleeding in her urine, you should bring her back to the vet immediately. I won't tell you not to worry - I know I would be worried - but the risk is likely relatively low for her, so I hope this eases your mind at least a little. Best of luck to your pup tomorrow, and try not to worry too much! :)
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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