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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?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

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!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    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.

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    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!

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