My young spayed dog leaks urine; could it be spay incontinence?

Question

My dog “leaks” urine—mainly when she’s asleep and after vigorous play times. She’s had blood work, X-rays, and an ultrasound—all were normal: kidney levels perfect, no ectopic ureter, no stones, no UTI. This is the second vet that has said spay incontinence. Have you heard of this? She’s not even 3-yet. Was it a botched spay? Pet's info: Dog | Basset Hound | Female | spayed | 2 years and 11 months old | 55 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

Yes I have heard of spay incontinence, and this can happen in spayed dogs. No, it does not mean a botched spay. When a dog is spayed, the uterus and ovaries are taken out, which also removes the source of estrogen. It takes a certain amount of muscle strength in the urethra to prevent dribbling of urine. After a dog is spayed, these muscles weaken and it's thought the loss of estrogen contributes to the weakening over these muscles. This in turn can lead to spay incontinence. Not every spayed dog gets it, but about 20% will develop it within three years after being spayed. The good news is that it can be treated medically. Around 50-60% of dogs with spay incontinence respond to estrogen therapy, which works to increase the sensitivity of the closure receptors in the urethra. Given that all the blood work, x-rays, and ultrasound were normal, spay incontinence may be the likely cause of Harper Grace leaking urine. I would speak to the second vet to discuss estrogen therapy to see if that helps with her problem. Good luck, I hope this helps!

My young spayed dog leaks urine; could it be spay incontinence?

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