Canine incontinence is a condition of involuntary urinary leakage sometimes found in dogs. Urinary behavioral issues, such as submissive urination, marking of territory and loss of house-training due to senility, may cause a dog to urinate in the home, but should not be confused for incontinence because these issues cause voluntary, rather than involuntary, urination. In some cases, canine incontinence is treated with pseudoephedrine, a common (human) decongestant.
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Causes of Incontinence
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Incontinence in dogs can be caused by a variety of problems. In female dogs, common causes of incontinence are urinary tract infections, which can be easily diagnosed through a urinalysis and urine culture, and a weak bladder sphincter. Drinking water excessively and spinal cord disease may also cause incontinence in dogs of both sexes.
Treatment with Pseudoephedrine
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Pseudoephedrine, the decongestant found in Sudafed, is sometimes prescribed as an alternative treatment in cases of incontinence caused by a weak bladder sphincter. The usual medication is phenylpropanolamine, which may be combined with hormone therapy in especially resistant cases of incontinence. Pseudoephedrine may also be combined with other drugs to treat incontinence.
Mechanism of Action
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Pseudoephedrine, like phenylpropanolamine, is an alpha-adrenergic agonist. This type of medication acts by increasing the release of neurotransmitter chemicals that affect receptors on the nerves of the bladder sphincter. The result is an increase in muscle tone of the sphincter, which reduces leakage.
Side Effects
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Side effects of pseudoephedrine use in dogs may include hyperexcitability, panting and restlessness. Pseudoephedrine has been found to have a higher likelihood of causing adverse effects than phenylpropanolamine.
Alternative Treatments
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In cases of incontinence that have not improved with the administration of hormone therapy and/or alpha-adrenergic agonists like pseudoephedrine, anticholinergics may be prescribed. These are drugs that relax the muscles of the bladder, increasing its holding capacity. Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH), surgery and injection of collagen into the urethra are other alternative treatments.
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