Urinary incontinence is a relatively common problem that can impact the lives of many dogs. Typically, urinary incontinence is easily treated. It is important to identify the underlying source of the problem so that the appropriate treatment can be pursued.
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Identification
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Urinary incontinence describes your dog's lack of bladder control. Accidental urination, or "leaking" in the house from an otherwise potty-trained dog is often the first sign of this problem.
Causes
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Urinary incontinence can be the result of many underlying conditions. Common causes include: a urinary tract infection, a congenital disorder, bladder stones, a medical condition, such as diabetes mellitus, or as a side-effect of prescribed medications.
Effects of Steroids
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Steroids can cause dogs to have increased thirst and to drink large amounts of water. Subsequent loss of bladder control, or incontinence, can result from the excess water consumption and increased production of urine.
Steroid Benefits
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Steroids are effective anti-inflammatory agents and may be prescribed to dogs for many different health issues. Veterinarians may prescribe steroids to dogs who suffer from allergies, arthritis or certain immune disorders, such as Lupus.
Prevention/Solution
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Ironically, although steroids are a common source of urinary incontinence in dogs, they can also be prescribed to treat incontinence. Anabolic steroids (testosterone and estrogen) can be used to help treat hormone responsive incontinence in dogs.
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