Abstract :
[en] Urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence is characterized by unvoluntary urine leakage, worsening when the animal is recumbent or asleep, or during excitement. It mainly affects large breed dogs, and mostly middle-aged spayed bitches. The aetiology of this condition is multifactorial and predisposing factors include a decrease urethral tone, an intrapelvic bladder neck position, a short urethra, sterilisation, obesity, and age. Diagnostic workup should include a vaginourethrography to identify possible vaginal abnormalities and to visualize the urethra and the position of the bladder neck, and urethral profilometry to demonstrate a decrease in maximal urethral pressure and functional profile length. Medical treatment with oestriol is an option. This short-acting oestrogen does not exhibit oestrogenic side effects. Unfortunately, its success rate is only of 65 % of complete continence. The a- adrenergic agents ( phenylpropanolamine and ephedrine) are more efficacious, with a success rate reaching 75 to 90 %, with very few side effects. In absence of response to the treatment, or if the animal becomes refractory, a colposuspension can be recommended, with a fairly good prognosis.
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