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Ask the Expert: Bladder Problems

September 3rd, 2009

Name: Joyce
Pets species and breed: Cocker Spaniel
Pets age and weight: 3 yrs – 35 lbs.
Pets health status: Good
Are they spayed or neutered? Yes
Brand of food: Pure Vita/Evangers

Question:

“My cocker spaniel, Mugsy, is a rescue dog. I have had him for nine months, and he is probably about 3 years old. Since using K9 Cuisine premium dog food, he has been healthy. Beore that, he had problems with digesting food. I wrote you for help three months ago, and he has been healthy. He was very hard to housebreak, and had to be crated much of the time for a while. He has been doing well for several months now.

Recently he started “leaking” while I hooked the rope to his collar so he could go outside. Usually I fasten the rope while he is still in the house near the back door. For the last several days, I have taken him onto the back porch before stopping to hook the rope. He still leaked, but it was outside. A few minutes ago, I took him out to fasten the rope. After I fastened it he just stood there for a minute. When he went on down the steps to the yard, I saw that he had pottied on the porch.

Since he was neutered, he has squatted like a female 99% of the time. Occasionally he lifts a leg, but unlike most male dogs, he stays in one place until he is finished. I don’t know if this is behavioral or if I need to take him for a urine test. Please help. I am losing my patience.”

Answer:

“Hi Joyce, thanks for your question. I am glad to hear Mugsy’s digestive problems from May have resolved!

Whenever a dog starts showing urinary signs (accidents, inappropriate locations of urination, straining, etc.), I recommend a urinalysis and urine culture to make sure they are not dealing with a bladder infection. Bladder stones can also develop at any age and usually require an xray or sonogram to diagnose. Also ask your vet to perform a good orthopedic and neurologic exam, as problems in these areas can also cause urine leakage.

If those tests are negative, this urination pattern may be a behavioral problem, and you may need to seek advice from a behaviorist/trainer. Try fastening the rope to him in the yard (instead of inside or on the porch) to prevent unnecessary clean-ups.”

Hope this helps.

Dr. Donna Spector

Tags: behavior, bladder control, bladder infection, bladder problem, leaking, urinary infection, urinary leaking
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