Why do senior dogs spend their last day suffering from loss of bladder control?

Answer 1

Geriatric dogs can suffer from loss of bladder control due to underlying causes, such as urinary infections or condidions which cause excessive drinking and urination (e.g. chronic renal failure). Rarely, older dogs develop bladder (and/or prostrate) tumours which may cause incontinence. Spayed female dogs (bitches) may suffer loss of control due to an impaired sphincter mechanism in the neck of the bladder. Urethral incompetance may also be a cause in some dogs' 'last days'.

Most of the above conditions are treatable, and it is important you visit your vet if your dog becomes incontinent. He/she will probably require a urine sample, so collection of a fresh specimen in a clean, dry container (with no detergent and as little contamination as possible) will speed up the diagnostic process. Your vet may also require x-rays and/or ultrasound scans to establish the cause of the problem and provide the best treatment possible.

However, some conditions have no effective treatment to prevent the incontinence. Loss of bladder control is extremely distressing for the dog, as animals are 'house trained' from puppies. It is also emotionally upsetting for the owner, especially if the dog suffers loss of anal sphincter control as well.

For these reasons, if treatment is not possible, and especially if other conditions are present which are causing suffering to the dog (which cannot be adequately treated), euthanasia may be considered. Although a difficult decision, if animals are in distress or suffering, this can be the kindest option for the animal.