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Why is my spayed dog suddenly incontinent months after surgery?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Irish Terrier | Female | spayed | 3 years old

My pet was spayed some 18 months ago (laproscopic) anx has now suddenly started wetting herself bloods ok and she has been put on incuron tablets. 1 or half a day dependi ng on if she dribbles. Have asked vet if this is common on these procedures as my other dog had the old fashioned way and is ok.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Susan England-Foster

Answered By Susan England-Foster

Veterinarian

Published on August 27th, 2017

I find that very young dogs that are spayed can get incontience. However it is not typical in older dogs no matter the method they are spayed. I would make sure a urine sample is checked for infection and crystals. If this is normal than it is possible she has developed incontience due to being spayed. Typically estrogen supplements helps the most prevent dribbling. Hope that helps
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 19th, 2018

    Yes I have heard of spay incontinence, and this can happen in spayed dogs. No, it does not mean a botched spay. When a dog is spayed, the uterus and ovaries are taken out, which also removes the source of estrogen. It takes a certain amount of muscle strength in the urethra to prevent dribbling of urine. After a dog is spayed, these muscles weaken and it's thought the loss of estrogen contributes to the weakening over these muscles. This in turn can lead to spay incontinence. Not every spayed dog gets it, but about 20% will develop it within three years after being spayed. The good news is that it can be treated medically. Around 50-60% of dogs with spay incontinence respond to estrogen therapy, which works to increase the sensitivity of the closure receptors in the urethra. Given that all the blood work, x-rays, and ultrasound were normal, spay incontinence may be the likely cause of Harper Grace leaking urine. I would speak to the second vet to discuss estrogen therapy to see if that helps with her problem. Good luck, I hope this helps!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Vet Q & A
Why is my older dog incontinent with diarrhea after spay surgery?
This can happen but usually only for less than 24 hours. If it's been more than 24 hours and she is still suffering from uncontrollable diarrhea, you should contact your vet straight away.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Why is my older spayed dog suddenly incontinent and licking herself?
Poor Lulu! If she has been checked for underlying problems that could cause incontinence (such as diabetes, Cushing's disease, or chronic kidney disease), then I agree that it's likely her incontinence is due to being an older spayed female. I would recommend asking your veterinarian about medication to control this condition, such as Proin or DES (diethylstilbestrol) - these are quite effective at managing incontinence in most cases :)
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My older cat is having incontinence after spay surgery. Is it common?
No, this is not common in my experience. I recommend a urinalysis and chemistry bloodwork, and potentially an ultrasound to see if Jenny has a urinary tract infection, bladder stones, kidney disease, or some other condition causing the incontinence. It may or may not be related to the spay.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Food & Nutrition
My spayed dog pees in her sleep. Should I be worried and see a vet?
Some females will develop incontinence after the spay. This does make them more prone to urinary tract infections and I do recommend to have Amber visit her veterinarian. The doctor will check her for a bladder infection and if that is clear they will discuss starting her on a medication to tighten the sphincter. This will likely stop the incontinence. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My old dog became incontinent after starting new supplements. Why?
Unlikely. Incontinence is generally related to a lack or hormones or a dysfunction of the nerves. These pups are prone ti bladder infections so get her examined within the new few days. Best of luck.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Is Incurin safe for my young spayed dog's incontinence long-term?
As Belle is a fairly large dog incontinence after spaying is a relatively common occurrence, Most dogs become incontinent when a little older, but it can indeed happen to younger dogs as well. This is due to a lack of female hormones which used to be produced by the ovaries, Belle will likely need to take the Incurin for a longer period of time if not life-long.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Training & Behavior
Should I worry if my spayed dog leaks pee after walks occasionally?
This can be from a hormonal imbalance due to being spayed. If this becomes more frequent there is medication to control the urinary incontinence. They will recommend a urinalysis to make sure there is no medical problem in the urine then they can prescribe medication. Usually a low dose of medication needs to be given lifelong. As long as this is so infrequent I would not medicate my dog yet. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Riley.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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