CPD ACCREDITED ARTICLE
Urinary Incontinence
in the Horse
A Systematic
Approach to
Diagnosis &
Treatment
Michael Hewetson BSc,
BVSc, Cert EM(Int.Med),
DipECEIM, MRCVS
Abstract
Urinary incontinence is an uncommon presenting clinical
sign in horses. Despite a variety of inciting causes, most
horses with urinary incontinence present with chronic
end-stage detrusor dysfunction, characterised by overflow
incontinence, cystitis and accumulation of sabulous sed-
iment in the bladder. In some cases, a specific underlying
etiology can be identified and treated successfully. In most
cases however, a definitive diagnosis is difficult to estab-
lish and treatment is symptomatic, consisting of regular
catheterisation to empty the bladder and the use of drugs
that stimulate detrusor muscle function and/or relax the
urethral sphincters. A substantial commitment from the
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Issue 02 | APRIL 2017 | 14
owner is required to treat these horses, as they need me-
ticulous nursing care to prevent secondary complications
such as urine scalding. Early intervention before develop-
ment of chronic overflow problems is the key to thera-
peutic success, as response to treatment in long-standing
cases is poor.
Keywords
Urinary, incontinence, horse, diagnosis, treatment
I. Review of the neuroanatomy and physiology of the lower
urinary tract