How common is spay incontinence in dogs? Actually, few studies have been conducted to determine the incidence of this problem. A 1989 study by Dr. Susi Arnold at the University of Zurich, however, reported that urinary incontinence occurs in approximately 20 percent of spayed bitches in Switzerland. According to Arnold, an expert in the field of urodynamics, the incidence of spay incontinence is lower in smaller dogs (about 8 percent) than in larger dogs (over 30 percent).
Although I acknowledge Arnold's expertise, I don't feel these numbers reflect the situation here in the U.S. I have no objective data to cite, but my experience as a breeder and veterinarian lead me to believe the incidence of spay incontinence is much lower here.
__________________ Kimberly |