Evaluation of colposuspension for treatment of incontinence in spayed female dogs

Objective-To determine the long-term effects of colposuspension in spayed f emale dogs with urinary incontinence and identify preoperative anatomic or urodynamic measurements associated with a successful outcome. Design-Prospective study. Animals-23 client-owned spayed female dogs with urinary incontinence. Procedure-Prior to surgery, a history was obtained, and a physical examinat ion, CBC, serum biochemical analyses, urinalysis, bacterial culture of a ur ine sample, vaginourethrocystography, urethral pressure profilometry, and l eak point pressure test were performed. Colposuspension was performed, and preoperative tests were repeated 2 months after surgery. Clients were inter viewed 2 weeks, 1 month, and 1 year after surgery. Results-22 dogs were followed up for 1 year. Twelve had complete urinary co ntrol 2 months after surgery, and 3 had complete urinary control 1 year aft er surgery. Dogs with normal urinary control at 2 months had an increased l eak point pressure (LPP), compared with preoperative measurements, and thei r LPP was the same as normal dogs. Eight dogs had complete urinary control, and 9 were considered greatly improved 1 year after surgery when medical t reatment was added to the effect of colposuspension, Client satisfaction wa s high, with 19 of 22 (86%) owners being pleased with their decision to hav e surgery performed. The only predictors of complete urinary control 2 mont hs after surgery were a more caudal position of the external urethral openi ng in relation to the pubis on preoperative radiographs and a longer overal l urethral length. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Colposuspension alone will result in com plete urinary control in few dogs with urinary incontinence but may improve urinary control sufficiently that owners will be pleased. Preoperative vag inourethrocystography may be helpful in predicting response to surgery, and the LPP test correlates with improved urinary control.