Outcome after placement of an artificial urethral sphincter in 27 dogs.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of an adjustable artificial urethral sphincter (AUS) in a population of dogs with acquired or congenital urinary incontinence.

Study Design: Case series.

Animals: Dogs (n = 27) with naturally occurring urinary incontinence.

Methods: Medical records (January 2009-July 2011) of dogs that had AUS implantation for treatment of urinary incontinence were reviewed and owners were interviewed by telephone to assess outcome. Continence was scored using a previously established analogue scale, with 1 representing constant leakage and 10 representing complete continence.

Results: Twenty-four female and 3 male dogs had AUS implantation. Causes of incontinence included urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (n = 18), continued incontinence after ectopic ureter repair (6), and pelvic bladder (3). Medical therapy was unsuccessful in 25 dogs before AUS implantation. Surgery was performed without major complications in 25 dogs; 2 developed partial urethral obstruction after 5 and 9 months. Median (interquartile range) follow-up for the other 25 dogs was 12.5 (6-19) months. Continence scores were significantly improved (P < .0001) between the preoperative period (2 [1-4]) and last follow-up (9 [8-10]). Overall, 22 owners described themselves as very satisfied, 2 as satisfied, and 3 as unsatisfied.

Conclusions: AUS implantation was successful in restoring continence in male and female dogs with both congenital and acquired urinary incontinence. Dogs that develop partial urethral obstruction may require AUS removal.