Urine Leakage Common in Spayed Dogs

Q. We have a 4-year-old female Mastiff. For the last year (since we had her spayed), she’s been leaking urine when she lies down, and her coordination is deteriorating. We had one person tell us that she may have had a stroke. Is this possible? If so what can we do about it?

A. It’s not unusual for female dogs to have some urinary leakage and incontinence after being spayed. The hormone estrogen helps provide muscle tone to the sphincter muscles that control urination. The problem is solved with a medication called phenylpropanolamine (PPA), given daily or every other day.
 
The second problem you describe, deteriorating coordination, is much more concerning, and most likely unrelated to the urinary problem. A stroke is possible, but unlikely. Some other type of neurologic disease is possible, and can only be confirmed with a thorough neurologic exam.
 
I would highly recommend a visit to your veterinarian for a thorough exam, and an evaluation of your Mastiff’s urinary problem and deteriorating coordination.