Congenital Urethral Sphincter Mechanism Incompetence

The cause is unknown but hereditary factors may play a role. Incontinence may be continuous (Fig. 4, page 11) or intermittent and even when both ureters are ectopic (bilateral ectopic ureter,), the dog can usually still pass a normal stream of urine, despite the copious leakage at other times. Diagnosis is by contrast radiography (special x-ray studies discussed in more detail in the section How is urinary incontinence investigated?). Secondary complications are common and usually involve the kidney and ureter on the affected side. For example, the area of the kidney where urine collects before passing down the ureter may become dilated (distended) with urine (hydronephrosis) or infected (pyelonephritis) and the ectopic ureter, itself is usually dilated with urine (hydro-ureter).