Tamsin Martin, Konstantinos Mosialos, Guillaume Ruiz

Bristol Vet Specialists, Bristol, United Kingdom

Objectives

To report a case of bladder atony associated with canine hypoadrenocorticism.

Methods

A seven-year-old male neutered crossbreed dog was presented for investigation of a ten-month history of progressive urinary incontinence consistent with a voiding disorder. Castration did not alter the clinical signs. Treatment trials with phenylpropanolamine and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid did not result in meaningful improvement.

Investigations included comprehensive bloodwork, non-invasive blood pressure measurement, urinalysis, abdominal computed tomography, urinary tract ultrasound, profilometry and cystomanometry.

Results

Bloods detected azotaemia and profilometry documented bladder atony.  An ACTH-stimulation test confirmed eukalaemic, eunatraemic hypoadrenocorticism.

Treatment with 0.3 mg/kg oral prednisolone once daily led to complete resolution of the urinary incontinence and azotemia, within two weeks. The electrolytes remained within normal limits during the same period.

Statement: Impact/ Clinical Significance

This case identifies bladder atony as novel manifestation of hypoadrenocorticism in a dog. Hypoadrenocorticism could be considered as a rare cause of urinary incontinence in future canine patients. Further research is warranted for meaningful conclusions.