My friends 7 year old boxer bitch, never had a litter, spayed 4 years ago has suddenly developed bladder incontenance.  It started a few back, firstly just dribbles while laying down and now its big puddles!! She is drinking alot too but other than that no other symptoms.  Urine test and blood tests are clear she is waiting for a specialist appointment.  Just wondered if anyone had any ideas or has similar experience?

Well spay incontinence is very common in the breed.  Have they tried Propalin or Incurin?

The excessive drinking (over say 2 litres if on dry food) would make me want to check kidney function.

Does spay incontinence not usually occur quite soon after the spay?  Not sure how much she's drinking but my friend said there has been quite an increase.  They havnt prescribed anything yet, personally I'm not a fan of her vet so hopfully the specialist at the vet hospital will be of more help.  I just thought I'd ask on here for her.

No, often spay incontinence is part of aging, often when a bit of weight creeps on, less exercise leading to all round reduction of muscle tone, which is also exacerbated by the lack of hormones.

This is why Incurin can work as it is a hormone based product.

thanks I'll pass the info you gave me on.  :)

It would be worth getting a measure of how much she's drinking in a day, if at all possible - chances are the vet will ask, if it looks like a significant increase.

I say if possible - I tried once with Remy as he's seemed to drink a LOT for a few years (I know now he drinks normal amounts, but not often so has a lot in one go) - but in a house with 8 dogs it was flippin hard work :-P