Bowel Incontinence in Dogs

Similar to humans, dogs’ muscles tend to get weaker as they age, and that includes the anal muscles. In addition, there are many illnesses that can create a situation that makes it difficult for your dog to control his bowels. Any type of gastrointestinal problem can also cause bowel incontinence. However, you should have the veterinarian check your dog if the incontinence goes on longer than a few days. In addition, if you notice other signs such as vomiting, appetite loss, increased body temperature, or any other abnormal behavior, let the veterinarian know right away.

Bowel incontinence is common in older dogs from lack of muscle tone or from a medical problem such as diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colitis, liver or kidney disease, or Cushing’s disease. Some other illnesses may cause your dog not to want to go outside to have a bowel movement such as arthritis, blindness, and some cognitive disabilities. No matter what you suspect the reason is, if your dog is having accidents in the house you should make an appointment to bring him to see a veterinary care provider.

The signs of bowel incontinence are caused by your dog not being able to control his bowel movements and may include one or more of the following:

• Diarrhea
• Defecating while walking or sleeping
• Dragging hind end on the rug or floor
• Bloating
• Gas
• Loss of muscle tone in the anal area
• Aggravation
• Inability to wag tail

Types

Reservoir incontinence is the inability to hold the fecal matter, giving the dog a frequent urge to defecate. Pain may also cause an unwillingness to defecate properly.

• Non-nervous system-related anal sphincter incontinence can be from trauma, infection, or fistulas
• Nervous system-related anal sphincter incontinence includes involuntary dribbling when barking or coughing, loss of muscle contracture, lack of muscle tone, and paralysis

• Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular disorder that stops the muscles from contracting; the nerves that control the anal sphincter no longer are able to communicate with the brain, which causes incontinence
• Tumor of the spine can cause pain or paralysis
• Parasites such as cryptosporidium and trichomoniasis can cause muscular damage from prolonged diarrhea
• Anal fistula is a chronic lesion in the anal area
• Viruses like parvovirus that cause diarrhea
• Anal sac infection from previous injury or condition
• Paralysis
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Muscle wasting (atrophy)

The veterinarian will do a complete physical examination on your dog including vital signs, palpation, and auscultation. Laboratory tests will be performed, which usually includes blood tests, fecal examination, and urinalysis. Radiographs such as abdominal x-rays, ultrasound, MRI, and CT scans may be performed to rule out obstructions and other abnormalities. An endoscopy and colonoscopy may give the veterinarian a better look at what is going on in your dog’s system.

The treatment of bowel incontinence will depend on the reason it is happening.

Infections

For infections of any kind, the veterinarian will most likely give your dog an antibiotic by injection.

Muscle Problems

Treatment for muscular degeneration or wasting will likely include medication or surgery to repair the sphincter and anal muscles in that area.

Parasites

Treatment of an infestation by parasites may include antiparasitic medications.  

Spinal Issues

Chiropractic care, acupuncture, aquatherapy, or physiotherapy may be suggested for spinal problems.

Tumors

A tumor of the spine may need to be removed surgically and may include physical therapy as well.

Anal Fistulas

Anal fistulas and other damage to the rectal area may be managed medically, but may need to be repaired surgically.

Recovery is usually very optimistic unless it turns out to be a tumor or paralysis, which may take longer to treat. Patience, as your dog cannot help his condition, and perseverance in the event he needs a bit of retraining after the treatment, are both important parts of the recovery process. Consult your veterinarian if you need guidance in dealing with the effects of bowel incontinence on both you and your pet.