Association in bitches between breed, size, neutering and docking, and acquired urinary incontinence due to incompetence of the urethral sphincter mechanism.

The association in bitches between breed, size, neutering and docking, and acquired incompetence of the urethral sphincter mechanism was investigated. Observational studies were conducted on referred and first-opinion cases of hormonal urinary incontinence and on referred, confirmed cases of incompetence of the urethral sphincter mechanism. Large and giant breeds were at high risk, whereas small breeds were at low risk. Specific breeds at high risk were the old english sheep-dog, rottweiler, dobermann pinscher, weimaraner and Irish setter. The labrador retriever had a relatively low risk. There was also a positive association between docking and neutering, and the two conditions.