Hello Nancy, and thanks for researching this important question!

It is not uncommon for a female dog to have bladder sphincter control problems when her estrogen source (her ovaries) are surgically removed (humans also experience this!). This is most commonly seen as voiding during sleep, upon rising, or even while walking to the door to go outside! If this is the case with your dear pet, then there is an affordable medication she can take to help tighten this control.


1) It is best to be certain that this is a muscle control problem only...you vet's approach is to ensure that any bladder infection is not the cause of this loss of control, since pain in the bladder can affect muscle function. Do keep in contact with your vet's office as to her progress on the antibiotic.

2) A medication called phenylpropanolamine (say it "fen-ill-pro-pan-ole-ameen") is often prescribed to increase sphincter tone. The most common brand names used are Proin and Propalin. It is given 1-3 times daily.

3) Follow your vet's dosing instructions carefully...your dog would only need to take enough to help her. Keep in touch with the doctor's office regarding your progress. Sometimes a dog will not be completely helped by the phenylpropanolamine (often abrev. PPA for short!), and a compounding pharmacy is contacted to make a dose of estrogen replacement therapy!! Just as in people, this is not always safe and should be considered by you and your vet with her weight and health history in mind. What is commonly used is called "Diethylstilbesterol", or DES (say it: die-eth-ill-still-best-er-ol).

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