14/01/2026
☯ Management of urinary incontinence in an older male dog 🐾
A 10-year-old neutered male Dalmatian dog developed urate-induced anuria in 2024 that required urgent surgical intervention. Following surgery, he was left with persistent urinary incontinence, which proved difficult to manage medically. Allopurinol exacerbated the incontinence, oestriol failed to provide any benefit, and although phenylpropanolamine was clinically effective, ongoing supply issues made long-term management challenging for the owner.
He first started TCVM in mid-November 2025. At that time, he presented not only with urinary incontinence but also with clear signs of functional decline. He was weak in his pelvic limbs, his mobility was reduced, and he tired easily. He slept more, moved less, and overall displayed the quiet withdrawal we so often associate with ageing dogs. His urinary signs were intrusive for the entire household, with nightly awakenings around 3–4 am to urinate.
A TCVM treatment plan was instituted, consisting of acupuncture alongside Chinese Herbal Medicine with Liu Wei Di Huang Wan and Suo Quan Wan. He was already on an appropriate home cooked and balanced diet from a veterinary nutritionist colleague. Acupuncture sessions were performed weekly initially, then spaced to every two weeks once improvement was established.
The response has been both progressive and deeply encouraging. After five acupuncture sessions, the urinary incontinence had improved by approximately 80%. Most notably, the dog no longer wakes his owners during the night to urinate, restoring normal sleep patterns for everyone involved. Beyond the urinary signs, the broader systemic changes were striking. His energy levels increased, pelvic limb strength improved, and his willingness to engage with the world returned. He resumed running and playing with other dogs and, over the New Year period, completed a 12 km snow hike without any subsequent soreness or stiffness.
Perhaps most meaningful was the owner’s perception of her dog’s renewed vitality. She described him as joyful, engaged, and youthful again, sentiments that resonate strongly with what we aim to achieve through integrative and holistic care.
This case also highlights an important practical consideration: consistency. The owner was exceptionally committed to regular treatments and faithfully followed the proposed protocol, which undoubtedly played a key role in the outcome.
A very satisfying case, and a powerful reminder of how TCVM can support not just symptom management, but quality of life and healthy ageing.
Dr Victoria E Unt BVetMed MRCVS - CVA, CVBMA, CVFT, CVNN
Image note: The image shown is generated by AI for illustrative purposes and does not depict the actual patient.
