Neurogenic Bladder in Dogs, Cats and Humans: A Comparative Review of Neurological Diseases

Animals, 2022 · DOI: 10.3390/ani12233233 · Published: November 22, 2022

Simple Explanation

Neurogenic bladder (NB) in dogs and cats can result from various disorders affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems. This review summarizes neurological diseases that cause NB in these animals, drawing parallels with similar conditions in human medicine. This review provides an overview of the epidemiology, prevalence, clinical signs, diagnosis, and prognosis of NB in dogs and cats, comparing these aspects with those observed in humans. The information on functional micturition diseases are not readily available and are catalogued as reports or single chapters describing the individual neurological disorders. Moreover, there were no reviews covering the more frequent and diffuse neurological diseases responsible for NB.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Dogs, cats, and humans

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
Spina bifida is associated with urinary incontinence in children, with renal damage and UTIs being the main causes of death. Management focuses on preserving renal function and promoting urinary continence.
2
Spinal arachnoid diverticula (SAD) can lead to progressive myelopathy and NB in dogs and, less frequently, in cats. MRI is the gold standard for diagnosis.
3
In aging dogs and cats, physiological anatomical alterations, such as decreased retraction of the cerebral gyri and widening of sulci, can lead to cognitive dysfunction and urinary incontinence.

Research Summary

This review provides a comparative overview of neurogenic bladder (NB) in dogs, cats, and humans, focusing on neurological diseases affecting the lower urinary tract. The review covers congenital diseases like spina bifida and spinal arachnoid diverticula, acquired conditions such as aging and cognitive dysfunction, seizures, and spinal cord injuries, as well as peripheral nerve disorders like degenerative lumbosacral stenosis and metabolic neuropathies. The correct identification of NB can help to better manage the affected animal, and collaboration with other specialists, including urologists, is highly recommended to maximize patients’ QoL.

Practical Implications

Enhanced diagnostics

Recognizing the clinical signs and utilizing diagnostic tools like MRI can lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses of NB in animals.

Improved management strategies

Understanding the underlying neurological causes of NB can inform tailored treatment plans, potentially improving the quality of life for affected animals.

Comparative research

Drawing parallels between NB in animals and humans may facilitate translational research, benefiting both veterinary and human medicine.

Study Limitations

1
Limited data on epidemiology and prevalence of specific NB-causing conditions in veterinary medicine.
2
Scattered information on etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of NB in dogs and cats.
3
Difficulty in direct comparison between small animals and humans due to differences in disease manifestations and reporting.

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