06/21/2026
A look inside a cystoscopy. đđ©ș (READ BELOW FOR MORE INFO)
This patient came to Dr. Bisignano for urinary incontinence that had been going on for several months. After a careful history, exam, and direct observation of his urinary behavior, combined with an abdominal ultrasound, we found his bladder was severely enlarged. This pointed to overflow incontinence, where the bladder physically cannot hold any more urine, usually due to an obstruction or functional issue preventing it from emptying properly.
To rule out a structural blockage, we performed a cystoscopy, a camera study of the lower urinary tract. His study came back normal, leading us to a diagnosis of functional urethral obstruction, also known as reflex dyssynergia. This rare condition mostly affects male dogs and occurs when the bladder is trying to empty, but the urethral sphincter will not relax to let urine pass through.
The good news is that with the right medications to relax the sphincter and support bladder contraction, dogs diagnosed early can return to normal function.
This case is a good reminder of why it matters to listen closely to a petâs history and actually watch their behavior. That single observation led to a fast, accurate diagnosis.
If your dog is having urinary issues without a clear explanation, do not wait. Give us a call or visit our website. đŸ
