Guide for Vets: Incurin® (Estriol) for Urinary Incontinence in Dogs – 2025 Vet Insights 🩺🐶

Welcome! I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, here to provide a comprehensive 2025 overview on using Incurin® (estriol)—a trusted solution for estrogen-responsive urinary incontinence in spayed female dogs. This article covers medical mechanisms, dosing protocols, side effects, breed considerations, and long-term management—all in clear, vet-approved detail 😊.

🔎 1. What Is Incurin® (Estriol)?

Incurin® is a low-dose, short-acting estrogen (estriol) designed to treat urinary incontinence caused by estrogen deficiency in spayed female dogs :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

⚙️ 2. How It Works

Estriol enhances urethral sphincter tone, improving bladder control. Its short-acting nature reduces risk compared to other estrogens :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

📊 3. Who Benefits? Indications

• Ovariohysterectomized (spayed) female dogs with estrogen-responsive urinary incontinence
• Diagnosed via clinical history and exclusion of other causes

Not suitable for intact dogs, males, lactating/spayed younger than one year, or dogs with PU/PD :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

💊 4. Dosing Guidelines

Dose is fixed and not weight-dependent:

• Initial dose: 2 mg (two 1 mg tablets) daily for at least 14 days :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Titration: Reduce stepwise—1 mg✴7 days, then 0.5 mg ✴7 days :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• Maintenance: Lowest effective dose, possibly every other day
• Maximum: 2 mg/day—if ineffective, reassess diagnosis :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

⏱️ 5. How to Start and Monitor

• Begin with 14-day monitoring
• Track incontinence episodes daily
• Adjust dosage every 7 days based on control
• Follow-up exams and bloodwork every 6 months to monitor long-term safety :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

📈 6. Effectiveness & Research

Clinical trials show 66% success at 14 days versus 37% for placebo; 86% maintained improvement by Day 42 at adjusted doses :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}. 93% of dogs respond by 6 weeks :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.

⚠️ 7. Side Effects & Safety

Common side effects (13% appetite loss, 9% vomiting, 7% PU) are typically mild and dose-dependent :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

Other effects: swollen vulva, vaginitis, polyphagia, anxiety, lethargy, aggression, mammary hyperplasia, and rare cystitis :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}. One case of suspected stump pyometra noted :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.

Though theoretical risks include bone marrow suppression or mammary tumors, real-world data suggest these are low with estriol :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.

🚫 8. Contraindications & Cautions

• No use with other estrogens or glucocorticoids unless advised :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
• Avoid in dogs with PU/PD or liver disease :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
• Restricted use in intact, pregnant, lactating, male, or dogs <1 yr :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
• Pregnant women should avoid handling tablets—wash hands after administration :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}

🔄 9. Long-Term Management

• Use the lowest effective dose
• Consider alternate-day dosing once stabilized
• Regular checks every 6 months for side effects :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
• If poor response, reassess for neurological or bladder disease

🛠 10. Alternatives & Supportive Care

• Phenylpropanolamine (Proin®): common alternative
• Behavioral modification, scheduled potty breaks
• Bladder-strengthening supplements
• Address concurrent urinary tract infections

📋 11. Case Example

Emily, a 6‑year‑old spayed Labrador: 3–4 leaks nightly. Started on 2 mg/day: continuous improvement after 10 days. Tapered to 0.5 mg every other day, with no leaks over 3 months. Minimal side effects.

🔚 12. Vet Takeaways for 2025

• 🎯 Incurin® is a safe, effective option for many spayed females
• 📉 Emphasize personalized dosing and frequent reevaluation
• 👀 Monitor side effects—especially estrogenic ones
• 📞 Reassess if ≥2 mg fails
• 📱 Use the Ask A Vet app to manage dosage logs and side effect alerts

At Ask A Vet, we support you with dosage tools, long-term tracking, and expert guidance. Download the Ask A Vet app for ongoing support managing urinary incontinence and overall health. Your patients rely on your expert care—let us support you every step of the way! ❤️