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1844: Treatment of Urinary Incontinence with Multipotent Muscle Cells: A Regenerative Medicine Approach to a Common Canine Health Problem

Grant Status: Open

Grant Amount: $116,184.24

Dr. Shelly Vaden, DVM PhD, North Carolina State University

January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2014

Sponsor(s): Collie Health Foundation, Irish Setter Club of America Foundation, Newfoundland Club of America Charitable Trust

Breed(s): Doberman Pinscher, English Springer Spaniel, Giant Schnauzer, Golden Retriever, Irish Setter, Old English Sheepdog, Rottweiler, Weimaraner

Disease(s): Incontinence

Research Program Area: Renal Disease

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Abstract

Urinary incontinence affects more than 20% of spayed female dogs, with medium and large breeds more commonly affected. In the majority of the cases urinary incontinence is caused by dysfunction of the muscles controlling the urethral sphincter. This results in uncontrolled loss of urine and can lead to serious bladder and kidney infections, in addition to irritation and/or ulceration of the skin in contact with the urine. Treatment can include hormone therapy, drugs designed to strengthen the muscle tone of the urethral sphincter, collagen injections, or surgery. Recently, Dr. Vaden's lab has reported that injection of muscle progenitor cells into damaged urethral sphincters can restore normal function in dogs. The purpose of this project is to extend those observations and examine the usefulness of cultured muscle cells for the restoration of function of the urethral sphincter in dogs with naturally occurring urinary incontinence. The effects of the procedure will be determined by owner reported continence scoring, as well as urodynamic testing that will provide an objective measurement for how well the bladder, sphincters, and urethra are storing and releasing urine.