What would you look for during a physical examination in a dog with suspected urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence?

In evaluating a dog with suspected urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence, observing perivulvular dermatitis and urine staining is crucial. This is because when there is leakage of urine due to the incompetence of the urethral sphincter, it can lead to skin irritation and infection in the perivulvular area. The presence of urine on the skin can result in dermatitis, which manifests as redness, inflammation, and possible secondary infections. These signs can help confirm the diagnosis and indicate the severity of the condition.

Physical examination findings such as abdominal masses could suggest other underlying issues but are not directly related to urethral sphincter incompetence. Skin lesions on the back are generally not associated with urinary issues and would not provide relevant information regarding micturition disorders. A normal fur condition might indicate overall health but would not point specifically to problems with the urethral sphincter. Therefore, the presence of dermatitis and urine staining is a key indicator of urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence and provides essential diagnostic information.