1. What does sphincter mechanism incompetence (SMI) refer to in the context of urinary incontinence?
Failure of the urethral sphincter to maintain closure, causing urinary incontinence
Explicación
Sphincter mechanism incompetence is defined as the failure of the urethral sphincter to maintain closure, which results in urinary incontinence, as stated explicitly in the source excerpt. Review: Urinary incontinence: etiology, diagnosis, and therapeutic approaches. Course evidence: "Sphincter mechanism incompetence (SMI) : A condition characterized by failure of the urethral sphincter to maintain closure, leading to urinary incontinence; it is the most common cause in spayed bitches and may be congenital in young dogs."