Bladder expression

Intro

Some pets with spinal problems have difficulty urinating normally. This is called incontinence. There are two forms of incontinence: upper motor neuron (UMN) incontinence and lower motor neuron (LMN) incontinence. Pets with either type of incontinence are subject to more frequent urinary tract infections. If your pet’s urine has an unusual odor or color, please contact us.

UMN Incontinence

Pets who have an injury in their middle or upper spine will have trouble getting urine out of their bladder. That means their bladder can get very full, and that can be painful. Left too long, it can even do damage to the bladder. Frequent expression will help keep your pet’s bladder comfortable and healthy.

LMN Incontinence

Pets who have a lower spine injury will have trouble keeping urine in their bladder. That means when they lie down or when someone puts pressure on their belly, for instance with a sling, urine may dribble out. These pets are not in danger of bladder damage. However, it’s still important to fully express their bladder regularly to help prevent infection and to improve cleanliness. Pets with this sort of incontinence can get “urine scalding,” which is a nasty skin rash from urine is constantly soaking their fur. Sometimes shaving the hair in the area can help keep things dry. We are happy to help with that, or you can ask your groomer for what’s called a “sanitary cut.”

How to express the bladder

Three or four times a day, take your pet to their normal bathroom spot and give them a chance to urinate on their own. We want them to try as this helps them recover, and any little bit they can help will assist you in getting their bladder empty. If they cannot, you will need to express their bladder.

This take practice, especially if your pet has UMN incontinence. It’s okay to ask for help from your medical team while you are learning. Be patient with yourself and your pet, and you will get the hang of this eventually.

Step 1: Find the bladder

Place one hand on either side of their belly. Slowly but firmly, push your hands together. It’s important to go slowly and use a flat hand not pointy fingers! Start just behind their ribs and slowly slide your hands up, down, back and forth until you feel your pet’s bladder. A full bladder in a cat will be the size of an orange, a dachshund’s will be the size of a grapefruit, and a golden retriever’s will be the size of a soccer ball. The bladder will feel like a water balloon.

Step 2: Express the bladder

Once you have found the bladder, slowly but firmly press on the bladder until you see urine expelled. Continue pressing until you feel the bladder become flat. It may slip out of your hands as it empties try to find it again by following the instructions in step 1. When you find it, press again. Get as much urine out as possible.

Step 3: Evaluate the urine

Each time your pet urinates, evaluate the urine for abnormal colors and smells. If your pet is urinating in the grass, you may blot the spot with a white piece of paper or paper towel to evaluate the color. If you have any concerns, contact your veterinarian. Urinary tract infections are very common in pets who have had spinal injuries.

How Long Should I Express My Pet’s Bladder?

Once your pet can reliably urinate a normal amount on their own twice a day, you can stop expressing their bladder.

When to seek urgent care

If your pet has not urinated AND you have not been able to successfully express the bladder in over 24 hours, please seek urgent veterinary care. If your pet seems uncomfortable or is leaking small amounts of urine consistently try to express the bladder. If you cannot, seek urgent veterinary care.