As a dog owner, one of the most challenging situations you might face is having a paralyzed pooch. While it can be heartbreaking and even overwhelming to deal with, there are ways to help your furry friend maintain his quality of life, including managing his bladder. In this article, we’ll discuss how to express the bladder of a paralyzed dog to make sure he’s comfortable and healthy.

What is bladder expression?

Bladder expression is the process of manually emptying a dog’s bladder when he cannot do it on his own. This can happen when your pet is paralyzed due to an injury or an illness that affects his nervous system. In this case, your fur baby loses the ability to control his bladder and can’t urinate on his own. To help him, you need to learn how to express his bladder manually or using special tools.

Why is bladder expression important?

Emptying your dog’s bladder regularly is essential for his health and well-being. When the bladder is full, it can cause discomfort, pain, and even lead to infections, bladder stone formation, and kidney damage. Moreover, if your dog holds his urine for too long, the pressure can cause the bladder to rupture, which is a life-threatening emergency.

How to express a paralyzed dog’s bladder

If you have a paralyzed dog, it’s crucial to learn how to express his bladder properly. There are several methods you can use, including the following:

1. Manual expression

This is the most common method of bladder expression and involves applying gentle pressure to the lower abdomen to stimulate urine release. Here’s how to do it:

– Place your dog on his back or side, with his legs outstretched.
– Locate the bladder, which is a rounded, firm structure located between the pelvic bones, beneath the anus, and above the genital area. It will feel like a small balloon or a lump under the skin.
– Use your fingers or the heel of your hand to apply gentle pressure to the bladder, starting from the back and moving forward. You should feel the urine flowing out of the urethra (the opening where the urine exits the body).
– Once the urine stops flowing, release the pressure and wait for a few minutes before trying again.

Note: If you’re not sure how to do it correctly, ask your vet or a professional dog groomer to show you.

2. Assisted expression

Assisted expression is an alternative method that involves using a special device, such as a bladder spear or a catheter, to empty the bladder. This method is especially useful if your dog has a large or hard-to-reach bladder or if he is too weak or uncomfortable to express his bladder manually. However, it requires some training and a bit of practice to use it effectively. Here’s how to do it:

– Choose an appropriate device and make sure it’s clean and sterile.
– Apply a water-based lubricant to the device to make it easier to insert.
– Insert the device into the urethra, following the instructions provided with the tool.
– Slowly and gently advance the device into the bladder, until you reach the end.
– Allow the urine to drain out of the device, either by gravity or by applying gentle pressure.
– Once the bladder is empty, remove the device and dispose of it appropriately.
– Clean the area with a mild soap and warm water and dry it thoroughly.

Conclusion

Expressing the bladder of a paralyzed dog can seem daunting, but with proper training and practice, it can become a routine that you and your furry friend can do together. Remember to be patient, gentle, and observant of your dog’s behavior and urine output, and don’t hesitate to seek veterinary advice if you notice any abnormalities or problems. By taking good care of your paralyzed pooch, you can give him the best life possible.

Quest'articolo è stato scritto a titolo esclusivamente informativo e di divulgazione. Per esso non è possibile garantire che sia esente da errori o inesattezze, per cui l’amministratore di questo Sito non assume alcuna responsabilità come indicato nelle note legali pubblicate in Termini e Condizioni
Quanto è stato utile questo articolo?
0Vota per primo questo articolo!