Massage

Principles of Massage

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.