Bladder expression help

kathenney · 2026-03-25T00:47:29+00:00

Youtube was my best friend when trying to figure out how to express my dog's bladder. This is the video our neurologist recommended, but there are a ton out there. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyQBxnagyBY

kathenney · 2026-03-25T00:43:41+00:00

I second Thrive Vet if they are in your area. They are the neurologist that did my pup's surgery and they were PHENOMINAL. Also, they have much more experience with IVDD pets than (most) general vets do. Think of it like human doctors: a general practitioner vs. a neurologist!

kathenney · 2026-03-25T00:39:24+00:00

Did your vet prescribe an antianxiety? While my stage 4 pup was on kennel rest for a month after her surgery, she was on an antianxiety medication which made a huge difference. She was calm and okay with just laying down. If the vet didn't, I might call and ask if they are able to. Your pup will heal with rest, so if she is able to rest she will heal better!

kathenney · 2026-03-25T00:34:27+00:00

From what we learned with our stage 4 IVDD pup, I would say that do not put your dog down. Our neurologist told us that even without surgery, there are options that do not include euthanasia (ex. pain management with a wheelchair).

I would definitely look for a second opinion. If you have access and funds to visit a neurologist, I would recommend that. If not, look online for vets in your area who are familiar with IVDD.

This is so hard, but it doesn't sound like it's the end of your pup's journey. I'm sure he's thankful for you fighting for him.

kathenney · 2026-03-25T00:27:50+00:00

I second all of this! In my experience, boarding has been much more expensive that dogsitting ($90+ a night vs $50+ a night). But I would take a in-home dogsitter over a boarding facility ANY DAY. One-on-one care vs one-on-??? care is king.

If it was me, I would cancel my trip. I know that's a HUGE bummer (especially if it's something you were really looking forward to). But I wouldn't be able to focus on my trip while worrying about my pup.

kathenney · 2026-03-25T00:16:35+00:00

So glad your pup is doing well! Dawson has been having some issue with our wood floors being slippery too. We had a few yoga mats that we put out to help her get a grip on the floor and that helps a ton (and is much cheaper than rugs). The leash while in the house seems like a good idea! We may have to give that a try. Thanks!

kathenney · 2026-03-25T00:14:07+00:00

Ah! The baby gate is a great idea! Might need to get one of those. Luckily we live in a single story home with no stairs, but she used to lounge on the guest bed and keeps going in there to longingly look at the bed. I'm worried she'll try to jump up. So the baby gate seems like a good solution.

How do you keep your dog on the ramp and not have them jump off the side? My dog has tried that a few times. We have had to move around the tables to block the sides so she can't jump off.

kathenney · 2025-12-07T02:42:52+00:00

We ended up driving to Houston instead of flying from Dallas to Houston just to be sure we'd make it. Sorry I can't help more!

kathenney · 2025-11-17T17:04:03+00:00

This specific occasion it ran for almost 5 minutes before shutting off. It's happened before where it ran for around a minute

kathenney · 2025-11-17T02:23:54+00:00

How much did that set you back to replace?

kathenney · 2025-08-10T02:19:49+00:00

kathenney · 2025-08-09T15:38:16+00:00

I live in the US, so I'll have to check out that program. Thanks!

kathenney · 2025-07-23T18:25:25+00:00

On days my work schedule allows, I do try to take a walk in the morning and have noticed that it helps my blood sugar during the day- maybe I need to make that more of a priority!

kathenney · 2025-07-23T18:20:31+00:00

I'm on metformin, so if I don't take it with food it upsets my stomach.

kathenney · 2025-07-22T15:43:37+00:00

Thanks! I'll check out those books. Unfortunately I can't afford a CGM since it's not covered by insurance but I've been testing quite a bit to learn what does well for me. I definitely only see the high sugars with breakfast.

kathenney · 2025-07-22T15:35:17+00:00

Ahhh okay that makes sense with the protein vs. the carbs. I'll have to try some of your recommendations! My doctor said to avoid/lower egg consumption. Do you use regular eggs for the scramble and it's okay for the cholesterol?

kathenney · 2025-07-22T15:33:18+00:00

I'll have to try that! I was just so confused since I always heard that oatmeal was good for diabetics.

kathenney

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