Welcome Maya. So sorry to hear about your boy's car accident. Expressing is a new skill for you. Expect that it may take a weeks worth of expressing times before you reach the proficiency level of him staying dry session to session.
Was the "they showed me" a hands on top of your hands type of lesson? This kind of lesson lets you feel the amount of pressure to apply. Lets you feel for the bladder as it empties and gets smaller— the bladder moves up into the pelvic area.
When the bladder is completely full, you won't really feel it as it fills the whole abdominal cavity but as it empties and gets smaller, you should be able to feel its shape. Should be easy to get some urine out just applying the proper pressure. Even the act of lifting him could cause urine to come out. Watch the video and read the tips to visual:
dodgerslist.com/2020/05/05/bladder-bowel-care/NOTE: Find the position that works for your hand strength. My neuro with his large strong hands used a position that my small not so strong hands just could not get the hang of on the high exam table. So try out different positions: lying down on his side, his butt resting on your knee(s) with his front legs supporting his body as you express him from behind.
Expressing is physics. Your hands need to apply enough pressure to overcome the resistance of the neck of the bladder to open up and release urine.
There are meds that help relax muscles. Dr. Isaacs, Neurology (ACVIM) talks about that issue:
dodgerslist.com/2020/09/02/tense-during-expressingIf need be take your boy into your local DVM vet if the hospital is farther away to get another hands on top of your hands type of expressing lesson from the vet or his vet tech.
FYI, lots of tips for caring for a heavy dog you will find useful:
1)
dodgerslist.com/2022/02/10/large-dog-care-tips-ivdd/2)
dodgerslist.com/2020/05/14/strict-rest-recovery-process/DIAPERS
Diapers are a last resort as they can cause issues of skin rashes, broken skin. But until your expressing skills are perfected to empty the bladder each session AND he stays dry right up to the next, diapers can save you lots of clean up time. While learning expect to express every 2-3 hours. As he stays dry move up to every 4-6. You will likely also by then find during the night hours he can stay dry for 8 hrs.
Have on hand a barrier cream with no toxic zinc.
Aquaphor Baby, Aquaphor regular Healing Ointment
or Bayer's A+D® Original Ointment
or
Find adult diapers in the grocery store or big box stores. You will need to cut a small circle in the diaper for his tail.
i.postimg.cc/4ybxvFNp/diaper-pattern.png i.postimg.cc/mrJfPNRR/goodTOgo.jpgURINE Protection garments is another option to a diaper.
tinkletrousers.com/ claims not to pull down and stays on their rear end.
Have handy a stack of Dollar Store washcloths for easy clean up or non-scented baby wipes to clean urine from skin and fur.
This tip and many other good ones comes including how to set up the mattress system from our supply list at the Main Dodgerslist web site.
dodgerslist.com/2020/05/14/strict-rest-recovery-process/Use unscented baby wipes for quick clean up on your dog. Marjorie's tip: Brew up a pot of decafinated green tea. Let it cool, dampen a sponge or cloth with the tea and then gently wipe belly and legs. Tea is mild with acidifying, antibacterial properties to neutralize urine on skin and fur to avoid rashes from urine scald. The tea leaves a clean earthy fragrance. The remaining tea can then be stored in the refrigerator and warmed before use.
White vinegar in a spray bottle to disinfect and remove the urine ammonia smell from floors, etc.
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When your stress level has reduced, tell us about your boy.
🍫🍫 Your answers to these questions, will provide necessary facts for comments specific to your dog's situation.
QUESTIONS
★1 Is there still currently any pain surfacing? List ONLY the signs you observe.
There should be no sign of pain from one dose of meds to the next. Have no patience with pain as it does hinder healing. Phone your vet and report any of observations asap to get meds adjusted.
⚙︎ shivering-trembling ⚙︎ yelping when picked up or moved
⚙︎ tight tense tummy ⚙︎ arched back, ears pinned back
⚙︎ restless, can't find a comfortable position
⚙︎ slow or reluctant to move in suite such as shift positions
⚙︎ not their normal perky interested in life selves
★2 __How much does your dog weigh?
What is the list of meds your dog is taking?
-- Exact names for each med, their doses in mg’s and times per day given?
-- PLUS: IF on a non-steroid (NSAID) for how many days?
-- Please include the "all important" stomach protector. Use Pepcid AC with any anti-inflammatory med (steroid or NSAID). Follow vets who are proactive. Avoid red flag signs: Not eating, vomit, loose stool, bleeding ulcers, red or black blood in diarrhea.
★3 List any red flag signs of stomach damage you are currently observing:
Not eating, vomit, loose stool, bleeding ulcers, red or black blood in diarrhea?
★4 What is your dog’s name? Your name, is Maya?
★6 -- date of surgery?
-- number of weeks surgeons wants for post-op rest?
-- surgeon directed at-home PT?
STRICT rest means:
- no laps - no couches
- no baths - no sleeping with you
- no chiro therapy
When you are able, please do register. Registration allows automated email updates when you have a post waiting to be read. Timely communications are important when helping your dog:
dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/7353/register-bookmark-dogs-post-thread
