Emmy Lou - Paralysis

[Puppen]

Well, it came to pass....Our Emmy Lou had sudden paralysis occur just yesterday. We took her to her Dr and she has a ruptured disc. :(


We aren't sure What, if anything particular, caused her present demise other than Saturday she appeared to be fine and the next day she was dragging, Of course this Had to happen on a Sunday and we live in a small town with her vet 40 miles away. Sheesh Talk about getting the Whammy!

Anyway, we took her to her Dr he said that the damage is a done deal and at this point there is nothing that can be done and that at this point the soonest we get her on wheels the better she will be. We have already taken the proper measurements and ordered her some wheels and bought some diapers which I modified for her right away. We hope that she will be able to not wear one in the future, but at the moment that doesn't seem very possible.

She has long hair and I've been trying to decide if we should take her to the groomer and have her behind shaved to help keep the messiness at a minimal?? Yes / No???

Another thing, I'm just not 100% sure I believe it when the Dr said that picking her up to go outside and giving her a bath etc...would Not do any more damage at THIS point. :scratch:
Then he went on to say that since no more damage can be done there is nothing else to do but give her the meds for the alotted time (Robaxin 1/2 tablet 2 times a day), use diapers, wheels and bathing. Should I use some kind of oil or something to help with drying out her skin etc??? :confused: I've never dealt with a disabled furbaby before but I think I am not only holding up well, but doing all the RIGHT things. She did eat some raw chicken (YES I have gone Completely Raw, forget the food companies!!) and some 100% pumpkin as well. Drinking water regularly on her own, she recieved a cortizone shot, the Robaxin starter pill and a stool softener, he did send those home with me to but told me to only give if she Needs them.
OK...Any one have any advise? suggestions? Things I should know that I don't Know?? :confused:
Thanks everyone, I am still SO Grateful to have found ya'll. :gphug1:

[alfina]

Sorry to hear this. Surgery is not an option?

[lotsadox]

First of all, I'm so sorry that Emmy Lou is paralyzed. I've been through that twice and it's so difficult. :hug99: :hug99: :hug99: for you.

Amanda couldn't walk in the last days of her life and had to be diapered. She was a L/H mix and it was very hard. I would suggest taking her to a groomer and getting her shaved just to make it easy on yourself. It's very hard to keep them clean with a lot of hair. Amanda was so old and got so stressed that I didn't clip her and had to put her in the bathtub and wash her every afternoon when I got home. Also, the Nature's Miracle wipes are a life saver. I used them to clean her after I changed the diaper.

I didn't have any trouble with diaper rash or dry skin with her. If you do, there are special dog lotions that would probably help. I used towels for her bedding because they were easy to wash. Also, the blue painters tape works well for holding the diapers on. It's easy take off, but sticks enough to hold when you need it to.

There's a lady on eBay that makes cloth diaper that you can buy and then just put a minipad in it. I got some that I use on Sweetums and they work pretty well. She sells them for 9.99, I think, which is considerably cheaper than the ones you buy at Petsmart. Sweetums likes the ones the lady makes better, too. I think it's because they're softer and don't have the plastic in them so they're more comfortable.

It will be hard at first but once you get used to it, taking care of an incontinent dog isn't that bad. Again, :hug99: :hug99: to you for being such a good dachsie momma and taking care of her when she really needs you. You're an :angel7:

[Chris]

I am so sorry for what happened.

Like Patrice said, :hug99: she is lucky to have a good doxie momma who knows that incontinence is not the end of her life.

Would hydrotherapy or acupuncture help even a teensy bit or is it way beyond that?

[catstamm]

I'm so sorry to hear about Emmy Lou...
You are a wonderful mom and she is a lucky girl.
There are many things you can do so don't count her down and out....
Patrice has great info and I'm sure Yolanda has more...YO!!!!
Have you joined dodgerslist? Great support system and advice...
You and Emmy are in my thoughts and prayers :hug99:

[samandissy]

I'm so sorry to hear about Emmy Lou...
You are a wonderful mom and she is a lucky girl.
There are many things you can do so don't count her down and out....
Patrice has great info and I'm sure Yolanda has more...YO!!!!
Have you joined dodgerslist? Great support system and advice...
You and Emmy are in my thoughts and prayers :hug99:


Beat me to it, Cat. www.dodgerslist.com

Hope Emmy improves and feels better, soon.

[Puppen]

:hug99: Thank you so much for the adivice and kind words, I appreciate it a lot! I worry SO much that I'm going to check on her and she is going to be gone. :pray: But he kept assuring me that I need not worry just take care of her properly. Believe me I WILL!! (I reas the "expressing" thread and I think I will let the groomer or Dr handle that one... :rolleyes: )

Nope, surgery isn't a option, wasn't even suggested, he flat out said,
"I won't waste our time or your money, this is what you need to do..." and I already typed what he had to say ....so, there it is.

Hehehe I JUST joined dodgerslist before I replied here... :) Thank You!

[catstamm]

Honey you will need to learn to express her because she will need it several times a day...unless you are going to live at the vets office?
She will get a UTI if she isn't expressed every few hrs....
YOU CAN DO IT!!!!! WE CAN DO ANYTHING THAT WE HAVE TO TO HELP OUR PUPPER....don't be scared....you will do great!!!!!!!:hug99: :hug99:

[Patt]

I'm so sorry to hear about Emmy Lou. You are a devoted doggie mom so I'm sure you will to a fantastic job caring for her.
The Dodgerslist is the best place to find everything you always wanted to know about downed puppers.
Wishing you and Emmy the very best. :hug99: :bighug: :hug99: Please keep us updated when you can.

[LUVMYGUNNER]

Did he not suggest crate rest for 6 weeks? Did he know a lot about doxies and IVDD? Sometimes with crate rest, medicine they do get better--I think I would get a 2nd opinion.

[alfina]

yep, second opinion is needed in my opinion. And soon.

[Puppen]

Yes, we discussed all those things and more, she had Been in partial before and did the crate rest and meds, she did well for 5 years. This is total hanging legs no feeling paralysis. I doubt he would mislead me considering he has been her Dr for 7 years and hasn't done anything for me to not trust his opinion. I've also read a lot about this over the years, knowing that in her case is wasn't preventable, degenerative. As for surgery, he really was quite adiment that it would be a waste of time and money, I asked his assistant when he was out of the room if she thought he just didn't want to fiddle with her back and she said No Way, if he thought it would help or work he would have been the First one to suggest it if he thought for a moment it would change the way things are. YES I did call Another Dr Emmy has seen when their Regular one is out of town or something and she agreed with him on the diagnosis and what I needed to do from here. I'm not just going on one persons opinion, it was the first thing I did when we got home. I just wasn't sure about all the moving around and lifting and stressing the area. She has been out a few times but just didn;t want to Be out, so a nice warm bath and a diaper was in order. I used mild puppy shampoo to do the job.
I'll either take her to the groomer to shave her rear, or I will have BB help and I will do it, but I have a feeling the groomer would do a Much better job than I would! HeHeHe unless bald in places and tufts in others are the "In Thing".

Oh, lol....I can express her when need be, I have been doing it myself for quite awhile, just really prefer the vet or groomer do it though, not exactly at the top of my list of things I enjoy doing!! :laughing: Our groomer is only a block away from our house, a 5 minute walk at Most.

thanks everyone. I really appreciate it, probably time for a diaper change and sweet sleep. :hug99: Last Question...Does anyone think it's Better to buy washable diaper / panties and just keep adding to the bulk...or is it better to modify disposables? Maybe just keep diposables on hand and use washables.

[catstamm]

Is your dr a Neuro or just a DVM?
When a disc ruptures...crate rest will not help...surgery is needed for a ruputured disc...or at least in my experience.
I'm also a little confused about why she would need diapers if she needs to be expressed....does she leak or does she need to be expressed?
Can she move her tail at all? Does she have deep pain feeling?
Lee anne and I had a downed doxie that needed diapers and the preemie human diapers worked much better at staying on then the dog diapers... (you need to cut a hole for the tail......
She will also need leg coverings if she is dragging, to protect her legs.
Is she still in pain???????
She can not be on wheels without supervision.. so you need to prepare for how to protect her when she is not in a cart....BUT a cart is not an option unless she is pain free....
Sorry for the ramble...I hope I made some sense ;)

[alfina]

I thin she is talkng about anal glands expression and not bladder, Cathleen.

[Tex]

I have no experience here, but I know you will get some great advice, and you ARE a good mommy for taking such good care of her!!! Sending lots of :hug99: to you and Emmy Lou!

[Yolanda]

I have read through your post and I can see what you are saying.

However since she just lost her back end again she needs complete crate rest for several weeks. Then she needs to be on a muscle relaxant. (just in case). This will give time for the injured area to "heal" and he just might regain some feeling. Keep her clean and dry.

Join DodgerList and always think positive. Being a cart dog can still be a long and healthy life.

[Alex's Mom]

Did he not suggest crate rest for 6 weeks? Did he know a lot about doxies and IVDD? Sometimes with crate rest, medicine they do get better--I think I would get a 2nd opinion.
HUGE :ditto::ditto::ditto: and soon. Not saying he's wrong, but seems to me he gave up in an awful hurry...

Sending tons and tons of :bigrayz::bigrayz::bigrayz: for your girl, and :hug99::hug99::hug99: for you...what a terrific Mom you are!!!!! :hearts::hearts: Dodgers list is the best place for you to be (and Yo too...!) Keep us posted, ok?

[LUVMYGUNNER]

For some reason it doesn't sound right to me. I would crate, I would try accupuncture-if possible adequan shots, there are many options besides a cart. JMO though.

[LexieLuvr]

For some reason it doesn't sound right to me. I would crate, I would try accupuncture-if possible adequan shots, there are many options besides a cart. JMO though.
ITA - I certainly would consult a neurologist, just in the off chance that she may not need a cart. These puppers have recovered before, when nobody ever thought they would! And acupuncture has worked wonders, too. :bigrayz: :bigrayz: for Emmy Lou!

[Puppen]

Hi everyone, She is doing fine, no tail wagging but she does her front feet dance. she doesn't have control both of her Dr's agree that chances are good that in time she will be able to again. she is on rest and she doesn't drag around much just enough to let me know what she needs, she is very smart and I trust HER instincts. I'm not going to stress out, I am doing what I feel is best for her right now. Like I said, is wasn't a question of IF it was a question of WHEN. I did call Another animal hospital and spoke with someone who specializes in her particular condition and they will be contacting her Dr and getting all the deep specifics and once I hear back I will update again. Presently she is doing good though, enjoyed her chicken, took her pill no problem (stuffed in a chunk of course), and is acting normal despite everything. :)
I'm sorry, but ya'll have to remember ... where I live our options are Very Limited as well as $$'s. NOT saying I wouldn't do ANYTHING for any of my girls. There just aren't a lot of options open to us here, everything is very far away and hubby had been off work for over 6 months. I am finding it Tough to keep my optomist Self in check!! Thanks all.

[LUVMYGUNNER]

Is she on any medicine? I would start giving her Ester-C and glucosamine/chondroitine in her food. Try a few accupuncture sessions. Unless a doc does a lot of testing X-rays, Mri's I don't see how they can say she is paralized for life? Check with you vet on adequan shots--cheaper than a cart. they helped a friend of mine whose pup had back surgery and then 6 months later went down again.

[Puppen]

See my previous posts, the med she is on is Robaxin 1/2 tab twice a day.

[LUVMYGUNNER]

Good here are rays:bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: for her.

[oceangirls]

I'm sorry Ren :(

Lots of rayz that your pretty little girl will have the best possible recovery :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz:. You're a great Mom to her, and it is understandable that your options are limited. There aren't really any studies proving the benefit for supplements, and if any, it's likely preventative rather than curative (e.g. vit C and E). Glucosamine may have some benefit for arthritis (joints), rather than discs.

What about hydrotherapy like Chris mentioned?

[Puppen]

Thank you, and well...here is a rant...if I don't get it out now I may never get it out....

We knew about emmy's condition the First time we took her to her Dr 7 years ago, and from that point on there has been a close watch of her progression and what was happening with it, surgery was mentioned, but Not as a option at any time, the risk involved was greater than the known outcome. Over time she has seen a few specialists that have frequented her Dr's office as Visiting Specialists and I am very sorry to say that all the different Dr's she has seen over the years, even the "fancy" ones, were in agreement that her back problem was degeneritive and just a matter of time, not a matter of If situation.
Of course I feel Horrorid about her present condition, and I keep thinking There had to be Something we all missed, or something someone could have done different, something we should have Insited on, but the way I see it, when the city specialist Dr's agree with the small town Dr's then you know deep down that they aren't pulling your apron strings and tagging you along for a milking of money, they aren't sugar coating a situation, they prepared us for something that wasn't preventable.
We prepared for this day in our own way. Only one suggested surgery, but gave a VERY low sucess rate, lest than 5%, that it would do her any good and was kind enough to say that in her case it was more likely a surgery would have accelerated the condition rather than prevent or prolong.
None wanted to prolong or Add to her forthcoming pain and none were money grubbers, IMO. As near as anyone can tell based on experiences they have all been nothing but up front and honest about how things were and what to expect in our future.
I only wish that some human care Dr's were as upfront and honest at times instead of prolonging a persons suffering and collecting barrels of $'s knowing that they are only doing things that will "satisfy" the paniced family and make things Worse for the patient. Yep my optomisim goes out the window when this subject arises. Taking in consideration that we live in BFE we are grateful to have some of the good ones out here on our side, any one of them could be city Human and Animal Dr's, and make tons of money, but they don't, that gives me a little more confidence in their ability to care for my girls and be honest about what needs to be done. I even asked him the dreaded question everyone Hates to think about, and he was so shocked that the thought would have even crossed my mind that it further enhanced my confidence in his abities and opinions. JMO and thoughts on the matter. Frustration gets to one, makes one have doubts when things we have already been by are suggested Beyond the situation at hand. Everyone has great advise, opinions and suggestions, I'm not knocing Anyone here for helping, but we are already past a lot of the "alternatives" and "What Ifs", accepting and progressing is what is needed now. Thanks for allowing my rant, if any mods feel this is "out of line" feel free to remove it. :)

[lotsadox]

It's not out of line at all. It sounds like you've done everything that you can for Emmy Lou and continue to take the best care of her. Who could expect anything more?

Sometimes things happen that are out of our control. No matter how much we want the outcome to be different, it isn't. You're doing (and have done) the best that you can and are continuing to take good care of this lucky girl. Most people would probably have given up on her. You have every right to your rant. It's very frustrating to do everything right and still get the wrong result, but again, we can't always control that.

:hug99: :hug99: :hug99: to you for caring so much and being such an :angel7: Do check out Dodger's List. It's an excellent reference for back problems. :goodluck: to you and keep us posted on Emmy Lou. Sending :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz:

[Puppen]

Thanks, I think the initial bravado is wearing off, I'm afraid to do things I know need to be done, expressing etc...I want to do everything I can for her, but I get so scared I'm going to hurt her, or do the wrong thing and make things worse. Anyone want to move in with me and do these things for me??? LOL Hey can't blame me for asking!

[Alex's Mom]

Awww, Ren, you're a terrific mom, :hearts: and only you know the whole story!!! This isn't a rant...it's just filling in the blanks for the rest of us :) Sometimes when we're trying to help we jump to conclusions, and that's not fair (although we do mean well!!!) You're doing great things for your little girl, and have obviously gone through a lot to keep her going under trying circumstances. Sending you tons and tons of :bigrayz::bigrayz::bigrayz: for her and a gajillion :hug99::hug99::hug99: for you. Keep us updated, OK??

[Patt]

Awww, Ren, you're a terrific mom, :hearts: and only you know the whole story!!! This isn't a rant...it's just filling in the blanks for the rest of us :) Sometimes when we're trying to help we jump to conclusions, and that's not fair (although we do mean well!!!) You're doing great things for your little girl, and have obviously gone through a lot to keep her going under trying circumstances. Sending you tons and tons of :bigrayz::bigrayz::bigrayz: for her and a gajillion :hug99::hug99::hug99: for you. Keep us updated, OK??
:ditto: Excellent post, you said it all very well!

[Puppen]

:gphug1: :sad1: thanks SO MUCH I don't know what I would do without our DLC family. Probably loose it completely. You are all just wonderful.

:bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz:
To Everyone Else who is experiencing bad times and need support too. :hug99: :hug99: :hug99:

[LexieLuvr]

Paula said it all - we didn't have the whole story, and you obviously have researched and investigated very thoroughly before your furkid came to this point. We've seen a few on this board who gave up before investigating other alternatives and we - including me, with my comments - mean well. You are a good hoomom, and we'll advise you as best we can, especially those who have "race car drivers" and experience with down dachsies. Luckily I haven't had to deal with that yet. :pray: :pray: for Emmy Lou, and :hug99: :hug99: for you!

[Yolanda]

As you probably know work with down or wobbly dogs for DRNA. My very own cart Queen passed away on March 2, 2007.

They think nothing is wrong, Puppen if you let him will be very much the same as he is now except have wheels.

As for expressing a down or wobbly dog, it is very easy. As a noted suregon told me one time, " ... don't be delicate ... you ain't going to break it.... " Press firmly with your finger spread open and you will learn to feel the badder.

A few other comments. Keep the (areas) clean and dry. Do not let him lick his winkler, that can and will help spread an UTI. Get him on an acidity requime. I use Berry Berry by Solid Gold but any cranberry tablet will work and just spread it in his food.

Also, love that baby every day.


YO

[JuneyTrixie]

I am so sorry to hear of Emmy Lou's paralysis. I hope that she'll do better with the care that you are giving her. If you have a pool, get in there with her and let her "swim" with you holding her. It will help strengthen her muscles so that they don't atrophy. I used to know a lady that used to do that with her wobbly dogs and they were able to walk afterwards. It is a long and hard process, I believe.

Just so you know....I my heart nearly plunged when you said:

We aren't sure What, if anything particular, caused her present demise .....

One of the meanings of demise means death. :faint:

[Puppen]

I am so sorry to hear of Emmy Lou's paralysis. I hope that she'll do better with the care that you are giving her. If you have a pool, get in there with her and let her "swim" with you holding her. It will help strengthen her muscles so that they don't atrophy. I used to know a lady that used to do that with her wobbly dogs and they were able to walk afterwards. It is a long and hard process, I believe.

Just so you know....I my heart nearly plunged when you said:


One of the meanings of demise means death. :faint:

Oh Goodness!! I've never really thought of demise as death word, always thought of it as another word for situation, just more bleak in it's mean...Darn didn't stop to think just HOW much more bleak!!!! :yuck: I have saftey pinned a towel around her waist and under her legs, she was determined to be in the kitchen during lunch As Usual today, but after I moved her there she wasn't content to lay on the pillow by my chair she wanted closer to Pa, then I recalled something else about putting somthing under her legs and boom out came a hand towel and safety pin. Happy was she who went under the table to Pa and got home made bread crusts from him. Hehehe :banana: but then she came out and let ME know she was ready to go back to her pillow, she got to the doorway but then just gave me that "Well, aren't you going to carry me..?" Look... LOL Like I said, she is smart in her own way she knows exactly what the deal is. Can't Wait till she has some wheels, her desire to get up n go is getting stronger every minute!

[LexieLuvr]

They are very independent, and often stubborn, little sweeties, aren't they? She'll do GREAT with a cart, just wait and see.

[Puppen]

I have No doubt about that! :woohoo: I know she will be her go get 'em self.

She Finally had a bowel movement, first one in Several days...and :omg: :eek: it was the most VILE thing EVER. At first I smelled it and ToeBee kitty left the room making a racket, I thought he had icky cat gas...but Noooooooo...HE was smart and Escaping the stentch. :rotfl: So Emmy just got a total clean up, bath, baby wipes, baby oil lotion (just a tiny bit) and a fresh diaper and towel. I am SO happy despite the ICK of it because there was enough runny with the hard clumps that I am possitive she is at least 90% cleaned out now...I hope! I know, yucky subject but I am just so thrilled I had to share. :rotfl:

[Puppen]

OH AND!! While I was drying her she showed signs of Trying to use One of her back legs!!!!!!!!! I don't think it was a illusion, when I pushed aginst her foot she pushed back just a little bit...SO LOTS of rest, VERY careful cleaning and moving and wheels to help her. Somehow I have a sparkle of hope that she may recover some of her feeling and motion.
Opinions on this????

[lotsadox]

If she can push back with her legs, she may recover somewhat. Talk to your vet. After 6 weeks or so of crate rest, he may allow you to do some hydrotherapy with her. I've used that on both of mine that were down and it helped strengthen their legs and get them moving again. :banana:

[Puppen]

I definitely will. Since she Just finally had the mass rank movement (I'm assuming that a lot of it was expressed as well UGH) that with the healthy raw diet and pumpkin and such that Hopefully she won't get plugged again. Question: Yes or No...are veggies good for them and help with soft stools? such as defrosted green beans and things like that?

[LexieLuvr]

Wow - lots of new happenings! Congrats on the leg and bowel movements - it's totally possible that she could recover somewhat. ITA about the hydrotherapy, or possibly acupuncture. Stay positive always! I give mine green beans with each meal (1/2 can of no-salt-added, or rinse the beans well) along with their 1/4 C of Natural Balance Red. Cal. kibble and their bowel movements are usually nice and firm - except if Jack's been eating things like toad parts, etc. Ugh!! Then I give him 1-2 tsp. of plain non-fat yogurt to get his tummy back to normal. As far as veggies loosening up their stools, I'm not sure - I've always heard of pumpkin being good for things like that, with the added fiber, to just keep their stools a proper consistency. I give mine added fiber with a powder similar to Metamucil, by my vet's recommendation, to help express the anal glands. Whether it helps or not, I couldn't really tell you.

[Rae]

WHOO HOO a pooping pupper is a better thing than an impacted pupper!!

And as for the leg pushing back thing- when they are sick or hurt, hope is really all we have, isn't it?

You have been very diligent in your research (and second, third and fifteenth opinions,) and you are the one who has known this day may come.

I understand the frustrations of not living in an urban area when it comes to vet care. Those who have easy access to a doggie MRI or doggy chiropractors, acupuncture, aquatherapy etc don't know how scary it is when you are out in the boondocks and most of our vets also do livestock. (no, really "Dr Black is out on a call right now, the prison farm has a heifer with a prolapsed uterus....he has on that reallllllllllly looooooooong glove and we're not sure when he'll be back")

SO- with that said, you love your baby, you are doing all you can for her and you've obviously done your homework. I'd be a mess, and you seem to be doing quite well. Looks to me like there is nothing you could have done, and the thing you CAN do is love that baby and take care of her even when unspeakable things fill (or ooze out of) her diaper!

Yolanda is, as you know, the Queen Of Wobbly Dogs and she will have a great deal of helpful advice (as will many of our experienced members) on the care, feeding, expressing and general servitude Miss Emmy Lou will need.

Looks to me like she has the most important thing- a Mommy who loves her, "in sickness and in health". :hearts:

:hug99: to you my friend, and don't give up on that glimmer of hope. I know you'll keep a very close eye on her, and I hope she's on her way to fooling ALL those Drs, and you too, by making a full recovery!

[Puppen]

:hug99: :hug99: Thank you SO much, your words ment the world to me. Everytime I express her bladder I sit and cry after because I know it hurts and she struggles to get away. Her urine is a normal color and smell, I don't see any classic signs of infection, I'm sure she is tender, Who wouldn't be!!?? I just feel so bad, I don't want to cause her discomfort or pain, but I know I HAVE to do these things for her till she regains the ability, and I have been assure that these functions Will or Should return in a few weeks.
Yo, I really REALLY Admire you, this is only the 4th day of care and already feel like I am going crazy. :duh: Have any advice for me? just HOW often should I express her bladder?? She drinks quite a bit of water so I've been just trying to watch to see how SHE is acting, if she shows a sign of discomfort then I take her to the tub. hasn't been 100 times a day, anywhere from ever 2 - 3 hrs though that she shows me that she isn't comfortable. Does that sound right? And Yes, bladder has been pretty full every time, but I don't want to do it TO often and make her hurt. :confused: Ok yep, I admit it, I am stressing now trying to figure out a good schedual and a way to help her without causing any more hurt than I absolutely HAVE to. ANY Advise is Appreciated!!
Thank you everyone, So glad I can get my frustrations and concerns out here and get some answers along the way, Really helps a Bunch!

[Rae]

Thank you everyone, So glad I can get my frustrations and concerns out here and get some answers along the way, Really helps a Bunch!


you also get :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: and :hug99: :hug99: :hug99: here, no extra charge. I have no advice re: the expressing but I do have another :hug99: for you.

[Jen]

I have no advice, just lots of admiration for your love and devotion to Emmy Lou and :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: :bigrayz: and :hug99: :hug99: :hug99: :hug99: :hug99:

You are doing everything within your means to keep her happy and comfortable--even when you're uncomfortable.

Perhaps the bladder expressing is more uncomfortable and scary cause its new for her? Does it hurt them Yo?