How can I help my pet at home?
Taking care of a paralyzed pet comes with many challenges. Depending on the degree of paralysis, your pet may not be able to shift positions when they get uncomfortable, leading to pressure sores. They may not be able to urinate on their own, and they may not be able to control their defecation, leading to messes and burn-like skin irritation. They can also become depressed. With some extra time and effort, you can help your pet live their best life.
Will my pet need to be confined?
If your pet can move, they will need to be kept in a small area to prevent them from injuring themselves. Crate rest may be recommended – especially if your pet is recovering from acute spinal trauma like intervertebral disc disease. Remember to allow easy access to water as long as your pet can lift their head. Options for small confinement include playpens, exercise pens, or dog crates.
"Remember to allow easy access to water as long as your pet can lift their head."
Your pet will need soft, thick bedding to reduce the risk of pressure sores from laying in one position for too long. Memory foam beds, or egg crate mattresses are a good option when covered by blankets that can be changed regularly. The use of puppy pads or underpads under the blankets can reduce soiling of the mattress material. You may want to invest in a couple of washable, orthopedic beds.
What else can I do to prevent skin sores?
Pressures sores (decubital ulcers) are skin lesions that develop over pressure points – generally where your pet’s bones have less padding and more contact with a surface like the floor (elbows and hips are common sites). Combining a soft mattress with regular position changes and passive range of motion exercises can reduce their occurrence. Ideally, every few hours during the day, take your pet from their bed to another area of your home or outside for their exercises to help minimize boredom and reduce stiffness.
If your pet is paralyzed in only the hind limbs, they may develop skin sores from dragging their hind end as they move. Those pets can benefit from support such as a sling, harness, or wheelchair. Their movement without this support should be restricted to prevent sores. There are also many “clothing” options that can reduce skin damage.
Fecal matter and urine can also cause uncomfortable skin sores. It is not uncommon for paralyzed pets to become incontinent, so it is essential to check them every few hours and wash them with a gentle soap-free shampoo. Your veterinarian may recommend a specific dry shampoo or other spot cleaner; follow their advice, as some products can increase skin irritation – especially when used frequently.
Diapers can be used if absolutely necessary, but do increase the risk of skin damage from urine sitting against the skin. They need to be changed frequently to avoid sores. Pets with sores should not be outside for long periods of time as sores can attract flies that will lay eggs in these areas.
Will my pet leak urine?
Some paralyzed pets have normal bladder control, but many will not be able to urinate properly, especially shortly after a neurologic insult. This is best managed by encouraging bladder emptying with regular massage. The longer urine sits in the bladder, the higher the risk of bladder infection, so you should aim to empty the bladder at least three to four times daily. Even by doing this, your pet is still at risk for infection. Your veterinarian may recommend regular urine testing to check for infection.
"If your pet is able to urinate on their own, make sure to give them the opportunity to urinate frequently."
If your pet is able to urinate on their own, make sure to give them the opportunity to urinate frequently. Don’t mistake urine in the bedding for your pet being able to urinate – large bladders will eventually “overflow”, resulting in leakage. Large bladders that aren’t expressed regularly will lead to permanent urinary incontinence.
How do I express my pet’s bladder?
Your veterinary team can help demonstrate this process. Depending on your pet’s injury, they may recommend medication to make this easier.
- With your pet standing or laying on their side, gently massage their abdomen. You will be able to feel a round swelling (the bladder) in the back half.
- Place your hands around the front of the swelling and gently push it back towards your pet’s pelvis.
- Apply constant gentle pressure to your pet’s abdomen over and slightly in front of their bladder. It often feels a bit like a water balloon and may slip backwards as you apply pressure. This procedure may require one hand for a very small dog or cat but generally requires two hands.
- You will feel the bladder deflating as it empties.
This is not an easy process to master. Contact your veterinary team if you have any difficulty. In particularly difficult cases, your vet may recommend placing a urinary catheter to help your pet urinate regularly.
Should I change my pet’s diet?
A complete and balanced diet is important for every pet but especially critical for any pet recovering from an injury. Maintaining a good body condition can be vital for the best recovery. Supplements may be recommended, depending on your pet’s individual needs. Your pet’s veterinary team can provide the best recommendations based on your pet's condition.
Will rehabilitation help?
Paralyzed pets can experience many benefits from a home exercise plan developed by a veterinary rehabilitation therapist, including pain relief, muscle relaxation, increased blood flow to the paralyzed limbs, mental stimulation, and valuable time with you! Exercises are also designed to help minimize muscle loss in your pet and increase core strength, which can help them improve their mobility.
