Abstract: Bladder function monitoring methods, apparatuses, media and signals are disclosed. A method includes receiving signals from an electromagnetic radiation detector, the signals representing electromagnetic radiation detected from the bladder during irradiance of the bladder with electromagnetic radiation, and further includes storing data indicative of bladder function, in response to the signals. The received signals may represent near infrared (NIR) detected from the bladder during NIR irradiance of the bladder.

Abstract: A method for monitoring bladder function in an animal having a bladder, the method including positioning of a light emitter and a light detector on the animal's skin adjacent to the animal's bladder, emitting light at the bladder with the emitter while detecting light with the detector, and collecting data representative of detected light during bladder activity, to provide an indication of bladder function. Also provided are light shield apparatus and filter apparatus for near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) bladder monitoring.