Not only can bladder stones cause pain and discomfort, but they can also be fatal if left untreated. Here, our Rancho Cucamonga veterinarians discuss bladder stones in dogs, their causes, and what can be done to treat and prevent them.
What are bladder stones in dogs?
Bladder stones, also known as cystic calculi or uroliths, are mineral formations that can develop into rock-like structures in a dog’s urinary bladder.
They can appear as a collection of small stones or a single larger stone, ranging in size from a grain of sand to a piece of gravel. Small and large stones may coexist and cause obstructions.
What causes bladder stones in dogs?
Bladder stones in dogs are typically caused by a combination of factors, such as diet, genetics, and underlying internal medicine conditions. In some cases, certain breeds may be more prone to developing bladder stones due to their genetic predisposition.
What are the symptoms of bladder stones?
Common symptoms of bladder stones in dogs include:
- Dysuria (straining to urinate)
- Hematuria (blood in urine)
When stones rub against the bladder wall, they can cause irritation, tissue damage, and bleeding. If the urethra (the tube that transports urine from the bladder to the outside of the body) or bladder wall swells or inflames, urine flow may become physically obstructed, resulting in muscle spasms. This can cause dysuria.
How are bladder stones diagnosed in dogs?
Although the symptoms of bladder stones are similar to those of cystitis or an uncomplicated bladder infection, the two are different. Most dogs with bladder stones do not have bladder infections. Therefore, your vet may need to do more investigation before diagnosing.
Some stones may be too small to feel with the fingers through the bladder wall, or the bladder may be inflamed. X-rays, ultrasound, and radiographic contrast studies are also options.
How to Get Rid of Bladder Stones in Dogs
If your pooch is found to have bladder stones, your next question may be to ask, 'What dissolves bladder stones in dogs?'
Bladder stones will typically have three potential treatments:
- Surgical removal
- Non-surgical removal by urohydropropulsion
- Prescription diet and antibiotics
If left untreated, these stones may cause pain and block the neck of the bladder or urethra, leading to incomplete emptying of the bladder and the production of only small amounts of urine.
Complete obstructions can lead to urine being blocked. If the obstruction is not relieved, this can cause a potentially life-threatening condition and lead to a ruptured bladder. This would be classified as a veterinary medical emergency, which would need your veterinarian's immediate attention.
Are there any other types of stones?
Gallstones also form in the bladder, but they contain bile salts, whereas kidney stones are mineral deposits that form in the kidney. Both of these are not related to bladder stones. Although the urinary bladder and kidneys are both components of the urinary system, kidney stones are rarely associated with bladder stones. These stones form in one of these structures due to inflammation or disease.
What is the prognosis for dogs with bladder stones?
The prognosis is usually good after bladder stones have been removed. Your veterinarian should take preventative measures to prevent them from recurring.
Your dog should visit your primary care veterinarian regularly (every few months) for x-rays or ultrasounds to see if the stones have returned. If the stones are small enough, your veterinarian may be able to remove them without surgery.
If your dog is having trouble urinating, our veterinarians can help. We have extensive experience diagnosing and effectively treating various conditions and illnesses.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.