Bladder stones can cause pain and discomfort and can be fatal if left untreated. Here, our Arlington veterinarians discuss bladder stones in dogs, including what causes them, the common signs and how to get rid of them.
Bladder Stones in Dogs: What are they?
Bladder stones, also known as cystic calculi or uroliths, occur when mineral formations develop into rock-like structures in a dog’s urinary bladder.
They can present as either a collection of small stones or a single larger stone, varying in size from a grain of sand to a piece of gravel. In some cases, small and large stones may coexist, leading to obstructions.
What causes bladder stones in dogs?
A combination of factors, such as diet, genetics, and underlying internal medicine conditions, can lead to bladder stones in dogs. Certain breeds may be more prone to developing bladder stones due to their genetic predisposition.
What are the common signs of bladder stones in dogs?
Some of the typical symptoms associated with 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 may resemble cystitis or an uncomplicated bladder infection, the two conditions are distinct. Dogs suffering from bladder stones usually do not have a bladder infection. Therefore, your vet may need to do more investigation before diagnosing.
Some stones may be too small to detect by feeling the bladder wall, or the bladder may be inflamed. This makes X-rays and ultrasounds handy tools for assisting with diagnosis.
How to Get Rid of Bladder Stones in Dogs
If your pup is found to have bladder stones, your next question may be to ask, 'What dissolves bladder stones in dogs?'
There are three common treatment options for bladder stones in dogs:
- Surgical removal
- Non-surgical removal by urohydropropulsion
- Prescription diet and antibiotics
If left untreated, these stones could cause pain and blockage in the neck of the bladder or urethra, resulting in incomplete emptying 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 are another type of stone that also form in the bladder but contain bile salts (made of bile acids and produced in the liver), whereas kidney stones are mineral deposits that form directly in the kidney. These are both individual conditions not connected to bladder stones. Although the urinary bladder and kidneys are both components of the urinary system, kidney stones are rarely associated with bladder stones.
What is the prognosis for dogs with bladder stones?
The prognosis is usually good after bladder stones have been removed or dissolved. Your veterinarian will make recommendations and take steps to help prevent a reoccurrence.
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.
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.