Bladder and Urethral Stones in Dogs

Bladder stones are very common in dogs.  Stones that form in the bladder may pass into the urethra.  All dogs can develop bladder stones.  Bladder and urethra stones may be large or small, single or multiple, and may pass through or obstruct the lower urinary tract.  Stones in the bladder will cause painful urination and blood in the urine.

Type of Stones:
Most bladder stones are Struvites.  They form in the alkaline urine and are usually preceded by a bladder infection.  Uric Acid Stones form in acid urine, and are associated with inherited alterations in urate metabolism.  Other stones are Calcium Oxalate and Cystine stones.  Stones that are large and numerous can sometimes be palpated through the abdomen, but in most cases the diagnosis is made by x-ray.

Type of Stones:
In some cases stones can be dissolved over weeks or months by feeding the dag a special diet, such as Hills Science Diet s/d for Struvite stones.  Hills Science Diet u/d helps with Uric acid stones, and Cystine stones respond well to Hills Science Diet u/d.  Surgical removal is the treatment of choice for Urethral stones that cause obstruction and also for bladder stones that fail to respond to diet or medications.

Signs:
A dog with an obstructed bladder is actually uncomfortable or in distress.  Males and females will stand splay-legged stance while attempting to void.  Other signs to look for are:
– Dribbles of urine
– Voids frequently
– Weak stream of urine

If a partial obstruction is left untreated and becomes a complete obstruction, the dog will be unable to urinate at this point.  This becomes an acute emergency, and is very important that you bring your dog into the office to be seen.

If you have any questions, or think that your dog could be suffering from stones, please contact our office at 505-869-2627 and we will be glad to help you.