Bladder stones in dogs are mineral densities that form inside the bladder. They can form one at a time or in the hundreds. Show The formation of bladder stones in dogs is usually related to a change in urine pH. This change in pH can be either acidic or alkaline, which will affect which type of stone ultimately forms. Diet is one factor that can affect urine pH. Urine concentration can also affect bladder stone formation: the more concentrated a dog’s urine, the more likely stone formation is. The amount of water a dog drinks can affect their urine concentration. A urinary tract infection may also be a factor in the development of bladder stones. In these cases, the stones are often struvite stones (versus calcium oxalate, which are the other common type of bladder stone in dogs and cats). If your dog has bladder stones, your vet might recommend surgical removal, since bladder stones can cause pain, difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, and in the worst case, a urinary obstruction (blockage). This procedure is called a cystotomy, and it involves opening the urinary bladder to remove the stones. The incisions are then closed with stitches and/or staples. Recovery From Cystotomy in Dogs (Bladder Stone Removal)If your dog seems lethargic, refuses food and water, or has a swollen belly, then check in with your vet right away. Activity RestrictionAllow your dog to rest after surgery so their bladder and belly incision can heal. Running, jumping, or rough play can cause their stitches to loosen or even come out. This can lead to a life-threatening complication called uroabdomen, where urine leaks into the abdominal (belly) cavity instead of exiting the body through the urethra. Usually, your vet will recommend activity restriction for two or more weeks. During this period, you will be asked to leash-walk your dog so you can keep close tabs on their urinary habits. Monitoring Urine OutputYour dog may strain to urinate or may urinate more frequently at first, but they should be able to produce urine and should appear comfortable afterward. Your dog’s urine may be slightly blood-tinged for a few days post-surgery, but this should gradually improve. If you are unsure if the color of your dog’s urine is normal or you see continued blood or blood clots, check in with your vet. Pain MedicationYou will likely have to administer pain medication for the first week when your dog comes home. In some cases, antibiotics will also be given, as some dogs with bladder stones can also have urinary tract infections. Special DietYour vet may prescribe a special diet that can help modify the pH of your dog’s urine and prevent certain types of bladder stones from reforming. This will depend on what type of stones your dog had in the first place. Some dogs will eat a special urinary diet for life. HydrationDuring the recovery period, monitor your dog’s water intake and help your dog stay hydrated. You can encourage your dog to drink by having fresh bowls of water nearby and even giving them ice cubes for treats. Incision CareYour dog will need to wear an E-collar until their stitches are removed. Monitor their surgical site daily for any pain, redness, or inflammation. Call your vet if you see these signs of potential infection. Has your dog started having little accidents on the floor? Do they need to urinate more frequently, have trouble peeing, or have blood in their urine? If so, your un-paw-tunate furry friend could be suffering from bladder stones. These rock-like mineral formations can develop in dogs just like they can in humans, and they produce a number of telltale symptoms that can be frustrating for owners and painful for pets. However, the good news is that canine bladder stones can be treated, and that there are a few simple things you can do to prevent your dog from ever experiencing their discomfort. Read on to find out everything you need to know! Signs and Symptoms of Bladder StonesBladder stones start out small but will get larger over time. Some dogs could be affected by a large, single stone, while others could have a number of stones ranging from fine, sand-like grains up to gravel in size. If your dog has bladder stones, there are three common symptoms to keep an eye out for, and your pooch could potentially suffer from one, two, or all three of them:
So, if you notice your pooch having regular accidents, straining to urinate, going to the bathroom more often than usual, or even that they have discolored urine, it's time to take them to your vet for a full check-up. However, it's worth pointing out that these symptoms can also be associated with other conditions affecting the urinary tract, such as tumors and infections, so leave the diagnosis to an expert. Body Language Keep a close eye on your dog's body language for signs that they may be suffering from bladder stones, such as:<br/> Other Signs Other signs you should keep an eye out for include:<br/>
The Science of Bladder Stones in DogsBladder stones are rock-like collections of minerals and other materials, and there are a few different theories as to why they actually develop. The most widely accepted theory is called the Precipitation-Crystallization Theory, which states that these painful stones are created when elevated levels of one or more stone-forming crystalline compounds are present in the urine. However, the exact reason why those compounds come to be there can be affected by many factors. For example, they could be present due to dietary factors, due to a urinary tract infection, or potentially, due to some sort of problem with the body's metabolism. Once the amount of the compound exceeds a certain level and can no longer be contained by the urine, tiny crystals are formed. These then irritate the bladder lining, which produces mucus in response. The mucus and crystals then bond together into clusters that gradually grow into stones. The stones can form in as little as two weeks or over a period of many months, but the speed of growth varies depending on the amount of crystals present and the degree of infection. The majority of bladder stones in dogs are made from struvite, calcium oxalate, urate, or cystine crystals. Quite often, it'll also be possible to determine the type of crystal involved by examining a urine sample under a microscope. Diagnosis and Treatment of Bladder StonesAfter assessing your dog's condition, your vet will need to rule out other potential causes for their symptoms, such as a bladder infection or cystitis. While some bladder stones can be palpated (felt with the fingers) through the abdominal wall, X-rays or ultrasounds are typically required to provide a definitive diagnosis. Some stones are said to be radiolucent, which means their mineral composition is such that they don't reflect X-ray beams, so an ultrasound or a radiographic contrast study (which involves placing a special dye in the bladder) will be required.Treatment of dog bladder stones centers around four main options:
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