Canine Bladder Stones Examined by Dr. Hanie Elfenbein, DVM
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Fido's Toilet Troubles? Could Be Bladder Stones
If your furry buddy's doing some unwanted peeing in the house, let's nip that problem in the bud before it gets ugly, 'cause it might not be a temper tantrum, but a medical condition called bladder stones.
Now, bladder stones are pretty common in dogs and often cause frequent painful urges, don't mess around, get 'em checked by a vet ASAP.
What Exactly Are Bladder Stones?
Think of 'em as those annoying little crystals that form in your bladder due to minerals. Medically known as uroliths, these sneaky suckers can block your dog's pee pipes and cause a world of hurt.
Causes of Bladder Stones in Dogs
There are two main types of stones: struvite and calcium oxalate. Most of 'em are caused by urinary acidity, incomplete bladder emptying, and low water intake. Some breeds are genetically predisposed too, like Pugs, Pugs, and more Pugs (not a typo, they really do have a high risk).
Signs Your Pooch Might Be Suffering from Bladder Stones
- They pee more often
- Struggle to urinate
- Urinate on walks
- Have accidents in the house
- Show signs of pain, like hunching or protecting their bellies
- Vomit or have diarrhea (only in severe cases)
How Vets Diagnose and Treat Bladder Stones
Usually, it's a combo of urine tests and X-rays. Your vet will also assess their overall health and check for pain. Depending on the type of stone, treatment varies from antibiotics for UTIs, pain meds, a prescription diet, or surgery in severe cases.
Prevention
Give 'em plenty of water, take 'em for regular walks, and don't forget those vet check-ups. For dogs with a history of crystals or stones, a special diet can reduce the risk of recurrence.
Cost
Prescription diets and surgeries tend to be the bulk of the expense. Depending on the type, surgery can cost anywhere from $2k to $5k. Check your pet insurance plan to help cover the cost.
Enrichment Data
- Struvite stones are associated with UTIs due to certain bacteria and are more common in females, while calcium oxalate stones are more prevalent in males [1].
- Urate stones are less common but are linked to congenital errors of metabolism or portovascular anomalies [2].
- Other factors such as kidney stones, abnormalities in the urinary tract, and certain metabolic disorders can also cause bladder stones [5].
- The field of science tells us that bladder stones in dogs, often causing frequent, painful urges, are usually small crystals formed due to minerals, known as uroliths, which can lead to health-and-wellness issues like blockages, potentially impacting a dog's mental-health due to discomfort.
- Regular check-ups with a vet, maintaining a high water intake, and a special diet can prevent the formation of bladder stones, enhancing your pet's overall health-and-wellness, and mental-health by reducing discomfort and potential health issues.
