Bladder stones, or urinary calculi, are small lumps of calcium or salt that can form in a dog's bladder or urethra. According to Petco, Welsh corgis are among the many breeds of dogs known to be commonly affected by the condition. Special diets made to help the stones dissolve can be prescribed by a veterinarian or made from home to treat the condition.
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Signs
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Certain signs can indicate that your corgi may be suffering from bladder stones. According to Petco's website, the signs to watch for are vocalization during urination, painful urination, bloody urine, straining to urinate, dribbling when urinating, lethargy, appetite loss and inability to urinate. If your corgi exhibits any of these signs you should take her to the veterinarian immediately as bladder stones can be a life-threatening condition.
Veterinary Care
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To remove bladder stones, your corgi may have to undergo surgery. In less serious cases your vet will prescribe medication to help dissolve the stones along with a special diet. If your veterinarian prescribes a special diet, which often consists of a food containing medication, you should follow the diet as suggested.
Homemade Diet
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If your veterinarian does not prescribe a diet for your dog, you should tell your veterinarian you would like to put your corgi on a homemade diet to help it recover. A diet to help your corgi recover, recommended by Ron Hines DVM, could help ease her condition or remedy the situation all together. The diet consists of the following: 1.5 pounds of cooked ground beef; fat retained, 1/4 pound cooked calf's liver, 1 cup cooked brown rice, 1 tsp. canola oil, 8 regular Tums tablets, crushed, and 1/4 multi-vitamin type tablet, such as Pet Tabs. The ingredients should be mixed thoroughly and fed in place of your corgi's regular diet until the condition subsides. Feed your corgi about 1/4 lb. of this mixture per 10 lbs. of its body weight each day.
Diet Tips
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In addition to a special diet, whether prescribed or homemade, you should be sure your corgi is properly hydrated. Dehydration can cause the salts and calcium in the bladder to crystallize further, making the bladder stones worse. Be sure that your corgi always has access to fresh water; stagnant water can increase calcium build up that can worsen the condition.
Warning
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As with any medical condition, you should always consult with your veterinarian before attempting to self treat. If the condition is severe, there is no at-home treatment and surgery will be required to save your corgi's life.
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