Like humans, male dogs can suffer from bladder and kidney stones. According to PetPlace.com, these stones form minerals that turn into crystals in the body, such as calcium and magnesium. While bladder and kidney stones are not usually fatal in a male dog, they can be serious conditions where recognizing the signs and symptoms is essential.
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Common Symptoms
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According to 2ndChance.info, the two most common signs and symptoms of kidney and bladder stones are painful urination and signs of blood in your dog's urine. When stones are present, the lining of the bladder becomes inflamed, making the passage of urine painful. It may also promote the urge to urinate more often but only a small amount of urine comes out. The blood in the urine comes from the stones irritating the lining of the bladder. The urine can be off-colored or bright red like wine.
More Signs
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Dogs that have bladder or kidney stones may appear restless between attempts to urinate. According to 2ndChance.info, the dog will walk about, squatting as if it needs to defecate. This sign may seem like the dog is suffering from constipation, but it is a sign of bladder or kidney stones. These symptoms are more common in dogs with bladder stones than those with kidney stones. Dogs with stones may also present a fever or even vomiting.
Blockage
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If left untreated, bladder stones can lead to a blocked urethra, the tube that connects the bladder to the penis. When the urethra is blocked, urine backs up and the dog will suffer from symptoms of depression, vomiting and possibly kidney failure. If treatment is still not given to the dog, the bladder could potentially burst. Both of these conditions are very painful for your dog, so proper treatment is imperative.
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