When your dog has kidney stones and he's in pain, you may have a hard time knowing what to do to help him. Your veterinarian will tell you if a medication will treat your dog's problem or if surgery is needed. The best way to help your dog is to know about kidney stone surgery and discuss all the available options with your veterinarian.
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Symptoms of Kidney Stones
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If you notice blood in your dog's urine, with or without any other symptoms, it's possible that he may have kidney stones. Kidney stones will cause significant pain for your dog if the stones moves out of the kidney and into the tubes leading to his bladder. In such situations, you will note extreme pain and agitation in your dog. Other symptoms may include repeated urinary tract infections, vomiting and abdominal pain. Contact your veterinarian immediately if any of these symptoms are present.
Diagnosing Kidney Stones
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If your veterinarian suspects kidney stones, she will test your dog's urine, then take an x-ray or perform an ultrasound on your dog. She will look at the kidney and the tubes leading into the bladder and urinary tract for signs of stones.
Need for Surgery
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Typically, kidney stones may pass through the urinary tract on their own, though some stones plug the tubes without passing. When your dog is in extreme pain from kidney stones that will not pass on their own, your veterinarian may give you the option to proceed with kidney stone surgery.
Kidney Stone Surgery
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The surgery to remove kidney stones in a dog requires your veterinarian to go into the kidney and remove the stone. This is called a nephrotomy. If a dog has severe kidney damage, whether as a result of kidney stones or another condition resulting in kidney damage and stones, the dog may need to have the kidney removed. This procedure is called a nephrectomy. A dog will continue to live comfortably with only one kidney.
Post-Op Care
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Your veterinarian will give you specific guidelines that relate to your dog's condition and care, and you need to follow these instructions carefully. Give your dog the proper dose of any medication, and watch for signs of allergic reaction. After kidney stone surgery, or any surgery, you will want to keep your dog quiet. Your dog may be tired and agitated, so be sure to let any family members know not to disturb your dog. Care for the incision area as instructed by your veterinarian, and watch for signs of infection to the suture sight.
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