Bladder stones are actually a condition known as urolithiasis. The stones themselves are referred to as urinary calculi and can form at any point within the urinary tract including the bladder, the kidneys, the urethra or the ureters. In most cases, bladder stones will be removed from your dog naturally. Some cases, however, may require additional treatment from your veterinarian or even emergency treatment.
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Symptoms of Bladder Stones
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If you suspect your dog has bladder stones, you may have already noticed some of these symptoms. Some of the more common symptoms for bladder stones include blood in the urine, only urinating in small amounts, or strain. You may also notice that your dog appears to be in mild to severe pain or display various signs of discomfort. Unfortunately, some dogs may not show any outward signs at all. (Reference 1)
Diet
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In some cases, your veterinarian may prescribe a change in diet to a prescription diet that is specially formulated to remove bladder stones. These diets can take up to one hundred and fifty days to fully complete the job, in which the lower levels of proteins work against the stones in order to dissolve them. This is a great alternative if your pet does not require surgery or other forms of stone removal. (Reference 1, 2)
Medications
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In the event of smaller bladder stones, certain medications can be used to dissolve the stones before any further issues arise. Antibiotics may also be prescribed in order to prevent or treat any infections that may be present at the time. This is especially true if the stones are thought to be a direct result of a urinary tract infection. (Reference 1, 2)
Urohydropropulsion
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This procedure, also known as catheterization, involves the use of a catheter to remove the stones from the dog's urinary tract. Your dog will be placed under anesthesia and a catheter will be put into place. Your veterinarian will then gently pump a sterile saline solution into the bladder. After the bladder is full, your veterinarian will then gently place pressure onto your dog's bladder, forcing the solution and the stones out of your dog's system. (Reference 1, 2)
Surgery
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Surgery may occur in an emergency situation or if your veterinarian discovers larger stones during a routine examination. In the event of surgery, the dog is placed under anesthesia. The bladder is removed through an incision in the abdomen and cut open to remove the urine and stones. Prior to replacing the bladder, it is rinsed with a saline solution to prevent any other microscopic particles from forming future bladder stones. Both the bladder and the abdominal wall are closed using sutures and the dog will be put onto antibiotics and in most cases, sent home the very next day. (Reference 1, 2)
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