Bladder stones in dogs and cats, treatment and surgery
Bladder stones are hard mineral lumps that form in urine. They cause blood in the urine and frequent, small, painful urination. Some types dissolve on a prescription diet in 4 to 12 weeks. Others have to be removed by surgery. A male that cannot pass urine is an emergency.
- Main signsBlood in urine, straining, small puddles
- DiagnosisUrine test, x-ray, ultrasound
- Struvite stonesOften dissolve on diet, 4 to 12 weeks
- Other stonesRemoved by surgery
01Overview
How stones form, and why the type matters
Urine carries dissolved minerals. When it is concentrated, or its acidity shifts, the minerals form crystals, and crystals grow into stones. Two types make up over 8 in 10 cases. Struvite forms in alkaline urine, and in dogs it nearly always follows a bladder infection. Calcium oxalate forms in acid urine, mostly in older males and small breeds.
The type decides the treatment. Struvite can usually be dissolved with a prescription diet, plus antibiotics in dogs. Calcium oxalate does not dissolve and is taken out. No test on a living patient names the type with certainty. The vet judges from the urine, the x-ray appearance, the breed and the sex, and a removed stone is sent for analysis.
Stones are found with x-ray and ultrasound and a urine test in our lab. Removal is a soft-tissue operation called a cystotomy. Long-term control depends on a diet plan. Surgery is quoted in writing after the scans.
02On the day
What happens at the clinic
If you can, bring your pet with a full bladder. Do not let your dog urinate in the car park before the appointment.
- 1
Examination
About 20 minutesThe vet feels the bladder through the belly wall. Large stones can sometimes be felt grating. In males, the vet checks that urine is passing. A hard, painful bladder the size of an orange means a blockage, and treatment starts at once.
- 2
Urine test
A sample is taken, often by a fine needle through the belly wall under ultrasound guidance. This gives a clean sample. It is checked for blood, acidity, concentration and crystals, and may be cultured for bacteria.
- 3
X-ray and ultrasound
Struvite and calcium oxalate stones show white on x-ray. Urate and cystine stones often do not, and ultrasound finds them. The scan also checks the kidneys and ureters, because stones can form higher up.
- 4
Blood test
Kidney values and calcium are run in the lab. High blood calcium is one cause of oxalate stones. The results also clear your pet for an anaesthetic.
- 5
The plan
If the stones look like struvite and nothing is blocked, the vet may advise a dissolving diet with repeat x-rays every 4 weeks. If they are too large, the wrong type, or causing blockage, the vet advises surgery and gives you a written quote.
- 6
Cystotomy
Under general anaesthetic, the bladder is opened through a cut in the belly, the stones are removed and the urethra is flushed. An x-ray after surgery confirms that none are left. Most pets go home within 1 to 2 days.
03In Dubai
Things that are different in Dubai
Heat concentrates urine
A dog that pants through a Dubai summer loses water and makes less, stronger urine. Concentrated urine is where crystals start. Put out a second water bowl and add water to each meal.
Long hours between toilet breaks
Dogs in flats often wait 10 to 12 hours for a walk, and in summer the walks get shorter. Urine that sits in the bladder has longer to form crystals. Aim for a toilet break every 6 to 8 hours.
Dry food only
Most pets here are fed only on dry food. Wet food is about 75% water and is the easiest way to dilute urine, above all in cats.
Indoor male cats
Neutered male cats living indoors in air conditioning drink little and move little. Small stones and crystal plugs can block the urethra. Any cat straining in the litter tray should be seen the same day.
Summer travel
A pet that is on a dissolving diet has to stay on it while you are away. Give the sitter or boarding staff the food and a written instruction that nothing else is fed, including treats.
04Do not wait
Call us the same day if you see any of these
The first sign on this list is an emergency at any hour, above all in males.
Phone answered 24 hours
- Straining to urinate and passing nothing, or only drops
- Crying while urinating, or constant licking of the penis or vulva
- Urine that is red or brown, or clots on the floor
- Asking to go out every few minutes, or many small puddles indoors
- Vomiting and refusing food together with any urinary sign
- A swollen, tense belly that is painful to touch
05Afterwards
After surgery, and stopping stones coming back
Blood in the urine and frequent urination are normal for 3 to 7 days after a cystotomy. The bladder wall heals fast. Your pet wears a collar and has lead walks only until the skin stitches are checked at about 10 days.
About half of dogs with calcium oxalate stones form new ones within 3 years if nothing changes. Prevention starts when the stone analysis comes back, usually in 2 to 3 weeks.
- Feed the prescribed diet and nothing else. One daily treat can undo it
- Add water to food and keep at least 2 bowls filled
- Bring a urine sample for testing every 3 to 6 months
- Repeat x-ray or ultrasound as advised, often at 6 months
- Finish any antibiotic course and return for the follow-up urine culture
06Owners say
Google reviews that mention this
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07Questions