Bladder Stones in Dogs and Cats
Authored by James Brown (RVN)
What are Bladder Stones?
Bladder stones, also known as urinary calculi, can occur in both dogs and cats. They are mineral formations that develop in the urinary bladder.
What are the Symptoms?
Common symptoms include:
Difficulty urinating
Blood in urine
Frequent urination
Discomfort
How can they be Treated?
Treatment may involve dietary changes, medications, or surgery, depending on the size and composition of the stones. It's essential to consult a veterinary surgeon for a proper diagnosis and treatment options tailored to your pet's needs.
Common Types of Bladder Stones
Bladder stones in dogs and cats can be classified based on their composition.
Struvite Stones: These are the most common type in both dogs and cats and are primarily composed of magnesium, ammonium, and phosphate.
Calcium Oxalate Stones: These are more common in dogs than in cats and are composed of calcium oxalate crystals.
Urate Stones: More common in certain dog breeds like Dalmatians, these stones are composed of uric acid.
Cystine Stones: Rare but found in certain dog breeds and occasionally in cats, cystine stones are composed of the amino acid cystine.
Calcium Phosphate Stones: Less common than struvite or calcium oxalate stones, these stones are composed of calcium phosphate.
Determining the type of bladder stones your pet has is essential for effective treatment, as different types require different management strategies. A veterinary surgeon can perform tests to identify the composition of the stones and recommend appropriate treatment options.
What different Types of Treatment are there?
There are different types of treatment for bladder stones in dogs and cats and these are:
Medical Management: In some cases, small bladder stones may be treated with medications and dietary changes aimed at dissolving the stones. Specialized prescription diets can be formulated to alter the pH of the urine and prevent further stone formation. This approach is typically reserved for certain types of stones, such as struvite stones.
Surgical Removal: Larger bladder stones or stones that cannot be dissolved with medical management may require surgical intervention. The two primary surgical options for bladder stone removal in dogs and cats are:
Cystotomy: This is a surgical procedure in which an incision is made into the bladder, allowing the veterinary surgeon to manually remove the stones. Cystotomy is the most common method for removing bladder stones in both dogs and cats.
Lithotripsy: In some cases, particularly when the stones are too large to be safely removed through a cystotomy or when multiple stones are present, lithotripsy may be used. Lithotripsy involves using sound waves or laser energy to break up the stones into smaller fragments that can then be passed in the urine.
Urethral Catheterization: In cases where the bladder stones are small and located near the urethral opening, a veterinary surgeon may attempt to remove them using a catheter inserted through the urethra. This method is less invasive than surgery but may not be suitable for all types of bladder stones.
Fluid Therapy: Regardless of the chosen treatment method, supportive care such as fluid therapy may be necessary to help flush out the bladder and urinary tract and prevent complications such as urinary obstruction.
Post-Treatment Management: After treatment, it's essential to address any underlying factors that may have contributed to the formation of bladder stones, such as urinary tract infections or dietary imbalances. This may involve ongoing monitoring, dietary changes, and possibly long-term medication.
It's important for pet owners to work closely with their veterinary surgeon to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for their dog or cat with bladder stones, as the optimal approach will depend on various factors specific to the individual animal.
Any Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to give the practice a call on 0121 270 5800