How do dogs get stones in bladder?

It is not uncommon for pet owners to be taken aback when they take their beloved four-legged companion to the vet and find out their pet has bladder stones. Bladder stones, also known as uroliths, are concretions of mineral crystals that form in the urinary bladder of animals. These stones can cause significant discomfort to your pet and can even be life-threatening. Knowing how these stones form and what can be done to prevent them is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of bladder stones in dogs and what steps pet owners can take to help reduce the likelihood of bladder stones forming. We will explore how dogs can get stones in their bladder and what can be done to prevent it from happening. We will also discuss the various treatment options available for dogs with bladder stones. By the end of this blog post, you will have a better understanding of how bladder stones form and how you can help keep your dog healthy and

How are bladder stones diagnosed?

The symptoms of bladder stones are comparable to those of a simple cystitis or bladder infection. Bladder stones are uncommon in dogs with bladder infections. Therefore, it is not only on the basis of these common clinical signs that bladder stones are present.

Through the abdominal wall, some bladder stones can be palpated (feet with the fingers). However, failure to palpate them does not rule them out. Some stones are too small to be palpated this way, or the bladder may be too swollen and painful to allow it. ( via Wikimedia Commons / Joel Mills (CC BY-SA 3. 0. ).

On radiographs (X-rays) or during an ultrasound bladder examination, the majority of bladder stones are visible. Due to the mineral makeup of some bladder stones, they are radiolucent or invisible on radiographs, and do not reflect X-ray beams. A radiographic contrast study, a specialized X-ray technique that uses dye or contrast material to outline the stones within the bladder, or an ultrasound examination can both be used to detect them. Therefore, dogs that exhibit abdominal pain symptoms or have recurrent cystitis episodes should undergo one or more of these diagnostic imaging procedures.

Bladder stones can typically be treated in one of three ways: surgical removal, non-surgical removal via urohydropropulsion, or dietary dissolution. Depending on the type of stone that is present, a specific course of treatment may be suggested for your dog. Based on the particular circumstances of your dog, your veterinarian will go over the benefits and drawbacks of each treatment option with you in more detail.

Surgical removal of bladder stones. Although this is frequently the quickest method of treating bladder stones, it might not be the best choice for patients with other health issues or those for whom general anesthesia poses a risk. Through a surgical procedure known as a cystotomy, the bladder is accessed and opened in order to remove the stones. Many veterinarians regularly perform this surgery, and dogs typically recover quickly afterward. To save the dog’s life, an emergency procedure must be done right away if the stones have blocked the urethra and prevented it from allowing the dog to urinate.

Urohydropropulsion. If the bladder stones are very small, a non-surgical procedure known as urohydropropulsion may be used to insert a special catheter into the bladder and flush the stones out. Although general anesthesia is frequently required, this procedure can occasionally be carried out while the dog is heavily sedated. Small bladder stones can occasionally be removed by your veterinarian using a cystoscope, avoiding the need for surgery to open the bladder.

To obtain a sample stone for analysis so that your veterinarian can determine whether dietary dissolution is possible, you can use either of these non-surgical methods.

Dietary dissolution. In some circumstances, bladder stones can be removed by feeding your dog a special diet designed to do so. The type of stone that is present will determine how this diet should be modified. The advantage of this option is that it avoids surgery. It can be a very good choice for some dogs. However, it has three disadvantages:

It is not successful for all types of stones. Stone analysis is necessary to determine if it is the type of stone that can be successfully dissolved. This may not be possible in all cases. Sometimes, your veterinarian will make an educated guess on the type of stone, based on the radiographic (X-ray) appearance and the results of a urinalysis.

It is slow. It may take several weeks or a few months to dissolve a large stone, so your dog may continue to have hematuria, dysuria, and recurrent infections during that time. The risk of urethral obstruction remains high during this time.

Not all dogs will eat the special diet. These diets will not work unless they are fed exclusively. This means that NO TREATS or supplements can be given to your dog while it is on the special diet.

Silica or silicate bladder stones

Little is known about the development of silicate stones.7 Veterinarians believe they have to do with the ingestion of silica and silicates.

What causes bladder stones in dogs?

Veterinarians are not completely sure what causes stones to form, but different factors such as genetic and environmental issues can play a part in their development and recurrence.

Some facts to consider:

Vitamins and minerals are important to a healthy, balanced diet, but in some cases a canine diet high in minerals can actually cause or worsen bladder stones. It is very important never to give your dog a vitamin or mineral supplement without first checking with your veterinarian.

The pH balance of a dog’s urine is also an indicator of whether he may develop stones. If the pH level is too low, or too high, crystals will form and ultimately turn into stones. A dog’s pH levels can be controlled through diet.

Canine diabetes is another contributing factor. Dogs with this endocrine condition suffer from urinary tract infections, which can cause bladder stones.

Certain long-term medications may alter the pH levels in the urine and cause an increase in calcium, which can lead to the formation of stones.

Additionally, some metabolic conditions can increase a dog’s risk of developing calcium oxalate stones. For instance, a canine suffering from Cushing’s disease may produce more cortisone, a hormone that raises the excretion of calcium in urine. The extra calcium can lead to stone formation. Additionally, calcium metabolism can be impacted by hyperparathyroidism, which can lead to calcium stone formation. Infections, liver shunts, and calcium or phosphorus imbalances are additional causes.

While bladder stones can have a variety of causes, they frequently go undiagnosed.

FAQ

What food causes bladder stones in dogs?

Avoid giving your dog oxalate-rich foods like spinach, sweet potatoes, organ meat, and brown rice to reduce the risk of bladder stones developing in your dog or returning after they have been removed.

How do you get rid of bladder stones in dogs?

In general, there are three main ways to treat bladder stones: surgical removal, non-surgical removal through urohydropropulsion, and dietary dissolution. Depending on the type of stone that is present, a specific course of treatment may be suggested for your dog.

Are bladder stones life threatening dogs?

If you believe your dog may have a bladder stone, you should call your veterinarian right away. Bladder stones in dogs can result in frequent urinary tract infections, pain, and blockages, which can be fatal if left untreated.

What causes dog stones?

Stones are frequently brought on by diseases that disrupt the body’s mineral balance or by changes in the urine’s normal pH, making it too basic (high pH) or too acidic (low pH). The type of food your pet is eating is one factor that can cause stones to form. Urinary tract infections.