Canine Bladder Stones
Canine bladder stones can usually form from oxalate and struvite. Female dogs usually get struvite stones, while males are routinely affected by the calcium oxalate variety.
Causes
Urine naturally contains a substance to prevent oxalate stones from forming. Some dogs produce a defective substance which will allow the stones to form. Normal urine contains small amounts of struvite crystals. Stones develop when the crystals get to be too numerous for some reason.
Symptoms
Canine bladder stones sometimes causes no symptoms. Other dogs will strain to urinate or have blood in their urine. This condition also causes recurrent bladder infections. Other symptoms include lethargy and a reduced appetite.
Diagnosis
If your dog show symptoms of bladder stones, the vet will take x-rays to check. As mentioned earlier, there are two common types of canine bladder stones. The specific type of stone will determine how to get rid of it. Therefore, it’s best to get a sample stone from your dog. This can be done through urination, flushing the bladder, or removing the stone surgically.
A urine sample may also help the veterinarian determine which type of stones are present. Bladder infections are a common side effect. So, a urinalysis can also check to see if your dog has a bladder infection.
Treatment
Once the type of stone has been determined, treatment can begin. Struvite canine bladder stones will eventually dissolve if you put your dog on a special diet. This treatment method won’t work with the calcium oxalate type. They will have to be removed surgically.
Stones may grow large enough to block urine flow completely. This can be life-threatening. Therefore, canine bladder stones should be removed surgically if your dog won’t pass them naturally.
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