How to Get Rid of Bladder Stones in Dogs
Bladder stones—also known as
uroliths or
cystic calculi—are solid mineral formations that develop in a dog's bladder due to various physiological and dietary factors. These stones can cause discomfort, urinary problems, and even life-threatening complications if left untreated. Understanding how to effectively treat bladder stones is crucial for ensuring your pet’s health and comfort.
What Are Bladder Stones?
Bladder stones are composed of minerals such as struvite, calcium oxalate, urate, cystine, or silicate. These minerals crystallize and combine with organic matter in the bladder, forming stones of different sizes and numbers. While most stones develop in the bladder or urethra, they can also occur in the kidneys or ureters.
Signs and Symptoms of Bladder Stones
Watch for the following clinical signs that may suggest your dog has bladder stones:
- Straining to urinate (dysuria)
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Frequent urination of small amounts
- Urinating in unusual places
- Licking the genital area
- Pain or discomfort in the abdomen
- Urinary accidents at home
- Lethargy or vomiting in severe cases
A critical medical emergency may occur if your dog is unable to urinate, indicating a potential urinary blockage.
Causes and Risk Factors
Several factors contribute to the development of bladder stones:
- Bacterial urinary tract infections – especially involved in struvite stone formation
- Diets high in specific minerals – such as magnesium, calcium, or oxalates
- Low water intake – leads to more concentrated urine, facilitating stone crystallization
- Genetic predisposition – breeds like Dalmatians, Miniature Schnauzers, and Bulldogs are more susceptible
- Metabolic disorders or liver shunts
How Are Bladder Stones Diagnosed?
Veterinarians use several tools to diagnose bladder stones:
- Urinalysis – checks for the presence of crystals, infection, and abnormal pH
- Urine culture – identifies any bacterial infection
- Blood tests – assess kidney and liver function
- Imaging – X-rays for radiopaque stones or ultrasound for others
- Stone analysis – determines mineral composition post-removal
Treatment Options for Bladder Stones
The most suitable treatment depends on the stone type, size, location, and presence of infection or obstruction. Treatment options include:
- Surgical Removal (Cystotomy) – The most effective method, especially for large or numerous stones. Recovery is typically quick.
- Urohydropropulsion (Hydropulsion) – A non-surgical way to flush small stones out through the urethra using saline and catheterization.
- Lithotripsy (Laser or Shockwave) – Breaks stones into smaller pieces for natural expulsion or easier removal. Availability can be limited.
- Dietary Dissolution – Prescription diets can dissolve certain stones like struvite and urate over weeks to months, needing strict dietary adherence and infection management.
Note: Calcium oxalate, cystine, and silicate stones usually do not respond to dietary dissolution and require surgical removal.
Medical Therapy
In some cases, medications may be prescribed to manage or prevent recurrent stones:
- Allopurinol for urate stone prevention
- Antibiotics if infection is present
Aftercare and Ongoing Monitoring
Post-treatment care is essential to reduce the risk of recurrence:
- Follow-up urinalysis and imaging every few months
- Long-term therapeutic diets to maintain optimal urine pH
- Increased water intake via canned food or added water
- Monitoring for any signs of urinary problems
Preventing Bladder Stones in Dogs
You can take several proactive steps to reduce the likelihood of bladder stone recurrence:
- Provide fresh water at all times
- Encourage frequent urination through regular bathroom breaks
- Use prescription diets if recommended by your vet
- Treat any urinary tract infections promptly
- Schedule regular veterinary checkups
Summary of Common Bladder Stones
| Stone Type | Main Causes | Dissolvable by Diet? | Common Breeds |
|---|
| Struvite | UTIs, alkaline urine | Yes | Mini Schnauzer, Poodle |
| Calcium Oxalate | Genetics, high Ca diet | No | Bichon Frise, Mini Schnauzer |
| Urate | Liver shunts, genetics | Sometimes | Dalmatian, Bulldog |
| Cystine | Inherited defect | No (mostly) | Dachshund, Mastiff |
| Silicate | Dietary intake | No | German Shepherd |
When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Help
If your dog shows signs of straining with little to no urine production, this could indicate a urinary blockage—a life-threatening emergency. Immediate veterinary intervention is crucial to prevent serious complications such as bladder rupture or kidney damage.
Early recognition and timely treatment are vital for managing bladder stones effectively. By staying alert to symptoms and following your veterinarian’s guidance, you can help your dog live a healthy, stone-free life.
