What are Bladder Stones?
Bladder stones are a result of crystals that form from minerals in the urine. The crystals will form when there is a high salt concentration in the urine as well as a favourable pH (hydrogen ion concentration) level to facilitate crystallisation. If there is an excessive amount of crystal formation, these will then join and form calculi (stones). These stones can accumulate in the bladder causing discomfort and irritation. Stones can also become stuck in the urethra (the duct that carries urine out of the body) and cause an obstruction of urine flow. An obstruction is considered a veterinary emergency.
If your dog is encountering painful urination, you should act quickly. This situation can be life threatening and may be due to a number of issues, including bladder stones (medically recognised as urinary calculi). If your dog has urolithiasis, they may have blood in their urine and will urine quite frequently, with only a small amount each time.Bladder Stones Average Cost
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Average Cost
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Symptoms of Bladder Stones in Dogs
The symptoms present depend on where in the urinary tract the stones have accumulated. Symptoms of bladder stones include:
- Straining to urinate
- Blood in urine
- Foul smell of the urine
- Increased frequency of urination
- Producing only small amounts of urine
- Incontinence or dribbling of urine
- Abdominal discomfort
If the stones have progressed from the bladder and into the urethra, causing an obstruction, dogs may display the following additional symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
- Lethargy (lack of energy)
Types
There are several different types or varieties of urinary stones that will form dependent on their mineral composition. The bladder stones most commonly found in dogs accumulate from the following mineral and chemical compositions:
- Struvite
- Calcium Oxalate
- Urate
- Cystine
- Silicate
Causes of Bladder Stones in Dogs
The definitive cause of bladder stone formation is not fully known. However, there are several factors that contribute to the formation of stones.
- Prevalence of a urinary tract infection
- Inflammation of the urinary bladder lining
- High dietary intake of certain minerals and proteins
- Reduced water intake
- Large amount of salts in the urine
- Optimal pH levels in the urine for stone formation
- Breed predispositions
Diagnosis of Bladder Stones in Dogs
Diagnosis of canine bladder stones is suspected from the above clinical symptoms. In order to form a definitive diagnosis, the veterinarian may perform several tests including urinalysis, radiography, and ultrasound.
Urinalysis involves a complete analysis of a urine sample. It features a dipstick test, a measure of urine specific gravity, and examination of the urine sediment under a microscope. The dipstick test measures values such as pH, protein content, glucose values, ketones, and traces of blood. The microscopic examination allows the veterinarian to look for the presence of red and white blood cells, epithelial cells, casts, bacteria, and most important, the crystals associated with bladder stones.
Radiographs are performed to determine the location and number of stones within the bladder or distal urinary tract. Many stones are radiopaque meaning that they will show up on the x-rays. Otherwise, a contrast agent can be introduced into the bladder to assist with visualisation. It is especially important to analyse the number and size of bladder stones in case a surgical removal of the stones is necessary.
Ultrasound is another tool that a veterinarian will use to visualise the stones; it is usually used to look for stones that do not show up on a plain x-ray. Ultrasound helps to determine the number of stones present, size, and location.
Treatment of Bladder Stones in Dogs
Once canine bladder stones have been diagnosed, treatment options include dietary management and medical dissolution, urohydropropulsion, surgical removal, and laser lithotripsy. The treatment choice will depend on type and size of bladder stones present.
Dietary management and medical dissolution can be effective depending on the types of stones identified and the likelihood of an obstruction due to size. Struvite is the most common composition of bladder stones in dogs and usually responds well to the dietary and medical treatment approach. The dog is fed a prescription veterinary diet that is specifically formulated to dissolve the crystals along with concurrent medications such as antibiotics to treat urinary infections. The patient will require a repeat urinalysis after two weeks to check that the crystals have dissolved adequately. After treatment, dogs are often switched to an ongoing preventive urinary diet.
Urohydropropulsion is a technique used to expel smaller stones from the bladder as well as dislodge stones stuck in the urethra. Urohydropropulsion involves placing a urinary catheter usually under sedation and flushing the bladder with sterile saline. The bladder is then compressed through palpation of the abdomen expelling the saline along with the smaller stones present.
Surgical removal is necessary with stones that do not respond to dietary and medical management due to their mineral composition and stones that are too big to pass through the urinary tract by urohydropropulsion. The surgical procedure performed is known as a cystotomy and there can be an anaesthetic risk, especially in older or compromised patients. Following surgery, preventative dietary adjustments should be made to prevent the reoccurrence of stones.
Laser lithotripsy is a technique that is currently only available in specialist veterinary centres. The laser is guided into the urinary tract with endoscopic equipment and breaks up the stones within the bladder so that they can be passed naturally. The procedure is less invasive compared to surgery and has a faster recovery time for the patient.
The best treatment method will be discussed by the veterinarian after a complete urinalysis and examination to determine the type of stones present.
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Recovery of Bladder Stones in Dogs
Following treatment of canine bladder stones, a repeat urinalysis is performed several weeks later to check for reoccurrence of crystal formation. Once the stones are dissolved or removed from the bladder and the underlying bacterial infection is treated, the condition has a good prognosis.
Dietary dissolution and medical management is a less invasive approach but often takes a longer time to dissolve the crystals. Recovery from a cystotomy surgery is relatively quick, with the dog usually able to go home the following day. The surgical incision will take on average two weeks to fully heal and will need to be rechecked, which is usually when the repeat urinary sample is examined.
Dogs will often be placed on a urinary prescription diet on an ongoing basis. Such diets are specifically formulated to prevent future stone formation. Additionally, water consumption should be increased to help keep the urine diluted. The most common way to increase water consumption in dogs is to increase feeding of canned food as opposed to a sole dry food diet.
Following recovery, ongoing management is crucial to prevent the formation of bladder stones from reoccurring.
Cost of Bladder Stones in Dogs
Treatment cost for bladder stones will depend on the optimal method for their removal.
If dietary and medical management is indicated, this will involve the purchase of a prescription diet and concurrent medications. A case of 12 Hill’s Prescription Diet S/D Urinary Care canned dog food is on average between $35 - $55. Medication costs will depend on what is prescribed by the veterinarian and can be between $30 - $85 for the duration of treatment.
Urohydropropulsion expenses involve sedation, urinary catheterisation, and irrigating fluids. Costs will vary depending on what drugs are used for sedation and the relative time it takes to perform the procedure. Urohydropropulsion including sedation can cost between $325 - $750.
Surgical expenses need to cover anaesthetic costs, IV fluids throughout surgery, surgical equipment, the surgeons time and expertise for the procedure, hospitalisation during recovery, postoperative medications, and additional analysis of stones and urine. The cost for a cystotomy can start at $1,300 for smaller breeds and increase to $2,200 for larger breeds as they require a bigger dose of induction drugs, fluids, gas anaesthetic, and use more surgical material.
Laser lithotripsy is considered a specialist procedure and is only performed at certain facilities. The cost is approximately $800 - $1,200 for the procedure, not including sedation or anaesthetics. The additional expenses for sedation or anaesthesia are dependent on the protocol used and can be between $500 - $1000.
Bladder Stones Average Cost
From 174 quotes ranging from $400 - $2,500
Average Cost
$1,200
Top
Bladder Stones Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Dalmatian
Hov
3 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Peeing Lots
Eating Sticks
I have a 3 year old Dalmatian. He recently had bladder stones surgery. He seems ok but i have a few concerns i have questions about. Before his surgery and change in diet to the UD prescription dog food, he ate regular dog food and had people food on occasion. Now that he has had his surgery and changed is diet he seems like he can't get enough water and has suddenly become obsessed with eating sticks. He is peeing a ton and has had 2 accidents since his surgery 10days ago. Should i be concerned about any of this? thanks
July 26, 2018
0 Recommendations
Typically we don’t see an increase in thirst with the Hill's Prescription Diet u/d, however it is important for Hov to drink more which will also lead to further urination; if there are accidents occurring in the home it may be due to a variety of causes but I would keep an eye on him for now but visit your Veterinarian if there is no improvement. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
www.hillspet.com/dog-food/pd-ud-canine-dry
July 27, 2018
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Border collie mix
Pawla
5 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Frequent Urination
Hi, Pawla had emergency surgery earlier today to remove 40,yes 40,bladder stones, one of them the size of a golf ball. I'm horrified it got to this point, but everyone thought it was a behavior issue with a new baby in the house. The surgery went smoothly. She's a young, strong, big dog and her prognosis is as good as it can be following the surgery. I know we will have to completely change her diet moving forward, but besides the prescription food are there any "safe" treats? We have another dog and I can't pull his treats because she can no longer have, but it's not fair to her if she has to just watch him either. Fights will break out. They believe her stones are struvite, but we won't know for sure until the lab results as back. Does the high number of stones indicate a likelihood of reoccurance or are her chances the same as if she just had a few? Thanks in advance.
July 18, 2018
0 Recommendations
There are dog treats which are good and safe to give to dogs with struvite stones (make sure they are struvite stones) like the product in the first link below. The second link below goes into different management options for different types of urinary stones. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
www.royalcanin.com/products/royal-canin-veterinary-diet-urinary-canine-treats-17.6-oz-bag-treats-are-no-longer-shipped-in-case-quantities.-/563305
www.msdvetmanual.com/urinary-system/noninfectious-diseases-of-the-urinary-system-in-small-animals/urolithiasis-in-small-animals
July 18, 2018
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Yorkshire Terrier
Seamus
12 Years
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12yr 11lb Yorkie..bladder stones did not dissolve with Royal Canine & distilled water for 4wks. Vet had recommended cystotomy but she left practice before surgery. Main vet/owner checked dog out & is advising an alternative surgery - making a new "hole" in penis that will allow stones to pass. Can't find any info on this, have you ever heard of it?
June 13, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
If the stones that Seamus has are in the bladder and not in the urethra, a cystotomy is a much less invasive procedure than a urethrostomy, which is what your veterinarian is suggesting. We tend to do that surgery only if there are stones in the urethra that aren't going to pass. If you're not sure, it might be a good idea to get a second opinion, and have another veterinarian look at his x-rays and give you their opinion, since this advice is so much different than the first advice.
June 14, 2018
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Dashound
Zeus
11 Months
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Painful Urination
Bleeding
I have a small dashound dog his 11mk this amd he bleeds st the end of the pee and he had some stones this morning small ones come out of his penis as he peed his in pain and I have no money for the cost of this procedure please cam u tell me what I should do to he,p my dog any natural remedies
April 23, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
There are no natural remedies for bladder stones and urinary tract infections, unfortunately. Zeus needs medical care, and possibly surgery. Most clinics do offer CareCredit to cover unexpected expenses, which might help. I am sorry that that is happening, and I hope that he is okay.
April 23, 2018
Hi there. I’m sorry your dog is in pain. Most vets accept Care Credit as payment. They usually don’t charge interest if you pay off in a year. Another option is to ask your vet for a monthly payback option instead of paying upfront. Many of the county vets have this option. If you can visualize the stones, then the condition is really bad. I would start making calls and find someone to work with you as soon as possible. Good luck to you and your pup
April 23, 2018
0””Michelle C.
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Bichon Frise
Kiki
12 Years
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Urine Dripping
My 12 year old Bichon has bladder stones struvire stones,,she is urinany very well...drinking a lot of water...I am concern about her diet. I am cooking for her. What should I not feed her? and How do I get the right ph for her?
April 16, 2018
0 Recommendations
Whilst many pet owners want to cook food for their pets, it is best to use a commercially available diet like Royal Canin Urinary SO to help manage the struvite stones; other urinary diets are available from other manufacturers. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
www.royalcanin.com/products/vet/urinary-health
www.msdvetmanual.com/urinary-system/noninfectious-diseases-of-the-urinary-system-in-small-animals/urolithiasis-in-small-animals
April 17, 2018
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Bladder Stones Average Cost
From 174 quotes ranging from $400 - $2,500
Average Cost
$1,200
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