Uroliths develop when minerals build up in the bladder and cause a rock like formation.
Breeds predisposed to bladder stones?
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Lhasa Apso
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Miniature Poodle
- Shih Tzu
- Bichon Frise
Small dogs and male cats are more prone to bladder stones however, any breed (feline or canine) regardless of size and/or gender can develop stones.
The two most common types of stones are struvite and calcium oxalate.
100% struvite stones can be dissolved by a change in diet and control of concurrent infect. Calcium oxalate stones can only be treated with surgery. Some stones are a mix of different layers of crystal types and are treated based on stone content.
Signs of Bladder stones:
- Painful urination
- Blood in the urine
- Straining to urinate
- Increased frequency of urination
- Urinating in the house (dogs) and outside the litterbox (cats)
What causes the stones?
- Hypercalcemia
- Bladder infections
- Highly concentrated urine
- Breed predisposition
- Obesity
- Certain diseasesHow are they diagnosed? Examining urine by performing a urinalysis and taking bladder radiographs are the first line in diagnosing. Sometimes an ultrasound is needed to confirm the presence of stones.
Once a pet has been diagnosed with bladder stones the chance of recurrence can be high.
In order to lower the chance of recurrence, switching to a urinary diet is usually the first step. A urinary diet encourages increased water consumption thereby reducing urine concentration. This makes new stones less likely to re-form.
Your Veterinarian may recommend a follow up urinalysis and radiographs to screen for new stones.
Written by Kaytee Blanchard, Veterinary Assistant
