Canine Urinary Stones

X-ray appearance of urinary bladder stones Click to enlarge

Who is usually affected?
-All breeds of dogs
-Most commonly seen in Dalmatians and Dachshunds

What is happening?
-Crystals collecting in the urinary tract combine to form stones (uroliths, calculi)
-Stones cause irritation to the lining of the bladder
-Stones can block the flow of urine if they lodge in the urethra

Clinical signs you might notice in your pet
-More frequent urination than normal
-Straining to urinate
-Blood in the urine
-In severe cases, the inability to urinate at all

Diagnosis
-Careful examination of the urine (urinalysis) to assess for inflammation and crystals
-Frequently X-rays and ultrasounds are required to identify all of the urinary stones

Urinary stones retrieved surgically Click to enlarge

Surgical treatment
-Stones are most easily removed by opening the urinary bladder (cystotomy) and, if necessary, by opening the urethra (urethrotomy)
-In male patients with recurring urinary blockage, a new permanent opening in the urethra can be constructed (urethrostomy)

Special postoperative care
-Closely monitor urination habits looking for a gradual return to normal
-Antibiotics are administered if infection is present
-Dietary modification and sometimes medication administration is prescribed depending on the type of stone present

Expected results with surgery
-Return to normal urination habits after 1 -2 weeks