Dog Bladder Stones
While rarely life-threatening, bladder stones can be a significant cause of discomfort in dogs. Minerals that precipitate out of the urine and form crystals cause these “stones,” also known as uroliths. This condition can be caused by a bacterial infection or an upset in the pH balance of the urine. Bladder stones can make it difficult for your dog to urinate. In severe cases, bladder stones can completely block the urethra, preventing urination and causing a deadly infection.
Dog Bladder Stones Symptoms
While many dogs that have bladder stones may exhibit no obvious problems, some symptoms of bladder stones may include:
- Difficulty urinating
- Blood in the urine
- “Accidents” in an otherwise house-trained dog
- Frequent, brief attempts at urination
Dog Bladder Stones Treatment
Your veterinarian will perform a urinalysis to determine if bladder stones are present. An x-ray or ultrasound of the bladder will also reveal bladder stones. Depending on the type of uroliths your dog has, the veterinarian may prescribe a special food such as Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Urinary SO 14 Dry Dog Food which will regulate the urine pH level. Certain types of stones, or stones that are blocking the urethra, however, require surgical removal.
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