Bladder stones are mineral deposits that form anywhere between the kidneys and the urethra, but most commonly in the bladder itself (hence the common name "bladder stone").
Starting out as microscopic mineral crystals commonly present in the urine, these crystals are often flushed out with urination. The stones become problematic in dogs that have a higher than normal mineral content, and the crystals attach themselves to each other, forming stones that could be several millimeters in diameter.
Starting out as microscopic mineral crystals commonly present in the urine, these crystals are often flushed out with urination. The stones become problematic in dogs that have a higher than normal mineral content, and the crystals attach themselves to each other, forming stones that could be several millimeters in diameter.
Possible Causes:
There are several possible causes to bladder stones, genetics being one of them, as several breeds have shown a tendency towards crystals and stones in the urine: Beagles, Basset Hounds, Dalmatians and Pugs among that number. Diet also plays a large part, foods high in protein contribute to the amount of minerals in the urine. Bacterial infections in the bladder can cause the urine to become more alkaline and inciting chemical reactions that cause struvite crystals to form.
There are several possible causes to bladder stones, genetics being one of them, as several breeds have shown a tendency towards crystals and stones in the urine: Beagles, Basset Hounds, Dalmatians and Pugs among that number. Diet also plays a large part, foods high in protein contribute to the amount of minerals in the urine. Bacterial infections in the bladder can cause the urine to become more alkaline and inciting chemical reactions that cause struvite crystals to form.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of bladder stones can often go undetected. Blood in the urine is usually the one most owners pick up on. Other symptoms are :
frequent urination of small amounts Straining to go, or a reluctance to go due to discomfort
At times there is no outward symptom at all, but stones are discovered when a veterinarian palpates the belly and feels the stones in the bladder during a routine check-up.
Symptoms of bladder stones can often go undetected. Blood in the urine is usually the one most owners pick up on. Other symptoms are :
At times there is no outward symptom at all, but stones are discovered when a veterinarian palpates the belly and feels the stones in the bladder during a routine check-up.
Available Treatments:
Bladder stones can be treated with both medications or surgery, although if a blockage occurs, immediate surgery becomes necessary.
Antibiotics and a change of diet and habits may be prescribed if the stones have been caused by an infection. A special diet designed to lower the pH level of the urine, antibacterial medication, and increased water intake may be all that is needed, once the type of bladder stone has been determined.
Bladder stones can be treated with both medications or surgery, although if a blockage occurs, immediate surgery becomes necessary.
Antibiotics and a change of diet and habits may be prescribed if the stones have been caused by an infection. A special diet designed to lower the pH level of the urine, antibacterial medication, and increased water intake may be all that is needed, once the type of bladder stone has been determined.
Diet Change:
A change of regular diet can prevent stones from forming, and in some cases, eliminate stones that have already formed in the bladder or kidneys. Please let your veterinarian advise you on selecting the correct prepared diet, as there may be some adverse reactions if your dog is currently on additional medication.
A change of regular diet can prevent stones from forming, and in some cases, eliminate stones that have already formed in the bladder or kidneys. Please let your veterinarian advise you on selecting the correct prepared diet, as there may be some adverse reactions if your dog is currently on additional medication.
