Urinary problems can be one of the more frustrating health issues pet owners can face, and getting to the bottom of what is causing inappropriate urination is not always straightforward. While some urinary problems can be behavioral, sometimes something a little more serious, such as bladder stones, can be the cause. In this blog, we’ll talk about what bladder stones are, how to get rid of them, and how to prevent future stones!
What is a bladder stone?
Bladder stones are solid mineral deposits that form inside of the bladder. They can occur as a result of urinary changes, such as increased urine concentration, pH changes (how acidic or alkaline the urine is), change in urinary frequency, all of which can lead to the formation of urinary crystals. Over time, an abundance of urinary crystals can form “stones” in the bladder. The size and number of stones that can form varies and is influenced by the severity of the urinary crystals based on the aforementioned factors. While some stones may be small enough, many stones become too large for your pet to pass on their own when urinating and may accumulate in the bladder.
Is a bladder stone the same as a kidney stone?
Yes, in the sense that both are solid mineral deposits that can form in the bladder and kidneys and create urinary issues! While both humans and pets can experience bladder stones and kidney stones, only a small percentage of pets will develop stones in the kidneys - most stones will form inside of the bladder as far as dogs and cats are concerned!
Complications of bladder stones
As you can imagine, the presence of bladder stones can cause some unpleasant side effects. For example, the presence of bladder stones may cause the bladder to feel full when it isn’t, or alternatively, make it difficult to expel all urine, both of which may lead to increased urination frequency. Pets may ask to go outside or visit the litter box more often, or even have accidents in the house if they feel like they can’t hold it. Additionally, in more severe cases, it can be difficult to urinate due to blockages created by the bladder stones. Straining to urinate or posturing to urinate without producing any significant amount of urine is another common symptom. The presence of crystals and stones can also cause symptoms such as urine “dribbling” or leaking, blood or mucus in the urine, crying or vocalizing while urinating, over-grooming the genital area, or foul-smelling urine.
Another possible complication of bladder stones is a urinary blockage, which can be fatal if not treated immediately. For more information on urinary blockages, check out our blog.
How are bladder stones diagnosed?
A physical exam and a urinalysis are usually the first steps taken. A urinalysis is an in-house lab that can provide your veterinarian with some valuable information about your pet’s urine, such as whether or not an infection is present. When looking at urine under a microscope, they can even determine if crystals are present! Sometimes, depending on the size or number of stones, a veterinarian can feel stones in the bladder. Based on the physical exam and urinalysis findings, your veterinarian may recommend an x-ray or ultrasound to confirm the presence of stones, as these will often be visible through imaging. In some cases, urine samples may need to be sent to an external lab for further diagnostic testing and more thorough analysis.
How are bladder stones treated?
The first step in treating bladder stones is to address any infection and restore pH level in the bladder to prevent the formation of additional crystals or stones. Based on the urinalysis results, your veterinarian may prescribe your pet antibiotics and an anti-inflammatory to address the symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty or pain while urinating, blood/mucus in the urine, etc. In cases where the stones are very small, they can sometimes be treated with medication and diet changes - special diets for urinary patients increase urine acidity, which can effectively treat and prevent some stones.
A procedure called retropulsion can be attempted in some cases, which involves sedating the pet before placing a urinary catheter and using sterile saline to attempt to flush the bladder and urethra. This is a procedure that can be beneficial to pets who have started to pass bladder stones that may have gotten stuck in the urethra on the way out. However, cases involving larger stones may require a cystotomy to remove the stones, followed up with a therapeutic diet to prevent the formation of future stones.
What is a cystotomy?
A cystotomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove bladder stones from the bladder. During this procedure, the abdomen and bladder are opened to physically remove the stones that are too large to break down and pass on their own. The recovery time after a cystotomy usually involves about two weeks of rest, leashed walks to potty only, an e-collar to keep the surgical site safe, as well as medications to manage pain and any infection, which is a key element to preventing future crystals and stones. Blood in the urine is normal in the days following the procedure, and straining to urinate may persist for several weeks before resolving.
How can you prevent future bladder stones?
In addition to treating active infections, the most common recommendation for preventing future crystals and stones is diet adjustments. A special urinary diet will need to be fed, and it is extremely important that no other food, treats, or chews be given. A urinary diet restricts certain minerals that are often found in pet food or treats that contribute to the formation of crystals, so consistency is key when it comes to diet. Additionally, any ways you can encourage more water intake, such as using a water fountain, adding water to your pet’s food, or incorporating wet food into your pet’s diet can assist in the prevention of stones.
If you know or suspect your pet has bladder stones or other urinary problems, please contact us at 972-347-6100.
Do not give any over-the-counter or prescription medications, supplements, or vitamins intended for human use or without direction from your veterinarian. Some medications and supplements may be toxic to pets.
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