Stones can form because of an imbalance in the dog's blood or urine—metabolic stones—while others form because of an infection in the kidney, writes Celeste Clements, DVM.
Chronic infections often lead to the formation of struvite stones in dogs.
What is the main cause of bladder stones in dogs?
In dogs, struvite bladder stones usually form as a complication of a
bladder infection caused by bacteria that produce an enzyme known as urease
.
Can kidney disease cause bladder stones?
But
small kidney stones may travel down the ureters into your bladder and, if not expelled, can grow into bladder stones
.
What causes kidney and bladder stones in dogs?
Oversaturation of the urine with urine crystals
is the biggest factor in bladder stone formation in dogs and cats. This oversaturation may be caused by increased excretion of crystals by the kidney, increased water reabsorption by the kidneys, and changes in the urine PH leading to crystal formation.
Can a dog live with bladder stones?
They may look like rocks or crystals, and can come as large as a piece of gravel. Fortunately, bladder stones in dogs are highly treatable, but they can be extremely painful for your dog, and
when left untreated, they might create a blockage in your dog's urethra. This could be life-threatening
.
How often do bladder stones come back in dogs?
There are several different types of stones, which form for different reasons and require various forms of treatment and strategies for prevention. For example, “despite preventative measures,
approximately 50 percent of dogs will have recurrence of calcium oxalate stones within two years
,” says Dr.
What foods cause bladder stones in dogs?
To decrease the chances of your dog developing bladder stones, or having them return once dissolved, you should avoid feeding foods that contain high levels of oxalate such as
spinach, sweet potatoes, organ meat and brown rice
.
Can kidney stones stay in bladder?
Kidney stones: Kidney stones can migrate down the ureters and,
if too large to pass, they will remain in the bladder
and can cause obstruction.
What is the most common cause of bladder stones?
This condition can occur at birth or it can develop later in life as a result of
disease or an enlarged prostate
. Dehydration: Water dilutes the minerals in urine and flushes out the bladder. Dehydration (not drinking enough fluids) can lead to bladder stones because minerals build up in concentrated urine.
What are the symptoms of kidney stones in dogs?
- Fever.
- Abdominal discomfort.
- Kidney pain.
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Altered urine production (increased or decreased)
- Lethargy.
- Poor appetite.
- Vomiting.
What food causes kidney stones in dogs?
Limit
beef, pork, eggs, cheese, and fish
, because they may raise your chances of most types of kidney stones. Vitamin C. Too much can make your body produce oxalate. So don't take more than 500 mg a day.
How serious are bladder stones in dogs?
If an obstruction occurs, the bladder cannot be emptied fully; if the obstruction is complete, the dog will not be able to urinate at all. If the obstruction is not relieved, the bladder may rupture.
A complete obstruction is potentially life threatening
and requires immediate emergency treatment.
How do they test for bladder stones in dogs?
- Straining to urinate.
- Bloody or discolored urine.
- Pungent urine.
- Needing to urinate more often than usual.
- Having accidents in the house.
- Licking their genital area more than usual.
- Having lower energy or a reduced appetite.
- Vomiting.
How do you prevent bladder stones in dogs?
Most dogs should be fed a canned or wet diet to encourage water consumption.
Dilute urine with a low urine specific gravity (urine specific gravity or USpG less than 1.020)
is an important part of the prevention of calcium oxalate bladder stones.
Do bladder stones in dogs cause pain?
Your dog may cry in pain, especially if pressure is applied to the abdominal wall
. When there is no obstruction occurring, hematuria, and dysuria are the most common signs seen in dogs with bladder stones. However, pain usually also occurs in the bladder.
How can I help my dog pass kidney stones?
Your dog's veterinarian can usually prescribe medicine or a kidney-friendly food that helps the stones dissolve
, Tracey says. If the stone isn't causing pain and allowing urine to flow as normal, it instead might just be monitored by your vet, Clements writes.
How much does it cost to remove bladder stones in dogs?
Cost of the procedure
$1,000 – $1,200
. Occasionally stones can also be present in the urethra in male dog's and longer surgery, with some increase in costs, may be required. Further costs can include sending the stones (calculi) away for analysis to determine their make-up.
What dog food is best for bladder stones?
Diets that may help include Royal Canin® Urinary SO, Purina® ProPlan® Veterinary Diet UR OxTM/StTM, Hill's Prescription Diet® w/d® Multi-Benefit, or Rayne Clinical Nutrition Adult Health-RSSTM. Table food may be a problem for these dogs.
Is surgery the only option for bladder stones in dogs?
Bladder stones can be very painful for your dog. And sometimes she may need surgery to remove them. But
there are some new technologies that can help remove stones without surgery
.
Can hard water cause bladder stones in dogs?
Hard water is water with a high mineral content usually calcium and magnesium.
Very hard water has been linked to urinary illness such as Crystalluria (crystal in urine) which may predispose your dog to stone formation and bladder and urinary tract infections
.
What to feed dogs with urinary problems?
A raw diet with high protein content
can be an ideal solution for a dog with urinary tract issues. Raw food, especially a higher pH and higher-protein raw food, is typically the best all-around diet for dogs, and it can help treat and prevent urinary tract diseases.
How do you treat bladder stones in dogs naturally?
Many dogs with struvite stones respond well to regular
apple cider vinegar (ACV)
. Again, it helps acidify your dog's urine to discourage struvite stones from forming. Buy raw, organic unfiltered ACV. Mix it with your dog's food (or water, if she likes it), in these amounts according to weight.
Is pumpkin good for dogs with bladder stones?
Pumpkin seeds are full of essential fatty acids and antioxidants that support a healthy urinary tract. This is
great for avoiding kidney or bladder stones in your dog
. These fatty acids and antioxidants are great for supporting your dogs fur coat.
How do you know kidney stone is in bladder?
As stones move into your ureters — the thin tubes that allow urine to pass from your kidneys to your bladder — signs and symptoms can result. Signs and symptoms of kidney stones can include
severe pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills and blood in your urine
.
How do you dissolve bladder stones naturally?
Drinking lots of water may help a small stone pass naturally
. However, because bladder stones are often caused by difficulty emptying your bladder completely, extra water may not be enough to make the stone pass. Most of the time, you'll need to have the stones removed.
What happens if bladder stones are not removed?
Most bladder stones pass on their own or can be removed. They do not cause permanent damage to the bladder. They may come back if the cause is not corrected.
Left untreated, stones may cause repeated UTIs
.
