Bladder stones

What are bladder stones in dogs?

Bladder stones are also known as urinary stones or uroliths. They are formed from various substances that are excreted in the urine, such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus or oxalic acid. Under certain conditions, these substances can be deposited in the urinary tract and grow together to form hard concretions. The size and shape of bladder stones can vary, from sand-like to pebble-like.

Bladder stones can occur in various parts of the urinary tract, such as the kidney, bladder, urethra or ureter. However, bladder stones that form in the bladder are the most common. This is why they are often referred to as bladder stones in dogs.

What types of bladder stones are there in dogs?

There are several types of bladder stones in dogs, which differ in their mineral composition. The most common are

• Struvite stones: These consist mainly of phosphorus and magnesium and form in an alkaline urinary environment. They are often associated with bacterial urinary tract infections and are more common in female dogs.
• Calcium oxalate stones: These consist of calcium compounds and oxalic acid and form in an acidic urinary environment. They are more difficult to dissolve than struvite stones and are more common in male dogs.
• Ammonium urate stones: These consist of ammonium salts of uric acid and form in an acidic to neutral urinary environment. They are often associated with liver disease or genetic disorders and are more common in intact male dogs.
• Cystine stones: These consist of cystine, an amino acid that is not broken down properly in some dogs. They form in an acidic urinary environment and are more common in certain breeds, such as Dalmatians and Newfoundlands.
• Silicate stones: These consist of silicates, which can come from food. They form in an alkaline urinary environment and are less common.

To prevent bladder stones from forming again, it is important to determine the exact type of stones present. The treatment and dietary changes for the dog depend on this.

What causes bladder stones in dogs?

The formation of bladder stones in dogs can have various causes. One of the most important is the dog's diet. If the food contains excessive amounts of certain minerals, the body cannot excrete them properly and they are deposited in the urine. The food should therefore always be tailored to the dog's needs.

Other possible causes of bladder stones in dogs are

• Insufficient water intake: if the dog drinks too little, its urine becomes more concentrated and salty. This favors the formation of crystals in the urinary tract.
• Too few opportunities to pass urine: If the dog cannot go for a walk often enough, urine builds up in the bladder. This increases the risk of urinary tract infections and bladder stones.
• Overweight and lack of exercise: If the dog is too fat and does not get enough exercise, this can affect its metabolism and lead to acidification of the urine. This promotes the formation of calcium oxalate stones.
• An altered pH value in the urine: The pH value of the urine indicates how acidic or alkaline it is. It can be influenced by various factors, such as the dog's diet, medication or hormones. A pH value that is too high or too low can promote the formation of certain types of bladder stones.
• Certain diseases: Some diseases can cause or favor the formation of bladder stones in dogs, such as liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes or Cushing's syndrome.
• Genetic predisposition: Some dog breeds have a higher risk of developing certain types of bladder stones, such as Dalmatians, Basset Hounds, Yorkshire Terriers or Shih Tzu.

What symptoms do bladder stones cause in dogs?

Bladder stones in dogs can cause different symptoms depending on how large they are, where they are located and whether they cause a urinary tract infection. The most common symptoms are:

• Frequent urination: The dog has to go for a walk more often than usual and only passes small amounts of urine.
• Painful urination: The dog shows signs of pain when urinating, such as whimpering, panting or trembling.
• Blood in the urine: The dog's urine is reddish or brownish in color because it contains blood. This may indicate an injury to the urinary tract caused by the bladder stones.
• Uncleanliness: The dog does its business indoors or in unusual places because it can no longer control its urge to urinate.
• Licking of the genital area: The dog frequently licks its genital area because it feels pain or itching there.
• Loss of appetite and fatigue: The dog eats less than usual and appears tired and listless. This may indicate a general inflammation or poisoning from the bladder stones.

If you notice one or more of these symptoms in your dog, you should take him to the vet as soon as possible. This is because untreated bladder stones can cause life-threatening complications, such as urethral obstruction or kidney failure.

How do you treat bladder stones in dogs?

The treatment of bladder stones in dogs depends on the type, size and location of the stones. There are various options, such as:

• Medication: Some bladder stones can be dissolved with medication, such as struvite stones. To do this, the dog must take special tablets over a longer period of time, which change the pH value of the urine and dissolve the crystals. The dog's urine must be examined regularly to check the success of the therapy.
• Diet: Another way to dissolve or prevent bladder stones in dogs is to change their diet. The dog must be fed a special diet food that reduces the content of certain minerals and influences the pH value of the urine. The diet food must be fed exactly according to the vet's instructions and must not be mixed with other types of food. In addition, the dog must always have sufficient water available.
• Surgery: If the bladder stones are too large or do not respond to medication or diet, surgery may be required.