Bladder stones are, like their name, stones which can form in the bladder of dogs. Although they are more common in older dogs, even pets under a year of age can develop bladder stones. These stones can travel into the urethra and get lodged causing a urinary tract obstruction, and in some rare cases can form in the kidneys.
Bladder stones can be a silent and dangerous problem for many breeds of dogs. This is because some dogs can show no obvious symptoms even in some cases where stones take up a large portion of the bladder area. But if a stone gets trapped in the ureters or urethra, the situation can quickly turn deadly. That’s why it’s crucial for dog-owners to be aware of the possible symptoms that sometimes appear.
Bladder stones in dogs must be treated to avoid reoccurring urinary tract infections, painful urination, and the development of a fatal condition known as urinary obstruction. Once a dog has been diagnosed with bladder stones, the treatment will depend on the size and amount of the stones in the bladder, and if the stones continue to form after repeated treatments.