Introduction
Bladder stones, tiny mineral accretions that form in the bladder and can be found anywhere in the urinary tract, 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.
Symptoms of Bladder Stones in Dogs
The most obvious sign to look for is blood in the urine. But owners taking their dog out for a walk should also take notice when their pet is urinating to see if they are deviating from their normal behavior. For instance, a dog who urinates more often than usual and in smaller amounts could be exhibiting signs of bladder stones. In these cases, a dog might show signs of strain while urinating or take much longer than usual while holding their body in the same stance.
More often than not, regular veterinary exams are the best way to detect the stones because of the frequent absence of symptoms. During a routine exam, a veterinarian will feel the abdomen of a dog and can detect the stones at that point. Or, if they suspect there could be a problem, the veterinarian will order abdominal x-rays to confirm the presence of the stones. A dye is inserted into the bladder in this process to outline the stones in the x-ray. They would otherwise be indistinguishable from bones in the x-ray. Treatment of the stones can run from adjusting the dog’s diet to surgical removal.