UROLITHIASIS UNLEASHED: TACKLING BLADDER STONES IN DOGS WITH A MULTI-FACETED APPROACH!
- Dr. Jordana Eisenstein Rosen
- Jul 18, 2023
- 2 min read

As devoted pet owners, it's vital to familiarize ourselves with the two prevalent types of bladder stones that can affect our canine companions: calcium oxalate and struvite. These stones can cause discomfort and potentially lead to serious urinary complications.


Both calcium oxalate and struvite stones can manifest with similar clinical signs, including blood in the urine (hematuria), frequent urination, straining to urinate, and potential urinary tract infections. These signs serve as red flags, indicating the possible presence of bladder stones that require attention and intervention to prevent further complications.
Accurate diagnosis is paramount for devising an effective treatment plan. Veterinarians employ various diagnostic methods such as a thorough physical exam, urinalysis, radiography, ultrasound, or specialized tests to determine the composition, size, and location of the stones. This information helps veterinarians determine the most appropriate course of action, including whether surgical removal is necessary.



While dietary modifications and medication are often effective in preventing bladder stones, treatment of most stones will require surgical removal. Surgical intervention is recommended for calcium oxalate stones, as they are not medically dissolvable. Larger stones, those causing obstruction or pain, or when conservative measures prove unsuccessful will also result in surgical removal. Procedures like cystotomy (surgical opening of the bladder) or laser lithotripsy (breakdown of stones using laser technology) can be employed to safely and effectively remove the stones.

