Bladder Stones

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Bladder stones can form anywhere in the urinary tract.  These stones, also called uroliths or cystic calculi, are minerals that are made up of tiny crystals that settle out from the urine and form little stones that can be as big as the bladder itself or as small as a grain of sand.

SOURCE & CAUSE(S)

Bladder stones will start to form in the urine under the right conditions in the bladder.  When the urine becomes over-concentrated with these stone-forming crystals, the environment in the bladder is optimum for stone formation.  The most common causes for stone formation are bladder infections, dietary factors, and metabolic disorders.  If stones are large enough, blockage can occur and this is an emergency situation.  If a stone lodges somewhere in the urinary tract, urine is not able to pass out and begins to back up causing a great deal of pain to your pet.  This needs to be treated immediately.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

DIAGNOSIS & TESTS

Diagnosis begins with a complete history and a physical exam.  Your veterinarian will most likely do the following:

• Upon exam, the bladder is palpated (examined by touch) and large stones can sometimes be felt in the bladder.


• Radiographs - This will reveal large and medium stones. In some cases, contrast dye is injected into the bladder or given to your pet down the throat. It is then radiographed in order to see the stones on x-ray film.


• Ultrasound This can be used in many diagnostic processes to determine abnormalities in your pet’s body. Ultrasounds use sound waves that bounce back producing an echo that measures the opacity of objects and produces a picture on the ultrasound machine. An ultrasound of the bladder will reveal stones of all sizes.


• Urinalysis - This test involves collection of a urine sample. If your pet is blocked or will not urinate over time, your veterinarian may have to obtain the sample via cystocentesis, or by putting a needle through the abdomen into the bladder. The urine will then be examined visually, chemically, and microscopically for abnormalities. In the case of bladder stones, a urinalysis will reveal the presence of blood and crystals and possibly casts in the urine.  All of these are indicative stone formation.

TREATMENT & MANAGEMENT

When large or multiple stones are found, the most effective treatment is surgical.  The bladder is opened and the stones are removed and the bladder is cleaned and flushed.  This may sound a bit invasive, but if stones are too big to pass, they must be removed as soon as possible.  If only small or passable stones are found, this can be treated with medication and monitored at home.   

PREVENTION & HELPFUL TIPS

Bladder stones can be prevented with special prescription diets.  Once a stone has been present and they are analyzed for type, a special or prescription diet can be used to help alter the pH of the bladder and prevent the stones from forming.  If your dog or cat has a history of bladder stones, it is recommended that a routine urinalysis be done to maintain a handle on any bacterial infections brewing so they can be treated in a timely manner.  Also, always keep a watchful eye on your pet to notice any difficulty urinating.

Cats

• Remove litter from box and when your cat urinates you can see how much and if there is any blood present.
• Male cats are ten times more likely to become blocked than female cats.

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