Use our Animal Care Library for quick, easy access to our most common animal care problems. Use our Animal Care Library for quick, easy access to our most common animal care problems. Use our Animal Care Library for quick, easy access to our most common animal care problems.
Bladder stones are called uroliths or calculi, and are rock-like collections of minerals that form in the bladder. There may be a single stone, a few, or many the size of grains of sand.
Bladder stones form when the urine is oversaturated with minerals, there are several factors that can lead to their formation. Diet, metabolic illness, genetic factors and bacterial infections of the urinary tract can predispose to bladder stone formation. There are several different types of bladder stones and since different types require different treatment it is important to determine the type present.
The most common signs are blood in the urine and straining to urinate. Irritation of the lining of the bladder and lower urinary tract causes bleeding, inflammation and pain. Stones can also block the urine passage, requiring emergency attention. Dogs may also urinate small amounts frequently, sometimes only passing a few drops at a time, and can urinate in anappropriate places such as on the middle of the kitchen floor.
Some large stones can be felt through the abdominal wall, but X-rays are required to diagnose their presence. Ultrasound examination will also detect bladder stones. Blood and urine tests will also be taken to investigate the condition and determine the best method of treatment.
Some stones can be dissolved medically by feeding a special diet. The diet must be fed exclusively and the process can take up to a few months. The other option is surgical removal. There are many factors that influence the best approach to treatment. Antibiotics are used for any bacterial infection.
The recurrence rate is 20 to 50% so preventative therapy is important. Once the stones have been surgically removed or dissolved then most types of stones can be prevented from recurring by adhering to a prescription diet. Changing the diet has a number of beneficial effects: it reduces the concentration of minerals that are an issue, alters the pH of the urine and in doing so creates a less hospitable environment for bacteria to grow.
First aid kit, arthritis, heartworm - the silent killer, toys for puppies and dogs and more... Learn more...
Geriatric care, feeding cats, feline lower urinary tract disease (flutd), balanced diet and more... Learn more...
Greasy heel, winter check list for old horses, sunburn, hairy caterpillars and abortions and more... Learn more...
Vet Cross Bundaberg Hospital
2 Inglis Court
Svensson Heights 4670
(07) 4151 5044
info@vetcross.com.au
Mon-Fri: 8am - 6pm
Saturday: 9am - 3pm
Available for emergencies 24/7
Vet Cross Gin Gin
48 Mulgrave Street
Gin Gin 4671
(07) 4157 3991
gingin@vetcross.com.au
Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm
Sat: 9am - 12pm (nurse only)
Vet Cross Bargara
Bargara Central Shopping Centre,
Shop 19/699 Bargara Rd
Bargara 4670
(07) 4130 5003
bargara@vetcross.com.au
Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm
Sat: 9am - 12pm (nurse only)
Vet Cross Pet Store
Shop 2/2 Inglis Court
Svensson Heights 4670
(07) 4152 5939
petstore@vetcross.com.au
Mon-Fri: 8am - 5:30pm
Saturday: 9am - 3pm