What causes bladder stones in dogs?

Bladder stones are small rocks, crystals or other hard pieces that form in the bladder. They can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a pearl. Most bladder stones are made of calcium oxalate, which is the same ingredient found in Tums and some over-the-counter antacids. To learn more about bladder stone treatment visit http://vettechsolutions.blogspot.com/2012/12/what-are-bladder-stones-how-theyre.html

What causes bladder stones in dogs?

There isn’t always one answer to this question since there are actually several medical conditions that can lead to bladder stones in dogs including:

* abnormally high levels of minerals in the urine

* bladder infections, either from bacteria or a type of fungus called candida albicans

* tumors in the urinary tract which cause inflammation and therefore an increase in minerals getting into the urine

* congenital defects such as vesicoureteral reflux (in this condition urine containing high levels of minerals flows backwards from the bladder to the kidneys)

In addition, dogs who take certain medications may be at higher risk for developing bladder stones. These drugs include:

* glucocorticoids (steroid hormones), which are used for a variety of conditions including arthritis, asthma and allergies * gold salts, which are used for rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases * cyclosporine (Atopica), which is used for skin conditions such as severe allergies * penicillin, cephalosporins and sulfonamides (antibiotics)

How do bladder stones affect dogs?

The most common symptom of bladder stones in dogs is blood in the urine. This may lead to urinating outside of the litter box or more frequently than normal. Bladder stones can also irritate the lining of the bladder causing an increase in urination. If your dog doesn’t have any other symptoms, it may be hard to tell that he has a bladder stone until you notice blood in his urine. Dogs who don’t produce much urine at one time are more likely to have this sign go unnoticed since there isn’t as much visible evidence on the surface.

Unfortunately, many bladder stones are too large to pass through the urethra on their own. This means that they have to be removed with surgery. Surgery is usually very successful but it does come with risks which may include blood clots, infection, incontinence and even death in serious cases.

If you think your dog might have bladder stones it’s important to make an appointment with your veterinarian right away since some dogs require emergency care due to severe pain or bleeding in the urine. Severe cases of bladder stones can lead to life-threatening conditions so if your dog shows any signs of these symptoms he’ll need immediate veterinary attention. If you live in the Sacramento area and would like more information on urinary tract problems in dogs, please contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Bladder stones are painful and can cause serious problems for your dog if surgery is not needed to remove them. The symptoms of bladde…

In addition, dogs who take certain medications may be at higher risk for developing bladder stones. These drugs include: * glucocorticoids (steroid hormones), which ar…

The most common symptom of bladder stones in dogs is blood in the urine. This may lead to urinating outside of the litter box or more frequently than normal…

If you live in the Sacramento area and would like more information on urinary tract problems in dogs, please contact today to schedule an a…

Bladder stones are painful and can cause serious problems for your dog if surgery is not needed to remove them. The symptoms of bladder stones in …

What food causes bladder stones in dogs?

Foods that high in magnesium and calcium can contribute to the formation of bladder stones in dogs.

There is a place on this website where you can ask this question:

Most medical conditions in pets go untreated due to owners finding it too expensive to pay for treatment or diagnosis. This site will answer your pet’s questions for free.

How did my dog get bladder stones?

Bladder stones form over time, usually as a result of concentrated urine forming crystals and then becoming mineralized. This process is similar to the formation of stalactites in caves. Stones may be found with abdominal or bladder ultrasound exams, or less often on radiographs (x-rays). The most common types are struvite uroliths and calcium oxalate uroliths.

Bladder stones can block the normal flow of urine from the bladder, resulting in a backup that causes pain and possibly infection. In male dogs, it may cause inability to urinate or dribbling of urine. Stones will also mechanically irritate the bladder wall which can result in increased frequency of urination, frequent “accidents”, and blood in the urine.