Bladder stones, also known as uroliths or urinary calculi, are a common and potentially serious health issue in pets, particularly in dogs and cats. These stones are hard, rock-like accumulations of minerals that form in the bladder, leading to a range of symptoms and complications if left untreated.

Symptoms of Bladder Stones in Pets

Bladder stones can cause significant discomfort for your pet. It’s essential to recognise the symptoms early to seek timely veterinary care. Here are some common signs that your pet might be suffering from bladder stones.

Frequent Urination

Pets with bladder stones often feel the urge to urinate more frequently than usual. This is because the stones can irritate the bladder lining, making your pet feel like they need to go even if their bladder isn’t full. You may notice your pet attempting to urinate multiple times within a short period.

Straining to Urinate

When bladder stones obstruct the urinary tract, your pet may strain or have difficulty urinating. This can be very painful and is often accompanied by vocalisations of discomfort. In severe cases, your pet may not be able to urinate at all – this constitutes a medical emergency.

Blood in the Urine

Hematuria, or the presence of blood in the urine, is a key indicator of bladder stones. The stones can cause abrasions and inflammation in the bladder and urinary tract, leading to pink, red, or brown discoloration in your pet’s urine.

Urinating in Unusual Places

Pets with bladder stones may start urinating in unusual places, such as inside the house or outside the litter box. This behaviour is often due to the discomfort and urgency caused by the stones. Your pet may not be able to make it outside in time, or may start to associate the litter box with pain.

Licking the Urinary Opening

Licking or excessive grooming of the genital area can be a sign of discomfort or irritation. This behaviour is your pet’s way of trying to soothe the pain or itchiness that could be associated with stones.

Reduced Urine Output

Bladder stones can partially or completely obstruct the flow of urine. If your pet is producing smaller amounts of urine each time they go, it could be due to a blockage in the urinary tract. In severe cases, a complete obstruction can occur, preventing your pet from urinating altogether.

 

Signs of Pain

Pets in pain due to bladder stones may exhibit various generalised signs such as lethargy, decreased appetite and a general reluctance to move or engage in activities they usually enjoy. They may also vocalise their pain through whining or crying, especially when trying to urinate.

If your pet is displaying any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek veterinary care immediately to diagnose and treat the problem effectively.

 

How Diet Contributes to Bladder Stones

Diet plays a significant role in the development of bladder stones. For instance, different types of stones can form based on the minerals and compounds present in your pet’s diet. Here’s how nutrition can influence bladder stone formation:

Types of Bladder Stones

• Struvite Stones: Often associated with urinary tract infections, these stones form in alkaline urine and are composed of magnesium, ammonium and phosphate. Diets high in magnesium and phosphate can contribute to their formation, especially in conjunction with infections.
• Calcium Oxalate Stones: These stones form in acidic urine and are composed of calcium and oxalate. They are commonly linked to diets high in calcium, oxalates (found in foods like spinach and sweet potatoes) and vitamin D.
• Urate Stones: These are associated with genetic conditions and high purine diets, such as those containing organ meats like liver and kidneys. Breeds like Dalmatians are particularly prone to these stones.
• Cystine Stones: These rare stones result from a genetic defect in cystine metabolism. They are less influenced by diet but require specific management to prevent recurrence.

Nutritional Factors

• Mineral Content: Diets high in certain minerals like magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus can contribute to stone formation. Balancing these minerals is crucial, as excess can promote stone development.
• Protein Levels: High-protein diets can lead to increased excretion of calcium and oxalate in the urine, promoting stone formation. It’s important to manage protein intake, especially for pets predisposed to urate or cystine stones.
• Urine pH: The acidity or alkalinity of urine can influence the type of stones that form. For example, struvite stones thrive in alkaline urine, while calcium oxalate stones form in acidic urine. Diets can alter urine pH, so a proper balance is critical.
• Hydration: Adequate water intake is essential to dilute urine and reduce the risk of stone formation. Dry diets may contribute to lower water consumption, increasing the concentration of minerals in the urine.

 

Preventing Bladder Stones Through Diet

Preventing bladder stones in pets largely involves managing their diet to avoid the conditions that favour stone formation. Here are some dietary strategies to help prevent bladder stones:

Tailored Diets

• Veterinary-prescribed diets: There are specific therapeutic diets designed to prevent or dissolve certain types of stones, formulated to balance minerals, manage urine pH and increase water intake. For instance, diets designed to dissolve struvite stones will aim to acidify the urine and reduce magnesium and phosphorus levels.
• Low Oxalate Foods: For pets prone to calcium oxalate stones, feeding low-oxalate foods like certain vegetables (e.g. broccoli, cauliflower) and grains can be beneficial. Avoiding high-oxalate foods such as spinach, sweet potato and nuts is crucial.
• Balanced Mineral Intake: Ensuring a balanced intake of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus is crucial. Avoid over-supplementation, as excess minerals can facilitate stone formation.
• Controlled Protein: Moderating protein levels, especially in pets prone to urate or cystine stones, is important. High-quality, digestible proteins are preferred to reduce the amount of waste products that can contribute to stone formation.

Increased Hydration

• Wet Food: Incorporating wet or canned food into your pet’s diet can help increase their water intake, diluting the urine and reducing the risk of stone formation.
• Water Access: Ensure your pet has constant access to fresh water. If your pet is fascinated by the tap or shower, consider a pet fountain to encourage drinking.
• Broths and Water Additives: Adding water or low-sodium broths to dry food can help increase fluid consumption. You can also consider pet-safe water additives that make the water more appealing to drink.

 

Diagnosis and Treatment of Bladder Stones

If your pet is exhibiting symptoms of bladder stones, a visit to the veterinarian is necessary. Here’s how bladder stones are typically diagnosed and treated:

Diagnosis

• 尿液分析: This involves testing the urine for crystals, blood and signs of infection and inflammation. The presence of certain crystals can indicate the type of stones present.
• Imaging: X-rays or ultrasound are used to visualise stones in the bladder. These imaging techniques can confirm the presence, size and location of the stones.
• Stone Analysis: If stones are passed naturally or surgically removed, they can be analysed to determine their composition. This helps in tailoring a specific treatment and prevention plan.

Treatment Options

• Dietary Management: For certain types of stones, specially formulated diets (as discussed above) can help dissolve stones or prevent recurrence. For example, diets designed to dissolve struvite stones will reduce the urinary pH and lower the levels of magnesium and phosphorus.
• Medications: Pain relief and antiinflammatories may be prescribed to manage discomfort, antibiotics for associated infections, and medications to alter urine pH can be used depending on the type of stone.
• 外科手术: In severe cases, surgical removal of stones may be necessary. This is often required for large stones or those causing an obstruction to urine exiting the bladder.
• Non-Surgical Removal: Techniques like urohydropropulsion can be used to flush out small stones. This involves filling the bladder with fluid and then expressing the fluid to force the stones out.

 

Long-Term Management and Prevention

Preventing the recurrence of bladder stones involves long-term lifestyle management and regular veterinary check-ups. Here are some strategies:

• Regular Vet Visits: Routine check-ups and urinalysis to monitor for signs of stone recurrence are essential. Early detection can prevent complications and reduce the need for invasive treatments.
• Consistent Diet: Sticking to a prescribed diet and avoiding high-risk foods and treats is crucial. Any changes in diet should be discussed with your veterinarian first.
• Monitoring Water Intake: Ensuring your pet continues to consume adequate water daily helps maintain diluted urine, reducing the likelihood of stone formation.

 

Contact The Ark Veterinary Hospital

At The Ark, we understand the importance of your pet’s health and well-being. If you suspect your pet may be suffering from any sort of urinary discomfort, or if you have questions about their diet and overall health, we are here to help.

We offer comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services to ensure your pet receives the best care possible. Ready to book an appointment or learn more? Call us today or book an appointment online.