Bladder stones are one of the most common diseases of the urinary tract in dogs. They are a common disease of the urinary organs caused by the formation of organic or inorganic salt crystals in the bladder that irritate the bladder mucosa, resulting in inflammation, urethral obstruction, urinary dripping, and even hematuria. According to statistics, bladder stones are more common in Pekingese, Schnauzers and Shih Tzus; the average age of onset is 2.7 years, with males being older than females, while males have mainly bladder stones with urinary calculi and females have mainly simple bladder stones. Etiology Canine urine contains many different minerals or salts that usually remain dissolved in the fluid. When the urine becomes too concentrated or “supersaturated,” these dissolved salts can precipitate out of the fluid and form solids in the form of crystals. These crystals can damage the inner layer of the urinary tract, causing blood in the urine (hematuria), and may predispose affected dogs to bacterial urinary tract infections. Over time, mineral crystals can agglomerate and coalesce with other materials (which can include bacteria) to form stones, or commonly referred to as calculi. When stones form in any part of the urinary tract, they are called urinary stones. The pH of the urine contributes to stone formation. Some crystals in urine form high pH (alkaline urine), while others form acidic urine, which has a lower pH. Urine pH may be influenced by many factors including diet, water content, presence of bacteria/urinary tract infections, certain medications, urinary tract structure and genetic makeup. Common types of urethral stones and calculi are guano stones (ammonium magnesium phosphate), calcium oxalate, urate, calcium phosphate, silicate and cystine. The crystals can accumulate to form one stone, many stones, small stones or very large stones which can have surfaces ranging from smooth to jagged. Symptom 1. Dog urine in the blood (hematuria). This is an early symptom caused by physical destruction of the bladder lining.2. Increased frequency of urination or increased frequency of urination. When a physical blockage occurs, the symptoms worsen dramatically and the dog will urinate (or attempt to urinate) more often than usual.3. Difficulty urinating (this looks like defecation).4. Incomplete urination (urinary retention).5. Agitation (dogs with stones are in great pain and often become frantic, developing a pleading, helpless expression).6. Turning repeatedly, looking at the abdomen and hindquarters.7. “Improper elimination (in unusual or inappropriate places – in the house, in bed, etc.) 10. Twisting). So please take your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Diagnosis 1. A veterinarian will determine if bladder stones are present based on the presenting symptoms, along with a complete physical examination and the dog’s medical history. Usually the veterinarian will need further tests to confirm the diagnosis, such as x-rays or ultrasound, which can show the presence of bladder stones. Urinalysis: to test the urine for bacterial infection and crystals, and to test the pH of the urine, which may also infer the mineral type of the bladder stones.3. Stone analysis: for stones removed surgically or expelled by the dog itself, an accurate stone analysis can correctly determine the mineral composition of the stones. Treatment 1. Dogs without urethral blockage can be given vitamin A rich food, along with lithotripsy herbs and plenty of clean water and diuretics, etc., while paying attention to urination and clinical signs. 2. Dogs with urethral blockage or large bladder stones in the bladder should have surgery to remove the stones as soon as possible. However, basically the surgery will be performed in a hospital, and when the surgery is over, it is still important to pay attention to the daily diet, because stones are a disease that is likely to recur, and it is difficult to reach the level of eradication. Prevention 1. dog stones are more common in the clinic, to reduce the occurrence of urinary stones, should do to keep pets without partiality, try to let pets have urine and stool in the house, do not hold urine, have enough clean and sanitary water. 2. in the clinic should be done as early as possible to diagnose suspected cases of stones, the right medicine, not a large number of intravenous drip anti-inflammatory drugs, otherwise it will cause bladder rupture, resulting in death of the affected dog. 3. Usually try to eat dog food can, snacks and so on can occasionally feed, try not to feed the food we eat. 4. usually pay attention to the appropriate amount of exercise, dogs are more likely to urinate when they go out, which can also be more effective in improving the situation of the dog holding urine. Note that the dog’s disease are pre-emptive, if the early detection and cut off the source of disease so that the dog will prevent the threat to health.
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