Safe and Effective Bladder Stone Removal in Dogs and Cats

Bladder stones, also known as urinary calculi or uroliths, are mineralized formations that can develop and get stuck in the urinary bladder of dogs and cats.

The main cause of bladder stone formation in dogs and cats is the over-saturation of minerals in their urine. This oversaturation may be tied to other factors such as genetics, liver disease, diet, and so on.

There are several cat and dog breeds that are particularly prone to developing bladder stones. For dogs, these include Labrador Retrievers, Dachshunds, Shih Tzus, Bichon Frises, etc.

For cats, susceptible breeds include Ragdolls, Burmese, Himalayan, etc. With that said, a pet’s breed is not the only factor that determines susceptibility to bladder stones. If you suspect that your pet may have bladder stones, it would be best to consult with a veterinarian.

Dogs and cats that have bladder stones likely feel pain and discomfort. They may struggle to urinate, urinate frequently, or experience more urinary accidents. Left untreated, bladder stones can lead to repeated urinary tract infection, blockage of the urinary tract, and/or injuries to components of the urinary tract (i.e. the kidney, bladder, and urethra.)

Unfortunately, bladder stones can be life-threatening medical emergencies, especially if the condition has already developed over time and is posing a major blockage in the dog or cat’s urinary system.

Routine veterinary wellness exams are a vital part of preventive care. During these physical exams for dogs and cats, veterinarians can get a sense of whether pets are developing an illness. Then, to confirm the presence of bladder stones, imaging tests like X-ray or ultrasound will be used.

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Veterinarians use various methods to diagnose bladder stones in dogs and cats. Diagnosis may involve the use of imaging techniques, urinalysis, and urine culture; these techniques help determine the extent of bladder stone formation, where the bladder stones are, and the type of bladder stones present.

Certain types of bladder stones can be dissolved using a special diet or medications. However, this approach is limited to certain cases only. For bladder stones that are already obstructive and/or damaging the urinary system, surgical methods are recommended.

On average, a bladder stone removal surgery takes around an hour or less. This time may extend depending on how many bladder stones need to be removed.

Yes. A pre-op appointment is required to ensure a safe and successful bladder stone removal surgery. During this appointment, our veterinarians will also set expectations regarding the procedure and the post-operative care that your pet will need.

A majority of bladder stone removal surgeries go smoothly. However, all types of surgery have potential complications. It is common for urine to be slightly tinged with blood for a few days after bladder stone removal. If you are uncertain whether the color of your pet’s urine is normal or if you see blood clots, reach out to our team. You can also reach out if you observe other concerning changes to your pet’s surgical site.

Any and all questions are welcome. Our team is always ready to respond.

As with any type of veterinary surgery, there are risks associated with bladder stone removal surgery. These risks include anesthesia complications, infection, bleeding, etc. Experienced vets are able to minimize these risks and instruct pet parents in proper post-surgery wound care so that complications during (and after) surgery are minimized.

Because each case is unique, a dog or cat’s recovery time from bladder stone removal surgery depends on the complexity of their procedure. Our veterinarian will be able to tell you more about your pet’s expected recovery time, along with any needed post-surgical care instructions.

Before letting you and your pet go home, our veterinarian will give post-operative care instructions. A few general tips involve administering prescribed medications on time, limiting the dog or cat’s activity, providing a calm environment for rest, and adhering to dietary restrictions. Should you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s healing, our Pet Parent Concierge is there to offer support and guidance.

There is a risk of bladder stone recurrence in dogs and cats if the underlying cause is not addressed. Pet parents need to provide the recommended diet, maintain proper hydration, and abide by other additional instructions given by the veterinarian. Regular wellness exams will also help ensure that bladder stones are detected and treated promptly should they recur.

This depends on the type of stones your pet has. After the first removal of stones, the veterinarian will be able to run tests on the stones to confirm the type of stones and next steps forward.

Prevention may consist of altered diets, antibiotics, etc. In some cases, stones may simply be due to genetics — and your veterinarian may prescribe a preventive approach to detect (possibly recurring) bladder stones early.

The cost of a bladder stone removal depends on the extent of the procedure. We offer fully transparent pricing upon diagnosing your pet’s bladder stone problem. Learn more today by reaching out to our team!

If bladder stone removals are covered in your pet’s insurance, you may be able to file for a reimbursement from your insurance provider.

Different pet insurance plans offer different scopes of coverage. If you would like to clarify if bladder stone removals are covered by your pet’s insurance, please contact your provider.

You can choose to schedule an appointment with Sploot Vets months, weeks, or days in advance. We also accept same-day appointments and walk-ins!

For the safety of our clients and our clinics, we accept only cashless payments. All major credit and debit cards, along with CareCredit and ScratchPay, are accepted.