Bladder stones

Particularly large (510 gram)

canine bladder stone

Formation of bladder stones

biggest factor in stone formation is oversaturation

of urine with crystals

other contributing factors include diet, frequency of

urination, genetics, current medications, and the

presence of a urinary tract infection

the stones form around a nidus, which can consist

of white blood cells, bacteria, and organic matrix

mixed with crystals, or crystals alone

Symptoms

cause blood in the urine

painful urination

urinary tract obstruction and the inability to

urinate wich cause acute renal failure,

hyperkalemia, septicemia, and death within

a few days

Diagnosis

When symptoms indicate bladder stones:

to take an x-ray

ultrasonography

urinalysis

X-ray bladder stones in a dog

X-ray of a Struvite bladder stone in

a cat

Treatment

stones can be dissolved using dietary

modifications and/or medications

removed by urohydropropulsion, a

nonsurgical procedure

removed surgically by a cystotomy,

opening of the bladder

stones lodged in the urethra can often

be flushed into the bladder and

removed

Types of bladder stones

Struvite stones

Struvite crystals

Calcium oxalate stones

Urate stones

Silicate stones

Calcium phosphate stones

Cystine stones