Diseases·2 April 2026·5 min read
Bladder Stones: Prevention and Treatment
Straining, frequent attempts, bloody urine - bladder stones are common and often preventable.
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Common types
- Struvite - often associated with infection; often diet-dissolvable
- Calcium oxalate - must be removed surgically; recurrence common
- Urate - Dalmatians and others; diet management
Signs
- Frequent small urinations
- Straining
- Blood in urine
- Total inability to urinate (EMERGENCY - male dogs especially)
Treatment
- Diet dissolution for struvite
- Surgery (cystotomy) for non-dissolvable, urgent obstruction
- Antibiotics if infection associated
Prevention
- Plenty of fresh water
- Diet appropriate to stone type history
- Regular urine checks for at-risk pets
Life-threatening note
A male dog unable to urinate is an emergency.
Frequently asked
Struvite stones often yes. Other types no.
Especially calcium oxalate - yes. Lifelong management plan after first stone.
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