What are bladder stones in dogs?

Mineral concretions that form in the urinary tract (bladder, urethra, kidney). The most common in dogs are struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate) and calcium oxalate.

What are the symptoms of bladder stones in dogs?

Painful urination, frequent small urinations, blood in urine, excessive licking of the genital area. If obstructing the urethra: crying, inability to urinate, vomiting and collapse — a veterinary emergency.

How are struvite stones treated?

Struvite stones usually dissolve with a prescription urinary diet (Hill's s/d, Royal Canin Urinary SO) in 4-12 weeks, without surgery. Calcium oxalate stones do not dissolve and require surgical or cystoscopic removal.

How can bladder stones be prevented?

Increase water intake (wet food, water fountains), feed a urinary maintenance diet, annual urine checks, and treat urinary infections promptly.

Dog Bladder Stones: Symptoms, Types and Treatment

What Are Canine Uroliths?

Uroliths (bladder stones) are mineral aggregates that form in the urinary tract. They can be in the bladder (cystoliths), urethra (urethroliths), kidney (nephroliths) or ureter. They cause inflammation, recurrent infections and — if they obstruct the urethra (especially in males) — a medical emergency that can be fatal within hours.

Most Common Types

1. Struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate) — ~50 % of cases:

Almost always associated with urinary tract infections by urease-producing bacteria (Staphylococcus, Proteus).
More common in females.
Can be dissolved with diet in 4-12 weeks — no surgery needed if no obstruction.

2. Calcium oxalate — ~35 % of cases:

More common in small breeds (Bichon, Schnauzer, Yorkshire, Lhasa Apso) and males.
Cannot be dissolved with diet — surgical removal (cystotomy) or cystoscopic hydropropulsion required.
Tendency to recur — lifelong preventive diet.

Symptoms

Dysuria: straining to urinate, dribbling, prolonged squatting postures.
Pollakiuria: very frequent urinations in small amounts.
Haematuria: pink or visibly bloody urine.
Excessive licking of the penis or vulva.
Urethral obstruction (emergency): male repeatedly tries to urinate without success, crying, vomiting, depression — go to the vet immediately.

Treatment and Prevention

Struvite: prescription dissolution diet (Hill's s/d, Royal Canin Urinary SO) + antibiotic if infection present. Monthly ultrasound until dissolved.
Calcium oxalate: surgical removal. Lifelong preventive diet (Royal Canin Urinary SO, Hill's u/d).
General prevention: increase water intake (wet food, water fountain), annual urine checks, avoid high-protein or high-mineral diets without veterinary indication.