Treating Canine Bladder Stones

Other causative factors are the pH balance and urinary tract
infection. In dogs


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urine normally tends to be more acidic. Stones of different
composition of minerals can form in both acidic and alkaline
urine. Many medications like diuretics, cortisone, sulpha drugs
and tetracycline increase calcium levels in the urine that sets
the stage for the formation of crystals and stones. Ammonium
urate bladder stones are also among the many consequences of a
liver shunt, a condition of abnormal blood flow to the liver.

 The treatment of canine bladder stones depends upon the type,
size and composition of the stones. Almost fifty percent of the
bladder stones are struvite and are predominantly found in
female dogs. Excessive struvite crystals are normally formed due
to urinary tract infection. In cats

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struvite stones are more common and are normally seen in
housecats. Bacterial infection hydrolyses urea into ammonia and
raises the urine pH to neutral or alkaline. Antibiotic therapy
based on the type of bacteria and diuretics for flushing out
urine help to resolve the problem.  

The second most common type of bladder stones in dogs is calcium
oxalate. These are mostly caused by increased levels of calcium
in the blood stream. The only treatment available for these
types of bladder stones is surgical removal. Ammonium urate
stones are normally treated with allopurinol that checks the
excessive formation of uric acid.  

Many stones can be dissolved by feeding the dog with a special
diet that ensures a reduced amount of certain minerals and
proteins. A diet that effects urine pH and helps in increased
urination to flush out the bladder is most effective.  

For some types and sizes of bladder stones, surgery may be the
only treatment option. Surgical removal of bladder stones is
called cystotomy. It usually is successful in resolving the
issue and providing relief from canine and feline urinary
incontinence

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issues too. However, surgery is only the first step
since stones are prone to recur. A struvite stone can recur
within two weeks of being infected with bacterium that is urease
positive. Lifelong medication and increased attention to the
type of diet is required even after surgery to ensure that the
problem does not occur again.

References:

http://www.howtodothings.com/pets-and-animals/a2726-how-to-treat-canine-bladder-stones.html