Urinary bladder stones, also known as uroliths or cystic calculi, are hard masses of minerals that form in the bladder of some pets. They can cause various symptoms, such as blood in the urine, difficulty urinating, frequent urination, and pain. Sometimes, they can also block the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body, and cause a life-threatening emergency.
There are different types of bladder stones, depending on the minerals they are made of. The most common types are struvite, calcium oxalate, urate, and cystine. The type of stone can be determined by analyzing its chemical composition or by using special imaging techniques, such as x-rays or ultrasound.
The treatment of bladder stones depends on several factors, such as the size, number, location, and type of the stones, as well as the overall health of the pet. Some stones can be dissolved by changing the diet or giving medications that alter the pH or concentration of the urine. However, some stones are too large or too hard to dissolve and need to be removed surgically.
Cystotomy on a cat, and x-ray on a dog. Both with urinary bladder stones.
One of the surgical methods to remove bladder stones is called cystotomy. This is a procedure that involves making an incision in the abdomen and opening the bladder to take out the stones. The bladder is then closed with sutures and the abdominal incision is also sutured. The pet may need to stay in the hospital for a few days after the surgery and receive pain relief, antibiotics, and fluids. The pet will also need to have regular check-ups and urine tests to monitor the healing process and prevent recurrence of the stones.
Cystotomy is a common and effective way to treat bladder stones in pets. However, it is not without risks and complications. Some of the possible complications include bleeding, infection, urinary tract obstruction, bladder rupture, suture reaction, and anesthesia-related problems. Therefore, it is important to weigh the benefits and risks of this procedure with your veterinarian before deciding on the best treatment option for your pet.
Bladder stones form when pee sits in your bladder too long. The waste products that leave your body — salt, potassium, protein waste products and so on — clump together (concentrate) and form hard crystals. This process most frequently happens when you can’t completely empty your bladder when you pee. Several conditions and factors increase your risk of bladder stones, including:
- Prostate gland enlargement. An enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH) can cause bladder stones in men. An enlarged prostate can obstruct the flow of urine, preventing the bladder from emptying completely.
- Damaged nerves. Normally, nerves carry messages from your brain to your bladder muscles, directing your bladder muscles to tighten or release. If these nerves are damaged — from a stroke, spinal cord injury or other health problem — your bladder may not empty completely. This is known as neurogenic bladder.
- Inflammation. Bladder inflammation, sometimes caused by urinary tract infections or radiation therapy to the pelvis, can lead to bladder stone.
- Medical devices. Bladder catheters — slender tubes inserted through the urethra to help urine drain from your bladder — may cause bladder stones. So can objects that accidentally migrate to your bladder, such as a contraceptive device or urinary stent. Mineral crystals, which later become stones, tend to form on the surfaces of these devices.
- Kidney stones. Stones that form in your kidneys are not the same as bladder stones. They develop in different ways. However, some kidney stones may travel down into your bladder and grow into larger stones.
To diagnose bladder stones, your veterinarian may perform a physical examination of your pet and ask about its medical history and symptoms. They may also order some tests to confirm the presence and type of bladder stones. These tests may include:
- Urinalysis. This is a test that checks for blood, bacteria, crystals, protein and other substances in your pet’s urine. It can also measure the pH and concentration of the urine.
- Urine culture. This is a test that identifies the type of bacteria that may be causing a urinary tract infection in your pet. It can help your veterinarian choose the best antibiotic for treatment.
- X-ray. This is a test that uses radiation to create an image of your pet’s bladder and urinary tract. It can show the size, shape, number and location of bladder stones. However, some types of stones, such as urate and cystine, may not be visible on x-rays.
- Ultrasound. This is a test that uses sound waves to create an image of your pet’s bladder and urinary tract. It can also show the size, shape, number and location of bladder stones. It can detect some types of stones that are not visible on x-rays.
The treatment options for bladder stones in pets depend on several factors, such as the size, number, location, and type of the stones, as well as the overall health of the pet. Some of the possible treatment options include:
- Dietary therapy. This is a treatment that involves changing your pet’s diet to dissolve or prevent bladder stones. Your veterinarian may prescribe a special diet that is low in minerals, high in moisture, or has a specific pH level. The diet may also contain additives that help dissolve or prevent certain types of stones.
- Medication therapy. This is a treatment that involves giving your pet medications that help dissolve or prevent bladder stones. Your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to treat or prevent urinary tract infections, or drugs that alter the pH or concentration of the urine. Some medications may also help dissolve certain types of stones.
- Cystotomy. This is a surgical treatment that involves making an incision in the abdomen and opening the bladder to take out the stones. This is the most common and effective way to remove large or hard stones that cannot be dissolved or passed naturally.
- Urethral catheterization. This is a non-surgical treatment that involves inserting a thin tube through the urethra and into the bladder to flush out small stones or fragments. This may be done under sedation or anesthesia.
- Lithotripsy. This is a non-surgical treatment that involves breaking up large stones into smaller pieces using shock waves or lasers. The fragments can then be flushed out or passed naturally. This may be done under sedation or anesthesia.
AVCI will recommend the best treatment option for your pet based on their individual situation. They will also advise you on how to prevent bladder stones from recurring in your pet by following a proper diet, providing enough water, and monitoring your pet’s urine regularly.
What is the cost for the surgical removal of urinary bladder stones?
