Dog Disease: Bladder Stones

As you read more and more about the diseases of man and dog, you’ll see that there are many which they may have in common. Take bladder stones for example – it forms in the bladder of the host which causes many complications such as pain when peeing. This disease can occur in dogs as well, having the same effects and symptoms. This disorder is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly. If left untreated, it will slowly develop into a bigger and more sophisticated problem, such as the development of tumors and bladder cancer; which will eventually lead to the demise of your pet.

So as a responsible owner of your animal, take note of any symptoms that could possibly point out the ailment. As I’ve stated above, your pooch will feel pain which could really be intense if it has a bladder stone. It can’t tell you straight out that it’s hurting while peeing, so observe its reactions and behavior. The pain doesn’t develop into really painful just yet, but gradually over a course of time. It would be urinating more often, but in lesser amounts. The time (slower than usual) it takes the stream of urine to come out is also to be considered as a preliminary sign.

Other urinary abnormalities such as blood in its pee is also a possibility, and that’s just about when it’ll start yelping in agony. Your pet may also show a sudden loss of appetite – it would refuse to eat plenty or none at all. With this disorder corresponds lethargy, or being lazier than usual. The pooch wouldn’t want to go on walks with you and skip out on playing sessions. If your dog displays any, many, or all of the symptoms stated above (especially the pain in pee symptom), then it’s best you pay your veterinarian a visit. From there, he will be able to assess the severity of the bladder stone using several tests, one including an ultrasound.

He’ll then explain to you how the stone/s develop in the first place, which goes something like this: “Bladder stones are actually formed when there is a build-up of excess minerals and other waste materials inside your pet’s bladder. It will than solidify and increase in size as more and more minerals and waste pile up. That’s what has been causing the difficulty in urination and the pain its been feeling while doing so.” More or less that’s what he’ll tell you, then he’ll explain the importance of knowing the exact composition and size of the stone, so that he’ll be able to prescribe the right kind of medicine to help break that stone down.

Yes, different compositions need different treatment to break it down effectively, but usually all treatments include a combination with antibiotics. Having your dog admitted to the vet as early as possible is vital for it’s well-being. When the development of the bladder stone has worsen enough, medicine won’t be of much use – so that’s when surgery will be needed. There will also be a point where surgery will do no good at all, leaving euthanasia as the only option left. This isn’t something that you and your pet wouldn’t want to go through, so please get professional help immediately if you suspect your dog to have developed the disorder.