Bladder stones.  Doesn't that just sound uncomfortable?  The urinary tract was designed to transport liquids.  Once solids develop, it becomes a challenging ordeal to restore the tract to original form.  In pets, the most common site for development of urinary stones, a.k.a. uroliths, is the urinary bladder.  The function of the bladder is to hold waste liquids (urine) for the necessary time it takes to find a convenient place to void them (the litter box or a favored tree).  Problems arise when urine, composed of water and dissolved wastes, becomes oversaturated with minerals.  They then crystallize into a solid form, finally aggregating into mineral deposits, which we call stones. 

            The stones often lead to irritation of the soft bladder wall, creating inflammation and discomfort.  They may also predispose pets to recurrent urinary tract infections.  In addition, as bladder stones try to pass they may become lodged in the urinary tract, causing sudden blockage.  This presents a dire emergency to remove the obstruction and grant much needed relief.  All three of these outcomes can incite agonizing pain along with frequent attempts to urinate, straining, and discolored urine.

            Veterinarians diagnose bladder stones during examination of pets' bladders and can suspect them based on urine analysis.  In many instances we radiograph the abdomen or use ultrasound to identify one or more stones.  At Murphy Road Animal Hospital, we diagnosed bladder stones in 2 cats and 3 dogs during September.

            To remove uroliths we may employ prescription diets for stone dissolving, or we may need to use urinary catheterization or surgery.  You can do your best to avoid the development of bladder stones in your pet by offering them a healthy, balanced diet composed of quality pet food and by keeping them well hydrated with fresh water.