One of the most vital requirements for our family pet’s health is their meal, but it doesn’t stop there. They must maintain a healthy diet to guarantee a quality of life, particularly in avoiding diseases like having a stone in the bladder that makes them suffer in pain from the minute it was acquired up to a possible advanced treatment if mistreated. Their dish is among the most effortless responsibilities we can do, yet one of the most dangerous to their wellness if disregarded.
What are pet bladder stones?
Pet bladder stones have the same idea as kidney stones for people. It is highly concentrated urine where minerals become stones that develop in their bladder. These stones are called “uroliths.” We can already tell how this could be so discomforting for our pets, more so if we have not noticed it immediately.
Common Signs and Symptoms
One of the most obvious signs is their constant urination. You may notice a small amount of urine every now and then as it is so concentrated, and they feel pain whenever they try to do so. You will most likely be bothered by how strong the smell of their pee is, especially when it comes out discolored or, worse, bloody. You will notice them licking their genitals more often, which is their remedy for the discomfort and pain they’re feeling.
Causes
Apart from the common causes like bad diet, urinary tract infection, dehydration, too much phosphate, ammonium or magnesium in pee, congenital liver shunt, and whatnot, a dog’s bladder acquires different types of stone, which have various reasons. The urate bladder stones, xanthine bladder stones, cystine bladder stones, calcium oxalate bladder stones, and the most common is struvite stone which develops when phosphate and magnesium stick together. It isn’t bad for the health unless it gets infected and mixed into pee which raises the level of pH that leads to struvite crystals, the hazardous stones in their system.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis will include a thorough physical examination; your veterinarian will examine the pet’s belly for the discomfort around the gallbladder. Blood will be collected to check for liver changes, increased bilirubin, calcium, or cholesterol in the blood, and check for indications of inflammation or infection. Next will be x-rays to see if any stones are visible. Only about 50% of gallstones can show on x-rays. When you need a full-service Douglasville veterinary hospital, go for one that offers a comprehensive range of vet services.
There are three main treatment choices for bladder stones, first is surgical removal, which is typically the fastest way of treating bladder stones. However, it could not be the best treatment for patients with other health concerns or whom general anesthesia could be risky. With this option, the stones will be removed via cystotomy, a procedure to access and open the bladder to get the stones.
Many vets and pets routinely perform this veterinary surgery in Douglasville procedure and usually make rapid postoperative healing. If the stones obstruct the urethra, the pet won’t urinate anymore; in this case, emergency treatment is necessary to save the pet’s life.
The second is non-surgical removal by uro hydro propulsion, and the third is dietary dissolution. The specific treatment recommended for your pet will depend on the type of stone present. Your vet will discuss the pros and cons of each treatment option with you in more detail, based on your pet’s circumstances.
Prevention
Registering your family pet in a pet wellness plan is essential to ensure that your pet would not experience this health issue; a wellness exam is a thorough examination of your pet’s health. It enables vets to identify and treat any possible health issues and monitor your pet’s diet to guarantee they’re getting enough nutrients in everyday life. Click here for more info regarding pet wellness plans.
