One of the most vital requirements for our pet’s health and wellness is their meal, but it doesn’t stop there. They need to maintain a well-balanced diet to assure a quality of life, especially 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 meal is one of the most effortless responsibilities we can do, yet one of the most dangerous to their health 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 turn into stones that develop in their bladder. These stones are called “uroliths.” We can already tell how this could be so discomforting for our pets, especially if we haven’t noticed it immediately.
Common Signs and Symptoms
One of the most obvious signs is their frequent urination. You may notice a small amount of urine from time to time as it is so concentrated, and they feel pain whenever they attempt to do so. You will most likely be bothered by how strong the smell of their pee is, especially when it appears discolored or, even 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
After being diagnosed, a vet clinic in Douglasville will include a thorough physical examination; your veterinarian will check the pet’s tummy for indications of discomfort around the gallbladder. Blood will be collected to look 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.
There are three main treatment alternatives for bladder stones, first is surgical removal, which is often the fastest way of dealing with bladder stones. However, it might not be the best treatment for patients with other health concerns or whom general anesthesia could be dangerous. With this option, the stones will be removed by means of cystotomy, a procedure to access and open the bladder to take out the stones.
Numerous veterinarians and pets routinely perform this surgery and usually make a quick postoperative recovery. 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 nutritional dissolution. The specific treatment recommended for your pet will depend on the kind of stone present. Your veterinarian will discuss the pros and cons of each treatment option with you in more detail, based on your pet’s circumstances. You can find relevant information regarding this procedure on this website, including what and what not to expect.
Prevention
Enrolling your pet in a pet wellness plan is necessary to ensure that your pet wouldn’t encounter this health issue; a wellness exam is a thorough assessment of your pet’s health. It enables vets to identify and treat any possible health issues and monitor your pet’s diet to ensure they’re getting adequate nutrients in everyday life. Wellness plans for dogs and cats save your pet’s life and your time in the long run.
