Bladder Stone Surgery In A Dog(Learn About Bladder Stones In A Dog )

A 1 pound bladderstone  removed from a Chow		Bladderstones removed from a dog

Bladder stones in dogs present an interesting medical and surgical challenge for veterinarians.  One of the most often-encountered health problems of dogs and cats is urinary tract infections.  A fairly large percentage of these infections are caused by or complicated by bladder stones.  Any persistent bladder infection should be carefully screened for bladder stones and if present, bladder stone removal should be considered.

Skippy is wondering when it will be his turn to visit the Surgery Room.

	He's had bladder irritation for months but wasn't displaying any unusual signs... until one day he urinated some blood.  Fortunately his people caretakers noticed, took him to the animal hospital for an exam and a thorough analysis of the urine and a decisive X-ray.  You can see what the veterinarian saw on the X-ray film on the top-right image.  The actual stones are seen below the X-ray.  For actual sizes of the stones, click on the image to view a larger rendition in  a new window.

After the surgery, the stone was sent to a lab for analysis; knowing the composition of the stones helps in determining which special diet might assist in preventing a reoccurrence of bladder stones.

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The veterinary technician prepares the surgical area for sterile surgery.	The incision is made with a scalpel and the abdominal cavity is entered.	The bladder is located and gently pulled through the incision.	The bladder is incised and the escaping urine and any tiny stones are caught in sterile gauze.
The larger stones are maneuvered to and through the bladder incision.	The stone is secured and saved for analysis.	More stones are grasped by the forceps and removed from the bladder.	After thorough inspection and flushing, the inner lining (called the mucosa) of the bladder is closed with sutures.
Now another row of sutures closes the muscular bladder wall.	The incision is inspected for leaks and suture security.	The abdominal wall is closed in three layers.	Subcutaneous sutures are placed so that no surface sutures are required.

Discussion of Bladder Stones

There are quite a number of possible factors that interact to allow for the formation of bladder stones.  One of the most favorable conditions for mineral formation is urine that is alkaline rather than acidic.  In fact, bacteria seem to grow better in alkaline urine, too.  (That's why drinking cranberry juice may benefit us humans in preventing infections in the bladder... the cranberry juice promotes a more acidic urine.)  As you can see in the photo and X-ray the stones are of various sizes.  If just the right (or wrong!) size stone passes from the bladder into the urethra leading outside the body, and becomes lodged... we've got an emergency situation immediately!  Any dog or cat with a urethral blockage needs veterinary help right now.

In dogs and cats, grain-based diets contribute to alkaline urine; meat-based diets promote a more acid urine.  If a bacterial infection does occur the waste products of those bacteria promote an alkaline urine.  Plus the bacteria may provide a nice little solid object upon which dissolved minerals can precipitate (come out of a solution and become a solid).  Any patient who has had repeat urinary tract infections should always be evaluated for bladder stones.  Kidney stones, fortunately, happen far less often in dogs and cats than bladder stones; but the possibility of kidney stones should always be considered in urinary tract disease.  Certain types of urinary tract stones can be prevented by special dietary changes.  Genetic programming of kidney function and structure plays a role in the formation of bladderstones and certain breeds (Schnauzers, for example) often seem more predisposed to kidney and bladder trouble than some other breeds.  The Dalmatian has a unique physiology and displays a type of stone formation called Urate Stones.   Modern veterinary medicine can be of great assistance to dogs and cats that develop bladder stones.  Good diets and follow-up care can help our dog and cat friends survive and thrive... even after a surgery such as this.