Bladder Stone Removal in Pets
At LifeCare Pet Hospital, we know how distressing urinary issues can be for your pet—and for you. Bladder stones, also known as uroliths, are a common but serious condition that can cause discomfort, blockages, and even life-threatening complications. Our skilled team is here to provide expert care, from precise diagnosis to successful treatment, so your furry friend can return to a happy, healthy life.
What Are Bladder Stones?
Bladder stones are hard mineral deposits that form in your pet’s bladder, often as a result of imbalances in their urine's pH, diet, or other medical conditions. They vary in size, from tiny grains to larger, more obstructive stones, and can significantly impact your pet’s urinary function.
Symptoms of Bladder Stones
Bladder stones may cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Frequent Urination: Attempting to urinate more often, with little success.
- Straining to Urinate: Signs of discomfort or pain while urinating.
- Bloody Urine: Visible blood or discoloration in urine.
- Lethargy: Reduced energy levels or lack of interest in normal activities.
- Accidents: Loss of bladder control, even in housetrained pets.
If you notice these symptoms, it’s essential to seek veterinary care immediately, as bladder stones can lead to urinary blockages and other severe complications.
How We Diagnose Bladder Stones
Accurate diagnosis is the first step to effective treatment. At LifeCare Pet Hospital, we use advanced diagnostic tools, including:
- Digital X-Rays: To locate stones and assess their size and number.
- Ultrasound Imaging: To identify stones that may not appear on X-rays and evaluate bladder health.
- Urinalysis: To detect crystals, infection, and other abnormalities.
- Stone Analysis: Once removed, stones can be analyzed to identify their type and prevent recurrence.
Our Comprehensive Treatment Approach
When it comes to treating bladder stones, we focus on relieving discomfort and restoring your pet’s urinary health quickly and effectively.
Bladder Stone Removal Surgery
For larger or obstructive bladder stones, surgical removal (cystotomy) is often necessary. At LifeCare Pet Hospital, our skilled surgeons provide compassionate and expert care throughout the entire process:
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Pre-Surgical Planning:
- We perform detailed imaging and bloodwork to ensure your pet is stable and to tailor a surgical plan for their specific needs.
- Your pet receives a personalized anesthesia protocol for maximum safety and comfort.
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Precise Surgical Removal:
- During the procedure, we make a small incision in your pet’s bladder to remove the stones carefully.
- We thoroughly flush the bladder to ensure no debris remains that could cause complications.
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Post-Surgical Monitoring and Recovery:
- After surgery, your pet will be monitored closely to ensure a smooth recovery.
- We provide comprehensive pain management and recommend dietary adjustments to support healing and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Non-Surgical Options
In some cases, smaller stones may be dissolved using prescription diets or managed with medications. If this option is viable for your pet, our team will develop a customized plan.
Preventing Bladder Stones
Once your pet is on the road to recovery, we’ll help you create a long-term strategy to prevent bladder stones from returning. This may include:
- A specialized diet to maintain urinary health.
- Increased water intake to dilute urine and flush out crystals.
- Regular veterinary check-ups to monitor your pet’s urinary health.
Why Choose LifeCare Pet Hospital?
- Expertise You Can Trust: Our veterinarians have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating bladder stones.
- Advanced Care: From high-tech diagnostics to precise surgical techniques, we deliver top-notch care for your pet.
- Compassionate Service: We understand the worry bladder stones can cause and are here to support you every step of the way.
Contact Us Today
At LifeCare Pet Hospital, we’re here to help your pet achieve optimal health and happiness. Schedule an appointment with us today to learn more about how we can help with bladder stone removal and prevention.