Kidney stone in dogs

Urinary diseases are more common in case of older dogs but it can also be noticed in younger ones as well. Diseases such as renal failure, inflammation of kidney, inflammation of urinary bladder, micturition disorders are seen in dogs.

The formation of stones in kidney, urinary bladder or urethra is termed as urolithiasis. It is commonly found in dogs aged between 2 to 10. The presence of stones may cause no noticeable signs but it may irritate the lining of urinary tract and may lodge in the urethra, rarely in ureters and cause obstruction in passage of urine.

If your dog shows symptoms like painful micturition (discharge of urine from bladder), dribbling urine, blood in urine, strong ammonia like odour it is the indication of kidney stone disease.

The signs are not noticeable initially but increase in severity and intensity as the disease progresses. So you must take your pet to the vet for immediate examination and treatment.

Due to the obstruction, there is in increase in the level of urea in the blood which may further lead to dehydration, lethargy, depression, loss of appetite and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. If the obstruction is not treated immediately the urinary bladder may rupture leading to death.Surgical removal of the stones and flushing of the bladder and urethra with isotonic saline water is the common treatment.

Since preventive care is always better than making your pet succumbing to unwanted illness it makes good sense to provide sufficient quantity of drinking water and feed them a balanced diet. You can always contact your vet for their professional advice.

Happy parenting!