Understanding Urinary Obstructions / Bladder Stones in Dogs

Clinical signs depend on the severity of the blockage. Dogs that have a partial obstruction may: pee small amounts frequently, take a long-time passing pee, strain to pee, have blood in the pee, pee in drips instead of a strong stream, and peeing in inappropriate places. If the urethra is completely blocked, the dog will strain without producing any pee. They will be in pain and lethargic, not eating, and possibly vomiting. An overly large bladder will be easily felt by a vet, and it may be painful when touched. Dogs with total urethral obstruction can die if the obstruction is not relieved.

If the dog is peeing in drips or not passing any pee, then the dog should be examined by a vet immediately.

X-rays are useful for detecting stones in the bladder or urethra. An abdominal ultrasound can also help assess the kidneys for stones or other changes, such as tumours or clots, that might not be visible on an X-ray. A definitive sign of a urinary obstruction is when a thin tube (urinary catheter) cannot be inserted from the urethra into the bladder.

Treating urinary obstruction in dogs typically involves stabilising the dog with medical treatment before surgery to remove the obstruction. Your dog will be hospitalised to receive intravenous fluids and pain medications. Antibiotics may be prescribed if there is an infection. Once stabilised, some stones causing the obstruction can be pushed back into the bladder with a catheter, making it easier to remove them through a less complicated surgery called a cystotomy. If the stones cannot be moved into the bladder, they will need to be surgically removed directly from the urethra through a procedure called a urethrotomy or urethrostomy. There are various types of bladder stones, and some can be dissolved with a special prescription diet, eliminating the need for surgery.

Preventing the re-formation and obstruction by stones involves reducing the factors that cause stone formation. If your dog is prone to forming stones, it's essential to follow your vet’s dietary and medication recommendations closely. Regular check-ups are necessary to ensure that crystal and stone formation is under control.

The outlook is excellent for dogs that have surgery for urethral blockage if the dog has not suffered serious kidney or toxic damage from prolonged obstruction. If the blockage goes untreated the dog will die within a few days.