Treatment of Canine Urolithiasis

Treatment of canine urolithiasis depends upon the severity of the condition, type of stones, and the risk involved.  Various stones can be dissolved through dietary means and medication.  Some treatments may require hospitalization.  If this type of therapy doesn’t correct the problem, alternative methods are available.

Special diets containing reduced amounts of certain minerals and proteins are recommended in addition to medication.  Using dietary methods, it usually takes approximately four to sixteen weeks to dissolve the stones.  The success of this type of treatment requires diligence on the part of the pet owner.

The veterinarian’s directions pertaining to diet and medication need to be strictly monitored.  This may include administering an antibiotic if the dog has been diagnosed with a bacterial infection. Access to clean; fresh water should be made available at all times.

In some instances, bladder stones need to be surgically removed.  This procedure requires opening of the bladder and is known as a cystotomy.  Following the procedure, the dog is put on antibiotics and the stones are sent to a laboratory for an analytical determination of their chemical makeup.  The laboratory results will determine the course of treatment.