Dog Community

bladder stones?

Posted : 10/16/2009 8:45:30 PM

Anybody have any info on bladder stones? As much as I've heard about crazy dog illnesses, I've not had much experience in this realm.

My mom's dog (my childhood dog) was diagnosed with bladder stones 6 weeks ago, after what their vet misdiagnosed as a UTI 8 weeks ago (sigh). He's been on a Royal Canin RX diet for the last 6 weeks, with no change in the x-rays. Their vet wants to do surgery to remove the stones, but it's a rather expensive surgery, and at Rex's age, risky.

Off to google, but any info is appreciated, and please send Rex magic 'de-stoning' vibes from iDog :)

calliecritturs

Posted : 10/16/2009 10:14:25 PM

Not as risky if Dr. Bailey did it - he'd mask the dog down and not give a sedative. The 'risk' in surgery usually is in the sedative/antesthesia combo.

There are several approaches -- it's one thing I've never had to decide on .. sowwy!!

willowchow

Posted : 10/16/2009 10:19:48 PM

I'm not sure Meg, but good luck!!

jennie_c_d

Posted : 10/18/2009 8:13:10 PM

Teeeeeeenie Weenie had bladder stones. She didn't tolerate the prescription diet AT ALL, so I did the one from Optimum Nutrition. I opted for the surgery, because when they were discovered, she was in a LOT of pain. She just.... stopped walking, one morning. We thought, for sure, that her back was done. Nope, rock garden in the bladder. $1000, a special diet, and distilled water for the rest of her life. Glucosamine and vit c to help the stones not form. It wasn't so optional for her, so.....

sl2crmeg

Posted : 10/18/2009 8:59:45 PM

Distilled water, huh? I'll have to mention that to mom.

jennie_c_d

Posted : 10/18/2009 9:01:12 PM

Yup, no minerals to unbalance her precisely balanced diet. We have VERY hard water, in these parts Big Smile The mineral balance is soooo important, for a dog who has rocks of excess magnesium (in Teenie's case) in it's bladder.