You might have observed symptoms of bladder stones in your pet, such as frequent urination or blood in their urine. Alternatively, your dog or cat might have appeared healthy, but bladder stones were found during a routine examination. In either case, you're likely curious about what bladder stones are and how they form.
Understanding Bladder Stones
Bladder stones, also referred to as uroliths or calculi, are hard deposits that form in the urinary bladder of cats, dogs, and other animals, including humans. These stones originate from tiny crystals in the urine, mainly composed of minerals such as calcium oxalate and struvite. These crystals, though initially microscopic, accumulate over weeks or months, eventually forming one or multiple stones that can vary in size from several millimeters to up to four inches in diameter.
As stones enlarge, they irritate the bladder walls, causing pain, irritation, and blood in the urine. This irritation can also lead to bladder wall inflammation, making it difficult for your pet to urinate while increasing the frequency of urination. If not treated, bladder stones can block the urethra, posing a life-threatening risk.
Reasons For Bladder Stones
While we understand how bladder stones form, identifying the exact cause can be challenging. Various factors can contribute to their development, such as infection, genetics, and urine composition imbalance.
In dogs, bladder stones can be triggered by bacterial infections, genetic predisposition, or an imbalance in urine pH (either too alkaline or too acidic). These factors promote the growth of specific minerals that form stones.
Urinary tract infection: Bacterial infections can disrupt urine pH, facilitating crystal growth. Some bacteria produce an enzyme called urease, which further stimulates crystal formation. This infection-stone relationship is more common in dogs than cats.
Dehydration: This leads to concentrated urine with a more acidic pH, increasing the likelihood of crystal formation. Dehydration also hampers the body's ability to expel any forming crystals naturally.
High mineral levels: Elevated concentrations of certain minerals can lead to crystal and stone formation. This is often related to diet but can also result from medications, supplements, or metabolic issues.
Certain breeds: Some breeds are more susceptible to bladder stones. Dogs include Bichon Frise, Yorkshire Terriers, Shih Tzus, Dalmatians, Dachshunds, Miniature Poodles, and Miniature Schnauzers. Siamese, Burmese, Himalayan, and Manx breeds are more prone in cats. Specific breeds may be more likely to develop stones of particular minerals.
This on-line company is such a good find. They provide quality products at a good price with delivering them efficiently. Definitely recommend purchasing from them.
Two sweet girlies decided to make our deck their home. Mosquitoes are a big problem where we live and we had to get them protected. This was the best bang for the buck. I’ve ordered from 79Pets several times and while delivery is not fast it is very consistent.
As a retired veterinary technician I was extremely happy to finally see a flea and heartworm medication that actually does tapeworms too!!!!!!! This is a 1st to my knowledge....I live in a tropical climate where fleas never die so this is heaven sent.
Great price, authentic quality and reliable shipping. Shipping takes a bit longer, since it is being shipped from abroad. But still a reliable service.
After Seresto collars failed to get rid of fleas, I didn't know where to turn. I saw a post on a page I follow (Kentucky Kitty Cats) saying that they use Nexgard Combo for the cats they shelter. I decided to try it and IT WORKS!
This is Lexi Marie! She was wondering why mom was so excited for buying flea medicine. I explained to her that we saved $100 and that she would understand some day when she grows up.
Last year, I made a visit to the vet. I told them that Kattie/cat had ear mites. They gave me an ointment costing $80canadian. I used it up and purchased another bottle. $160. total not including the cost of the vet visit. No results. The ear mites have been there for a long time. Canadian vets have control of what is sold in Pet stores and you cannot purchase off the shelf products not recognized by them.
I jumped at the chance to purchase your produce with a recommended 100% effectivity. I was willing to try, but was suspicions.
After a month there was still a little scratching but after 6 weeks, the mites are gone and the scratching is gone.
Thank you very much for this mite solution. I recommend it heartily. Harry
P.S. Do not tell the Canadian vets as they will outlaw your product.
En fait, c'est le seul produit dont mon chat "Winston" ne soufre pas de problèmes cutané et perte de poils, le "Révolution plus" fait très bien le travail, merci.
