Bladder Stones in Dogs & Cats

If your pet has been diagnosed with bladder stones — or you've noticed changes in their urination habits and suspect a problem — you're not alone. Bladder stones are one of the more common urinary conditions we see in both dogs and cats. They range from minor irritations to serious emergencies, and understanding what they are, why they form, and how they're treated can help you make the best decisions for your pet.

This guide walks through the signs to watch for, how veterinarians diagnose bladder stones, what a cystotomy (surgical removal) involves, and what recovery looks like. Our goal is to give you clear, reassuring information so you feel confident advocating for your pet's care.

Bladder stones — also called uroliths or cystic calculi — are rock-like formations made of minerals that build up in the bladder over time. They can range in size from tiny grains of sand to large stones that fill much of the bladder.

Stones form when minerals in urine crystallize and stick together. The type of stone depends on which minerals are involved:

• Struvite stones — often associated with urinary tract infections, especially in dogs. These can sometimes be dissolved with a special diet.
• Calcium oxalate stones — more common in certain dog breeds and older cats. These typically cannot be dissolved and require surgical removal.
• Urate stones — seen more often in Dalmatians and some other breeds with metabolic differences.
• Cystine stones — less common, often linked to genetic factors in specific breeds.

Knowing the stone type is important because it determines treatment options and long-term prevention strategies.

Bladder stones don't always cause obvious symptoms, especially in the early stages. As they grow or irritate the bladder lining, you may notice one or more of the following:

If you notice any of these signs — especially straining without producing urine or visible blood — contact your veterinarian promptly.

While some bladder stones remain relatively harmless for a time, others can lead to serious complications:

• Urinary obstruction — a stone can lodge in the urethra (the tube carrying urine out of the body), blocking urine flow completely. This is a medical emergency, especially in male cats and dogs.
• Bladder wall damage — rough or numerous stones can irritate and inflame the bladder lining, causing pain, bleeding, and chronic infection.
• Kidney damage — if urine backs up due to obstruction, pressure can damage the kidneys and lead to life-threatening toxin buildup.
• Chronic infection — stones create an environment where bacteria thrive, leading to repeated urinary tract infections that are difficult to clear without removing the stones.

Because these complications can develop quickly, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential.

Diagnosing bladder stones is usually straightforward. Your veterinarian will use one or more of the following methods:

Stone analysis after removal is especially important. Knowing exactly what the stones are made of allows your veterinarian to recommend the most effective prevention plan.

A cystotomy is the surgical procedure used to remove bladder stones. It is one of the most common soft-tissue surgeries in veterinary medicine and is generally very safe when performed by an experienced surgical team.

Here's what happens during the procedure:

In some cases, stones in the urethra must be removed at the same time — a procedure called a urethrotomy. Every case is individualized based on imaging findings and your pet's specific needs.

Recovery from a cystotomy is typically smooth and uncomplicated. Most pets feel noticeably better within a day or two as the source of irritation is removed.

You may notice a small amount of blood in the urine for the first few days after surgery. This is normal and should gradually clear. If bleeding persists, or if your pet seems unable to urinate, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Prevention depends on the stone type, but there are several effective strategies:

• Dietary management — prescription urinary diets are formulated to maintain urine pH and mineral levels that discourage stone formation.
• Increased water intake — dilute urine is less likely to allow minerals to crystallize. Fresh water, wet food, or water fountains can help.
• Regular urine monitoring — periodic urinalysis checks for crystals, pH changes, and early infection before stones can form.
• Treating infections promptly — since struvite stones are often infection-related, quick treatment of UTIs reduces recurrence risk.
• Breed-specific awareness — some breeds are genetically predisposed to certain stone types. Knowing your pet's risk helps your veterinarian tailor prevention.

After stone removal and analysis, your veterinarian will create a customized prevention plan for your pet's specific situation.