Friday, August 12, 2011

The Mystery of Bladder Stones


Mystery is a female, spayed 6 year old Havanese, she was taken in by a Havanese rescue group and placed with a foster family. The day after being placed with her foster parents, her foster mom noticed that Mystery was urinating frequently. She brought her in to VPAH to see Dr. Birken.


Examination revealed a healthy dog except for a large, hard mass that was palpable in the area of the bladder. Radiographs (x-rays) revealed a thickened, distended bladder with 4 large bladder stones.


Xray showing 4 Lg stones in bladder

Stones in the bladder can form secondary to many causes including diet, breed and water intake. They are a painful condition for pets and can cause many types of urinary problems including infections, incontinence and most seriously, complete blockage. They can occur not only inside the bladder but also in the kidneys, ureters or urethra. Patients can urinate out some small stones, but the large ones must be removed surgically. Usually they must be diagnosed with a radiograph or ultrasound.


Mystery had blood work performed to check her kidney and liver function and her red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in preparation for surgical removal of the bladder stones. Her blood work was normal and on her day of surgery, she also had an intravenous catheter placed and was hooked up to intravenous fluids to support her kidney function and help maintain her blood pressure during anesthesia and surgery


Mystery underwent a procedure called a cystotomy. This procedure involves opening the bladder, removing all stones, flushing out the bladder, and closing the bladder wall tightly to ensure no leakage. A total of 4 stones were extracted from Mystery’s distended bladder. She was kept hospitalized on fluids, antibiotics, and pain medications until normal urination was confirmed.


Bladder

first stone removed


all 4 stones removed

Our plans to control Mystery’s Stones are:
1. Diet change –Prescription Diet C/D Canine Urinary Tract Health
2. Urinalysis - We will monitor her urine for any infections to prevent stones from forming.


Mystery was a very sweet girl during her stay with us.


Mystery is available for adoption
Contact Havanese Rescue (916)792-2426
(Foster mom is Claudia)

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