One of the most concerning signs we might see in our dog, although not a specific sign, is blood in the urine. People often ask "what does it mean when I see blood in my dog's urine?"
When a dog has blood in the urine and it's reason is urinary stones, it's because the stone(s) rub against the bladder wall. Uroliths can be irritating to the mucosal surface of the bladder wall, damage the tissue and cause bleeding.
Another reason it's important to know if your dog has bladder stones is because if they are left untreated your dog could get something life threatening like urinary blockages or urinary tract infections (UTI).
Urinary blockage can come from the mechanical obstruction of a stone, a blood clot, swelling or inflammation of the bladder wall/ urethra or muscle spasm.
Unrelieved urinary blockages could cause the bladder to rupture.
It is important to know if your dog has urinary stones because they can cause a range of health problems. Stones can block the flow of urine, leading to pain, infection, and other complications. If left untreated, the stones can cause permanent damage to the kidneys, bladder, and urethra. Early detection and treatment of urinary stones can help prevent more serious health problems and ensure your pet's long-term wellbeing.
See my other blogs related to bladder health for dogs.
About the Author
Kristi Diaz MD
Kristi is a retired anesthesiologist who loves helping people take good care of their pets. She is married to the best urologist on the planet!
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