Bladder Stones (uroliths): Are there really rocks inside my pet?
Bladder stones begin in quite an innocuous-sounding way: as crystals. These crystals can form if the pH (a measure of acidity and alkalinity) of a pet’s urine changes, often as a result of infection, disease or environmental changes. Over time, the crystals bind together and create a stone, or even multiple small stones. The problem is that the body generally can’t dissolve the stone without help, and at first, owners don’t often know that their pet needs help. It’s only when the stones are big enough or sandy enough to cause discomfort or irritation in the urinary tract that we start to notice the telltale signs - blood in the urine, peeing inappropriately, pain while urinating, excessive licking of the genital area.
Luckily, regular check-ups with your veterinarian can help clue you in that your pet may have a stone or be at higher risk of forming one. Bloodwork that includes a urinalysis, for example, can check for the presence of crystals. While a small amount may not cause a problem, it will help you increase your vigilance around your pet’s other habits and be more mindful of changes that herald a bigger problem. Your vet may also recommend an early intervention like a diet change.
However, the only way to truly confirm the presence of a stone is to take a look inside - with x-ray imaging (radiographs) or potentially an ultrasound. If discovered, your vet may recommend surgical removal (called a cystotomy). After removing the stone, they will likely suggest sending it for laboratory analysis to determine whether it is struvite (often forming in more alkaline urine and often related to an infection) or calcium oxalate (often forming in more acidic urine). Knowing what type of stone it is helps you and your vet come up with a plan for treatment and prevention.
What you can do at home
It may sound like a breach of etiquette, but pay attention to your pet’s bathroom habits. Do they look uncomfortable when they posture to pee? Do they cry out? Are they dribbling urine, going more frequently but producing much less than normal? Is there blood present? For cat owners in particular, it may be tempting to assume that your pet is merely “mad” about something if they pee outside of the box, but give the benefit of doubt (and a vet check) before jumping to conclusions.
TL;DR
Clinical signs that suggest bladder stones may include straining to pee, dribbling, frequent but smaller urinations, blood in the urine and abdominal pain/pain while peeing
Clinical signs, especially in male cats, should prompt a vet visit to rule out other, potentially more serious, conditions
Bladder stones tend to be more common in dogs than cats
Bladder stones may migrate from the bladder to the urethra, leading to a dangerous blockage
The inability to urinate should always be treated as an emergency - seek medical care immediately