CASE STUDY - BLADDER STONES

Billi came in to see us initially for having urinary accidents and asking to go outside more frequently.  An initial urine sample revealed a large amount of bacteria, white and red blood cells.  White cells are used by the body to fight off infection.  Red cells help to carry oxygen in the body, but they can be found in the urine due to inflammation.  Billi was started on an antibiotic and pain medication to help with her urinary tract infection.  

Her owner noticed after a week of antibiotics, Billi was still having some blood in her urine and wanting to go outside more frequently.  She also was more uncomfortable and did not want to eat her normal food.  We then took an x-ray of her abdomen.  Looking at the picture below, you can see what looks like white stones in the bladder.  It was decided for Billi to stay and have surgery to remove the stones.  

Surgery was performed under general, inhalation anesthesia.  Pre-op bloodwork was checked to make sure she was stable prior to surgery.  A technician was present throughout the procedure to monitor her vitals - heart rate, blood pressure, oxygenation and level of anesthesia.  The stones were removed from her bladder and the picture below shows the varying sizes that were present.  An x-ray was taken post- op to ensure all stones were removed.  

Billi recovered from anesthesia well and was excited to eat supper that same night.  She was sent home the next day to her owners and they did great with her after care.  They kept her as quiet as possible and used the e-collar to keep her from licking at her incision.  

Billi came back to have her skin sutures removed - all healed well.  The stones came back from analysis as - struvite (magnesium ammonium PO4).  These stones most commonly form when infection in the bladder causes the pH to become more alkaline.  Crystals start to stick together and over time turn into stones.  

The options for treating stones varies with each patient.  Some can successfully be treated with a diet change treatment and some require surgery.  Once the cause is found, prevention with a specific food and or supplement can be used to try and prevent recurrence.  

We are so happy for Billi’s awesome recovery!