How to Treat Kidney Stones in Dogs

Nephrolithiasis, another name for kidney stones, is very painful and may lead to serious health complications without treatment. Kidney stones in dogs may be caused by genetic predisposition, diet, certain medications, urinary tract infections or other illnesses. The condition is most common in female and middle-aged dogs. Symptoms of kidney stones in dogs include bloody urine, abdominal pain, vomiting and recurrent infections of the kidneys and urinary tract. Treatment depends on the location and size of the stones.

Instructions

1. Visit your veterinarian for an abdominal ultrasound or x-ray if you suspect kidney stones. These diagnostic tests can determine the size, number and location of any stones present.

2. Agree to have your dog's bladder emptied by the veterinarian if his urethra is blocked or partially blocked. An overextended bladder can be severely painful and increases the risk of infection and other complications.

3. Feed your dog dissolving agents, if instructed to do so by your veterinarian. Dissolving agents break up stones through a chemical reaction, allowing them to pass comfortably out of the body with urination. You must carefully monitor your dog during this process.

4. Ask about extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. There are very few risks associated with this procedure, but it is not available at all veterinary facilities. During lithotripsy, the kidney stones are crushed into very small fragments and then flushed out of the dog's system.

5. Increase your dog's fluid intake. Intravenous (IV) fluids may be given if severe dehydration is present or if your dog is unable to keep down fluids due to vomiting.

6. Give your dog antibiotics to treat infection. A bacterial infection is nearly always present in the urinary tract of a dog with kidney stones.

7. Agree to surgery to remove the stones. In cases where kidney damage has already occurred, the kidney must be removed. Ask your veterinarian about the risks of surgery before consenting. General anesthesia can be dangerous to dogs, especially those in poor health.