Is your dog or cat exhibiting symptoms that lead you to believe they may have kidney or bladder stones? While kidney stones are pretty common for people, most dogs and cats don't get them. Bladder stones are very common, however, and it's good to visit your vet if your furry companion is exhibiting any of these signs.
Some Common Symptoms
Frequent check-ups are your first line of defense when it comes to keeping your dog or cat healthy and happy. Schedule a visit right away if any of the following symptoms show up:
- Trouble urinating, including an inability to empty the bladder.
- Pain and discomfort during urination.
- Slow or sudden loss of an ability to hold urine, resulting in accidents and urinating inside, especially in pets that were previously house trained.
- An appearance of blood in your pet's urine.
Could It Be Just a Bladder Infection?
Bladder infections often have very similar symptoms to kidney stones. Again, if you notice pain during urination, signs of back pain, blood-stained urine, or an increased need to urinate more frequently, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian right away.
Are There Any Vets Near Me?
Yes! Intermountain Pet Hospital has two locations to serve pet parents in the Meridian, Idaho, area. We can determine if the above symptoms are caused by a bladder infection or kidney stones with some simple diagnostic tests. The tests may include urinalysis, blood tests and/or diagnostic imaging tests like ultrasounds and x-rays.
As with any worrisome symptom that shows up and causes concerns about your pet's well-being, early detection and treatment are your best option for a timely path back to good health. Contact us today to schedule a visit! We'd love to meet you and your pets!
