Ureterolithiasis in Dogs: Veterinary Insights & Care Guide 2025 🩺🐾

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Hi, I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, veterinarian and founder of Ask A Vet. Today’s 2025 guide covers ureterolithiasis, where ureteral stones block urine flow from kidney to bladder. This condition can lead to serious illness or emergency. We'll explore causes, signs, diagnostics, treatments, and how Ask A Vet,can help support your pup’s recovery. Let’s begin! 💙🐶

1. What is Ureterolithiasis? 🤔

Ureterolithiasis refers to stones lodged in the ureters—narrow tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder. While stones may form in kidneys or bladder, when they travel into or get stuck in the ureter, it obstructs urine flow causing pain and kidney damage.

2. Causes & Risk Factors ⚠️

• Stone types: struvite, calcium oxalate, urate, cystine—types influence treatment options.
• Diet & hydration: imbalanced minerals or chronic dehydration increases crystal formation.
• Urine pH: acidic or alkaline urine favors different calculus types.
• UTIs: infection can predispose struvite stone formation.
• Breed genetics: predisposition in breeds such as Mini Schnauzers, Yorkies, Dalmatians; both sexes, but females slightly higher risk.
• Underlying health issues: liver, kidney disease, and metabolic disorders.

3. Recognizing the Signs 🕵️♂️

Symptoms of ureteral stones may include:

• Straining to urinate, passing small amounts or blood in urine (hematuria).
• Frequent urination or urinating in unusual places.
• Abdominal or back pain, possibly vomiting, lethargy, decreased appetite.
• In emergencies, inability to urinate with distress or bladder distention.

4. Diagnostic Process 🔬

4.1 History & Physical

Vet collects details on duration of symptoms, water intake, previous stones, UTI history. Palpation may detect a distended, painful bladder.

4.2 Lab & Imaging

• Bloodwork & urinalysis: check kidney function, crystals, pH, infection.
• X-ray: reveals radiopaque stones; contrast dye may highlight others.
• Ultrasound: visualizes stones and hydronephrosis.
• Nuclear scintigraphy: rare but may assess renal function and obstructions.

5. Treatment Options 🛠️

Your vet will tailor treatment based on stone type, size, obstruction, and overall health.

5.1 Dissolution diets & medical management

• Struvite stones may dissolve with prescription diets over 3–6 weeks.
• Urate or cystine stones managed with diets, urine alkalinizing agents like potassium citrate; 70–98% success rates depending on stone type.
• Calcium oxalate stones do not dissolve; require alternative strategies.

5.2 Minimally invasive removal

• Urohydropropulsion: flushing small stones via catheter.
• Cystoscopy & laser lithotripsy: removing or fragmenting stones non-surgically—requires specialized skills and equipment.
• Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL): high-energy waves break stones in kidney, ureter or bladder—non-invasive option if available.

5.3 Surgical options

• Cystotomy/Urethrotomy: open surgery to remove stones.
• Ureteral surgery & stent placement: for stones lodged in ureter—complex, usually referral only.
• Nephrectomy: partial or total kidney removal—rare, reserved for irreversible damage.

5.4 Supportive care

• IV fluids to flush crystals.
• Antibiotics if bacterial infection present.
• Pain relief—NSAIDs or other analgesics based on vet guidance.

6. Monitoring & Prognosis 📊

Follow-up imaging and urinalysis are needed every 3–6 months due to recurrence risk (calcium oxalate recurrence ~50% within 3 years, cystine within 1 year).

Prognosis is good with timely treatment; ureteral obstructions require prompt intervention for best outcomes.

7. Prevention Strategies 🛡️

• Ensure constant access to fresh water — highest impact preventive measure.
• Use prescription urinary diets based on stone composition.
• Maintain ideal body condition and avoid high-mineral snacks.
• Regular urinary checks: urinalysis + imaging every 3–6 months.
• Breed-based genetic counseling for predisposed breeds.

8. Role of Ask A Vet 💡

• Ask A Vet: Telehealth check-ins, dietary guidance, follow-up planning.

9. When to Call the Vet 🚨

• Straining, passing little or no urine, showing distress.
• Blood in urine or frequent UTIs.
• Vomiting, lethargy, or abdominal/back pain.
• Follow-up appointments aren’t missed—long-term monitoring is essential.

10. Final Takeaways 📝

Ureterolithiasis is a treatable but serious condition. Early detection, targeted treatment, and ongoing monitoring are key. With advanced veterinary techniques and supportive care through Ask A Vet, most dogs recover well and maintain long-term urinary health. 🐾💙

If your dog shows any urinary symptoms, schedule a prompt telehealth visit via AskAVet.com and download our app for continuous support. 🌟