Diagnosis cost
£200–£500
Treatment cost
£800–£2500
Ongoing cost
£30–£70 per month
Severity
Moderate
Treatable
Yes
Species
Dogs
What is bladder stones?
Bladder stones (uroliths) are hard mineral deposits that form in the bladder when dissolved minerals in the urine crystallise and clump together. The two most common types in dogs are struvite stones (often linked to urinary tract infections) and calcium oxalate stones (linked to genetics and metabolism). Bladder stones cause pain, bloody urine, and frequent urination. If a stone blocks the urethra, it becomes a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention.
Symptoms to watch for
- Blood in the urine (haematuria)
- Straining to urinate or passing only small amounts
- Frequent urination or urinating in unusual places
- Licking the genital area excessively
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Signs of pain or crying when urinating
- Inability to urinate at all (emergency – possible blockage)
How is bladder stones diagnosed?
| Test | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Urinalysis and urine culture | £50–£150 |
| Abdominal X-ray | £100–£250 |
| Abdominal ultrasound | £150–£350 |
Treatment options and costs
Surgical removal (cystotomy)
£800–£2,500The most common treatment, involving surgery to open the bladder and physically remove the stones. The stones are then sent for laboratory analysis to determine their type, which guides long-term prevention. Recovery typically takes 10–14 days.
Prescription dissolution diet
£50–£100 per month for 2–4 monthsSome struvite stones can be dissolved using a special prescription diet that alters the urine pH. This approach takes several weeks to months and requires regular monitoring with X-rays or ultrasound. Not effective for calcium oxalate stones.
Ongoing prevention (diet and monitoring)
£30–£70 per monthLong-term prescription urinary diet to prevent recurrence, along with regular urine checks and periodic imaging. Encouraging increased water intake is also important. Recurrence rates are high without preventive measures.
Ongoing costs
Estimated ongoing management cost
£30–£70 per month
monthly
Breeds most at risk
| Breed | Risk level |
|---|---|
| Miniature Schnauzer | High |
| French Bulldog | High |
| Shih Tzu | High |
| Dachshund | Moderate |
| Cocker Spaniel | Moderate |
| Jack Russell Terrier | Moderate |
Does pet insurance cover bladder stones?
Bladder stone diagnosis and surgical removal are covered by most pet insurance policies, provided the condition isn’t pre-existing. Prescription diets for treatment and prevention may or may not be covered depending on your policy – some insurers cover prescription food as part of ongoing treatment, while others exclude dietary management. Recurrence is common, so lifetime cover is particularly valuable for this condition.
