Uroliths are urinary calculi (stones) formed from mineral precipitates located anywhere within the urinary tract. They are common in dogs, cats, cattle, and small ruminants but relatively uncommon in horses.
Diagnosis is usually based on history and clinical signs observed on initial physical examination: straining to urinate, vocalizing, and signs of systemic illness, as well as a moderate to large, firm bladder on abdominal palpation.
In many cases, surgical intervention is needed at the time of diagnosis. With early detection, some uroliths can be managed with dietary changes and other treatments. Antimicrobials may be indicated in the treatment of dogs and cats with urease-producing bacterial urinary tract infection because of the effect these drugs have on urinary pH (eg, they promote struvite stone formation).
Further discussion of medical treatment, as well as dietary therapy, surgery, and lithotripsy, is provided elsewhere (also see Urolithiasis in Small Animals, Urolithiasis in Ruminants, and Urolithiasis in Horses).
For More Information
Lulich JP, Berent AC, Adams LG, et al. ACVIM small animal consensus recommendations on the treatment and prevention of uroliths in dogs and cats. J Vet Intern Med. 2016;30(5):1564-1574. doi:10.1111/jvim.14559
