Bichon Frise Health Crisis-How to Spot and Treat Bladder Stones

Bladder stones, also known as urolithiasis, are an increasingly common health threat among Bichon Frise dogs. These small, energetic pups are genetically prone to developing mineral deposits in their bladder that can cause severe discomfort, pain, and even life-threatening complications if left untreated. In this article we talk about Bichon Frise Health Crisis-How to Spot and Treat Bladder Stones.

As a Bichon parent, it’s imperative you educate yourself on the signs, diagnosis methods, and treatment plans for bladder stones to ensure your furry friend lives their best life. This detailed guide will arm you with the knowledge to quickly identify symptoms, get an accurate diagnosis, and work with your vet to choose the ideal treatment options for your Bichon’s unique situation.

What Causes Bladder Stones in Bichon Frises?

Bladder stones develop when minerals naturally found in urine, like calcium, oxalate and phosphorus, crystallize and clump together in the bladder. In Bichon Frises, the most common stones are struvite and calcium oxalate.

Struvite stones often form in alkaline urine in tandem with a bacterial urinary tract infection. The infection causes more ammonia to be present in urine, which raises pH levels and triggers stone development.

Calcium oxalate stones arise from different factors like genetics, acidic urine composition, and dietary imbalances. These stones also grow in size more rapidly compared to other stone types.

No matter the stone type, allowing them to enlarge can obstruct the urinary tract, trap bacteria and cause a dangerous infection, and even rupture the bladder if left untreated.

What Symptoms Should I Watch For?

Catching bladder stones early is key to simpler treatment and prevention of complications, so be vigilant in monitoring your Bichon for these common warning signs:

• Straining or signs of pain during urination
• Frequently attempting to urinate but passing little urine
• Blood in the urine
• Increased accidents in the house in potty-trained dogs
• Excessive licking of genital area
• Abdominal pain or enlarged bladder noticeable during palpation

If your Bichon frequently displays any combination of these symptoms, schedule a vet visit for an examination right away. Waiting too long can allow stones to increase in size and number or lead to dangerous infections.

How Are Bladder Stones Diagnosed in Bichon Frises?

Veterinarians utilize a combination of diagnostic tests to confirm bladder stones and determine the best pathways for treatment:

• Urinalysis – Checking a urine sample under a microscope reveals crystals, blood, bacteria and other indicators pointing to stones.
• X-ray or Ultrasound Imaging – Visual exams of the bladder provide detailed insight on location, size and quantity of stones.
• Stone Analysis – When possible, retrieved stones are sent to a lab for composition analysis down to the mineral.

In some cases, surgery is undertaken first to remove the stones for analysis and immediate symptom relief before further treatment is planned.

What Treatment Options Work Best for Bichon Frises?

The ideal treatment plan takes into account factors like bladder stone composition, size and number to customize an approach with the highest chance of success. Possible routes vets may suggest include:

1. Prescription Urinary Food – Struvite crystals can often be fully dissolved through feeding a prescription dog food that promotes a less alkaline urine pH. This avoids surgery risk in some dogs.
2. Urohydropropulsion – A flushing procedure to push small stones out through the urethra using a lubricating solution. No anesthesia or surgery involved.
3. Cystotomy Surgery – The quickest option to remove large or obstructing stones that cause severe symptoms and urinary blockages. Post-op management is key to prevention.
4. Medications – Short-term antibiotics to resolve struvite-related infections while dissolution food clears crystals. Pain meds also used if needed.

Lifestyle Adjustments to Avoid Repeat Stone Episodes

While some cases of bladder stones cannot be prevented, making certain lifestyle changes can dramatically reduce your Bichon’s risk:

• Always provide abundant fresh water to dilute urine minerals.
• Stick to a consistent bathroom break schedule to avoid urine retention.
• Discuss an optimal urinary-friendly diet recipe with your veterinarian.
• Have annual well visits to monitor urine composition for early crystal formation.
• Research any new medications for increased stone risk as a side effect.

Left untreated, bladder stones can rapidly escalate into a life-threatening situation for a Bichon Frise. However, an attentive pet parent who recognizes the signs and moves quickly to diagnose the issue can help their pup through a relatively straightforward treatment. Stay alert about this painful condition, and act fast if those warning signs pop up! Your fluffy companion is relying on you to prioritize their wellness. I sincerely hope you find this “Bichon Frise Health Crisis-How to Spot and Treat Bladder Stones” article helpful.