12/08/2026
🪨 CASE OF THE MONTH | Tiny stones. Big problems.
When this lovely Schnauzer came to see Dr Don, her family had noticed blood in her urine and that she was needing to urinate much more frequently than usual.
These signs can sometimes look like a simple urinary tract infection, but they can also indicate something more serious.
Initial urine testing revealed blood in the urine, an alkaline urinary pH and plenty of uroliths, also known as bladder stones.
X-rays confirmed the diagnosis. Her bladder was filled with dozens of tiny struvite stones, which were causing irritation, inflammation and discomfort every time she urinated.
To relieve her pain and remove the stones, Dr Don performed a cystotomy – a surgical procedure that opens the bladder so the stones can be completely removed.
We're delighted to report that she has made an excellent recovery and is now pain-free and back to urinating normally. ❤️
What are struvite bladder stones?
Struvite stones form when minerals in the urine crystallise together, often when the urine becomes too alkaline. Over time, these crystals can grow into stones that irritate the bladder and make urination painful.
Signs to watch for
🐾 Blood in the urine
🐾 Urinating more frequently than normal
🐾 Straining to urinate
🐾 Passing only small amounts of urine
🐾 Discomfort when urinating
🐾 Urinating in unusual places around the house
While these signs don't always mean bladder stones, they do mean your dog should be examined by a veterinarian. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference to your dog's comfort and help prevent more serious complications.
Every month, we share a real case from Melbourne Dog Clinic to help dog guardians recognise important health conditions and understand how they can affect our dogs.
