Bladder Stone Surgery in Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide to Recovery Care64

Bladder stones are common in dogs, and they can cause a range of symptoms from mild discomfort to severe urinary tract infection. In some cases, surgery is necessary to remove the stones and prevent further complications. If your dog has undergone bladder stone surgery, it's important to follow the veterinarian's instructions carefully to help them recover properly.

Feeding and Nutrition

After surgery, your dog's appetite may be decreased. This is normal, and they will likely start eating more as they recover. However, it's important to offer them small, frequent meals instead of one or two large meals per day. This will help to reduce their risk of vomiting.
You should also avoid feeding your dog table scraps or other high-fat foods. These can upset their stomach and make them more likely to vomit or have diarrhea.

Water Intake

It's important to encourage your dog to drink plenty of water after surgery. This will help to flush out the urinary tract and prevent the formation of new stones. You can offer your dog water in a bowl, or you can give them ice cubes to lick on.
If your dog is not drinking enough water on their own, you may need to syringe-feed them water. To do this, draw up some water into a syringe and gently insert the tip of the syringe into your dog's mouth. Slowly push the plunger to dispense the water into their mouth.

Urination Habits

You may notice that your dog is urinating more frequently after surgery. This is normal, and it will likely decrease as they recover. However, if your dog is straining to urinate or if their urine is bloody, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

Activity Level

It's important to restrict your dog's activity level after surgery. This will help to prevent them from putting too much strain on their urinary tract. For the first few days after surgery, your dog should only be allowed to go outside for short walks to relieve themselves. As they recover, you can gradually increase their activity level.

Pain Management

Your veterinarian may prescribe pain medication for your dog after surgery. Be sure to give your dog the medication as directed, and do not give them any other pain medication without first consulting your veterinarian.
If your dog is in pain, they may be restless, irritable, or they may not want to eat. They may also have a hunched back or they may hold their tail down. If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Bathing

You should not bathe your dog for at least 10 days after surgery. This will allow the incision to heal properly. Once your dog is cleared to bathe, be sure to use a gentle shampoo and lukewarm water. Do not scrub the incision, and be sure to rinse all of the shampoo out of your dog's coat.

Follow-Up Care

Your veterinarian will likely schedule a follow-up appointment for your dog 10-14 days after surgery. At this appointment, your veterinarian will check your dog's incision and make sure that they are recovering properly. Your veterinarian may also recommend a follow-up urine test to check for any signs of infection.

Recovery Time

Most dogs recover from bladder stone surgery within 1-2 weeks. However, some dogs may take longer to recover, especially if they have other health conditions. It's important to be patient with your dog during their recovery, and to follow your veterinarian's instructions carefully.

Preventing Future Bladder Stones

Once your dog has recovered from bladder stone surgery, there are a few things you can do to help prevent future stones from forming. These include:
Feeding your dog a high-quality diet that is low in magnesium and phosphorus
Making sure your dog drinks plenty of water
Regularly exercising your dog
Having your dog examined by a veterinarian at least once a year

2024-12-19

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