post a question?

Ugh...

Did a little research

They are doing laser bladder stone removal (laser lithotripsy) - check the article: http://cvm.msu.edu/about-the-college/news-events/n...

However, this still would require sedation, which is the most hazardous part of surgery. No veterinarian likes to put pets with heart murmurs under anesthesia. However, it is done, and done regularly. I would talk to your vet about your concerns, and make sure that your vet is really comfortable with the risks.

If your animal has a heart murmur I am sure your Vet knows and the animal will be monitored at all times thru the surgery.

In dogs and cats, grain-based diets contribute to alkaline urine; meat-based diets promote a more acid urine. If a bacterial infection does occur the waste products of those bacteria promote an alkaline urine. Plus the bacteria may provide a nice little solid object upon which dissolved minerals can precipitate (come out of a solution and become a solid). Any patient who has had repeat urinary tract infections should always be evaluated for bladder stones. Kidney stones, fortunately, happen far less often in dogs and cats than bladder stones; but the possibility of kidney stones should always be considered in urinary tract disease. Certain types of urinary tract stones can be prevented by special dietary changes. Genetic programming of kidney function and structure plays a role in the formation of bladderstones and certain breeds (Schnauzers, for example) often seem more predisposed to kidney and bladder trouble than some other breeds. The Dalmatian has a unique physiology and displays a type of stone formation called Urate Stones. Modern veterinary medicine can be of great assistance to dogs and cats that develop bladder stones. Good diets and follow-up care can help our dog and cat friends survive and thrive... even after a surgery such as this.

I don't work for a vet, but I have a male dog who had bladder stones as a pup- this is the same method they used on him. (The vet was a surgical specialist, btw)- I have also worked in the medical field for 16+ years- and I can tell you that there is a medical procedure called lithotripsy for KIDNEY stones- I do not know of it being used on bladder stones, even in humans- it would be difficult to do on a dog as well (though it might be used)- it involved the body sitting in warm water and sound waves (think echo-location- dolphins)- are used to break the stones into small enough pieces to be passed through the urethra.

It is, however, not 100% on humans, and I doubt if very many vets would even have access to the equipment to do this-

Sorry about your girl- make sure they examine the stones so that you know what the cause is and can change her diet to keep them from re-appearing.

As far as I know, that is the correct procedure in dealing with large bladder stones that cannot be flushed out using other methods.

No, this is the only way to do it for large stones.

If she has small crystals a special acidic food may help.

don't know