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Is bladder stone surgery safer for my senior dog than no operation?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Beagle | Female | spayed | 13 years and 3 months old

My beagle is almost 13 y.o. She was diagnosed with bladder stones. doctor suggests operation. She does not show any symptoms and her tests are all good. What is more dangerous for the dog of that age: to let her live with stones as far as it gets or operate on an old dog?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 16th, 2017

It would be more dangerous to let Roma live with the stones. Leaving them in her will cause irritation and damage to the bladder lining, leading to bleeding. The stones will also inflame and irritate the bladder walls causing swelling and pain. There is also the potential that the stones could cause an obstruction of the urethra which fatal without treatment. Old age isn't a reason to not do surgery, and as long as she is otherwise healthy, I would recommend having these stones removed from Roma's bladder.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 14th, 2018

    Thank you for contacting Pet Coach with your question about Brody. I'm sorry he has bladder stones. The overall health of the dog is most important when considering surgical risk, not necessarily the age. While the organs tend to decline in function as dogs age, if they are in good health and have no serious health issues such as heart disease that can complicate anesthesia, older dogs can have surgery just fine. Any surgery will always carry a risk, even if the dog is young, but if your vet says there aren't many risks for this surgery for Brody, I would trust their judgement. Don't worry about posts you read on the internet, they are anecdotal evidence. Your vet is the only one who knows Brody's case and what is best for him. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 18th, 2018

    HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Age isn't a reason to NOT have surgery. I am worried more about your description of Cointhee right now. The lethargy, weakness, fainting are not normal from bladder stones unless he is obstructed and he is unable to urinate from the stones. If that is the case that is an emergency and needs to get to the Vet right away as being unable to pee is life threatening. If he is stable, heart sounds normal and his blood work is normal, I see no reason for him to not have surgery to remove the stones by an experienced Veterinary surgeon. Since he is not acting well I recommend having him see now. Good luck

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