My dog has a urolith in his urethra. Is this a serious problem?

Hello and welcome to Boop by Petco. I am sorry that Cointhee has stones. Urinary stones are concerning because at any point one of the stones can cause a complete blockage of the urethra (tube you pee out of), and can block any flow of urine and this can lead to life-threatening kidney disease and death because the potassium cannot be peed out. Therefore, firstly, it is very important to make sure that Cointhee is able to pee out urine at all times, and isn't trying to pee with nothing coming out. If this is occurring please get him to a vet right away. Blood in the urine can be caused by the stones/crystals causing irritation, and can also be caused by infection that sometimes goes along with the stones. Repeated trauma to the urethra can cause strictures, and long term complications. I would discuss with your vet about taking some x-rays to see how many stones are present, and discuss if surgery is an option to remove the stones. I would also discuss about checking to see

It sounds as though Ted (and you!) have been through quite a bit! With all of Ted's diagnostic testing, I assume that bladder stones and crystals in the urine have been ruled out. There is a possibility that the antibiotics that he has been receiving are not effective for the type of bacteria causing his infection. If this is the case, a urine culture will be able to isolate the specific bacterial species and then determine which the sensitivity of each antibiotic to this particular bacterium. There is also the chance that the antibiotic course may not have been long enough for Ted's particular infection. Make sure that you are talking to your vet about having a urine sample rechecked as the antibiotic course is ending to assure that the antibiotic is not being discontinued too soon. While it is unusual for male dogs to have recurrent UTIs, Ted's behavior outside could certainly cause bacteria to work their way up his urethra. Consider bringing him inside immediately after he urinates

This is a medical emergency and Ted needs to see a vet now. Trying to pee with nothing coming out is a sign of a blockage by bladder stones, and this is fatal without treatment. He needs medical treatment right away to enable him to pee normally. Please take Ted into an ER vet or find a vet on call to see him now.

Certainly, it's possible that it could. But it could also become stuck in the urethra and cause a urinary blockage - if this happens, he will need to see a vet urgently to have the blockage treated as this is a life-threatening problem.

The two main options are a urine infection or a urinary stone, from the symptoms described I would say that a stone would make more sense which means it is more urgent. You will need to take him to the vet, he will need to go under sedation and then either an ultrasound or xray will be done to check if it is indeed a stone blocking the urethra. Then under sedation the vet will insert a urinary catheter to deblock Toby.

As long as Teddy is continuing to urinate and is not straining, it is not an absolute emergency. However, I am sure he is likely in some pain so I would not wait much longer than this. Hope this helps.

It is hard to look at x-rays through the Boop by Petco system, but I do not see any bladder stones. There does appear to be some gas in the bladder, which may have been inadvertently introduced through catheterization or could indicate the presence of a gas-producing bacteria. The prostate is significantly enlarged, to the point where it could constrict the urethra and cause straining to urinate. The urinalysis shows a possible infection, which could come from the bladder or prostate. I would not start urinary alkalizers without the certainty of oxalate stones. I would start antibiotics appropriate for a prostate infection and have Sheldon neutered ASAP, which can help with BPH https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/prostate-enlargement/

Cystine stones are quite rare and if large require surgical removal - you report however no large stones were identified on ultrasound so it is possible it was the small crystals and inflammation which were causing the signs. Therapeutic diets are used to prevent the formation of stones and are vital in dogs with cystine crystals or those recovering from stone removal. A repeat urinalysis and specialist ultrasound (possibly following catheterisation under sedation to ensure nothing is lodged in the pelvic region which is very difficult to scan) would be required if symptoms persist or worsen as even one small stone can cause a potential obstruction

I agree that it looks like Buddy has bladder and urethral stones. A diet might help to dissolve them, although the stones in his urethra are a bit more concerning and may not dissolve. He is at risk for urethral obstruction at any time which would be an emergency. Surgery to remove the stones might be another option. If you feel like you want a second opinion you certainly could make an appointment with another vet, or you could ask about referral to an internal medicine specialist.

This can't be pleasant for you or for Ted! Urination during sleep can have several causes, including a urinary tract infection, seizures, weakness to the urethral sphincter (hormone related or not), or even "bed wetting" that Ted could grow out of. Regardless, the first step should include taking Ted to his vet for an exam, prostate exam (unlikely to be an issue since he has been neutered) and urinalysis to check for infection. If there is not a readily apparent diagnosis, your vet will discuss monitoring for seizure activity or a trial with medications to improve the urethral sphincter's function. I hope this helps!