My dog can't urinate. What do X-rays show about bladder stones?

Question

Hello. My 9 y.o terrier was not able to urinate. This is his x ray at the time of the incidence. Emergency surgery was not available so he was put down. I am heartbroken and his prognosis was never explained to me. Can you please review the x ray and help me understand what was happening? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered

Jessica Keay, DVM · Accepted Answer

I am very sorry to hear about your dog. The X-ray is slightly pixelated on our side so difficult to fully interpret but it looks like there are stones in the bladder and probably also the urethra (tiny tube that connects bladder to the outside). The stones in the urethra were likely causing blockage leading to inability to urinate. Sometimes we can pass a urinary catheter to relieve the blockage temporarily by pushing the stones back into the bladder, where they can be removed surgically, and the catheter can allow urination until that time. In some cases however the stones will not allow passage of the catheter in which case surgery may be much more complicated. I cannot speak to the circumstances in your dog or the hospital capabilities. I would recommend making an appointment to talk to the vet about what happened to have closure. I am sorry for your loss.

My dog can't urinate. What do X-rays show about bladder stones?

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