Urolithiasis of the Lower Urinary Tract

Abstract

Acute lower urinary tract obstruction represents a medical emergency with electrolyte abnormalities. The diagnosis and localization of the stones require physical examination and imaging. Medical treatment is indicated when there is no urinary obstruction. Cystic calculi can be retrieved during cystoscopy using stone baskets. With electrohydraulic lithotripsy, the electrode is passed through an endoscope allowing hydraulic shock waves generated within the bladder to fragment the urolith. Complete removal of uroliths was reported in only 19% of dogs with cystic calculi using electrohydraulic lithotripsy. Retrograde urohydropulsion is performed in male dogs or cats to push the calculi into the bladder, relieving any urethral obstruction and allowing the calculi to be retrieved via a cystotomy. Cystotomy is the traditional technique for removal of cystic calculi. Scrotal urethrostomy is the most common urethrostomy procedure in the male dog because the urethra is wide until the level of the ischiatic arch.