What are the common signs of urinary stones in dogs and cats?

Common signs include vomiting, changes in urination frequency, blood in the urine, painful urination, and decreased energy. If your pet cannot urinate or collapses, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

What information can I prepare before the vet visit?

Record vomiting and urination frequency, take photos or videos of urine colour, bring a vomit or fresh urine sample, and list any recent medication and dietary changes.

How much do the tests and treatment usually cost?

Costs vary by clinic and region — ask your vet for an estimate before proceeding.

Disease Guide

Urinary Stones in Dogs & Cats: Symptoms, Imaging & Care Guide [2025]

Urinary stones may be asymptomatic or cause blood in urine and renal colic; calcium oxalate and struvite are the most common types, and treatment depends on stone composition.

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/06

Pethealthmap editorial team

Sources: ISFM, AVMA, National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital

When to See a Vet

Seek immediate veterinary care (emergency)

•Persistent absence of urination, or repeated straining with inability to urinate
•Sudden heavy blood in the urine with weakness or lethargy
•Collapse or loss of consciousness with clear unresponsiveness

Schedule a veterinary visit as soon as possible (within 24-72 hours)

•Frequent urination or obvious pain when trying to urinate
•Persistent vomiting for more than 24 hours with refusal to eat
•Urine remains cloudy or there is intermittent bleeding

01What symptoms signal a problem?

Urinary stones in dogs and cats most commonly present with vomiting and abnormal urination, along with changes in appetite or energy. Severity varies — monitor closely and seek veterinary evaluation promptly.

Repeated vomiting or a marked increase in vomiting frequency
Flinching or signs of pain when the abdomen or lower back is touched
Changes in urine colour or visible blood in the urine
Urinating much less frequently, or urinating very frequently with apparent discomfort
Straining to urinate with little or no urine produced
Lethargy, decreased appetite, or unexplained weight changes
If urinary stone symptoms are suspected, schedule a vet visit at a clinic with X-ray capability

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ Complete inability to urinate or repeated straining with no urine output
⚠️ Sudden heavy blood in urine accompanied by weakness or collapse
⚠️ Fainting, loss of consciousness, or unresponsiveness

02How to assess the situation at home: observation checklist and emergency indicators

Observing and recording details at home helps your vet quickly assess the condition and plan the right tests.

Record vomiting frequency, vomit contents, and the timing of each episode
Track daily changes in appetite and water intake
Log urination frequency, volume, and colour — take photos to keep a record
Watch for reduced energy, decreased activity, or increased sleepiness
Record a short video of any vomiting or abnormal urination episodes
Note weight changes and when symptoms first appeared — bring this information to the clinic

03How does the vet diagnose urinary stones? Common diagnostic tests

At the clinic, blood tests, urinalysis, and imaging are used to comprehensively assess stone location, kidney function, and any concurrent infection.

Complete blood count (CBC)

checks for signs of infection or anaemia

Blood chemistry panel

evaluates kidney function and electrolyte balance

Urinalysis

includes urine sediment, specific gravity, and microscopic examination

X-ray or ultrasound

confirms stone location, size, and number

Urine bacterial culture

determines whether a urinary tract infection is also present

CT scan if needed

provides detailed assessment of complex or deeply located stones

A specialist hospital with imaging equipment is recommended for thorough evaluation

04How are urinary stones treated and managed? Medication, diet, and care guide

Treatment includes medication, dietary changes, or surgery, along with regular follow-up imaging and kidney function checks to reduce the risk of recurrence.

The vet may prescribe antibiotics or pain relief as needed
Stones that cannot be managed medically may need to be surgically removed
Hospitalisation for monitoring and supportive care may be required in some cases
Switching to a therapeutic diet and encouraging more water intake reduces the chance of recurrence
Schedule regular follow-up visits to monitor imaging and blood chemistry results
Long-term specialist follow-up is recommended for ongoing risk assessment

05What to prepare before the vet visit: key information that helps your vet act quickly

Prepare a detailed record of when symptoms started and how they have progressed

If possible, bring a sample of vomit or a fresh urine sample

List recent dietary changes, water intake, and weight records

Bring a list of any current medications or supplements

Take a short video of any vomiting, abnormal urination, or changes in activity for the vet to review

Call ahead to book an appointment at a clinic that has imaging equipment

This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.