What are the common symptoms of ureteral stones?

Common signs include lower back or abdominal pain, difficulty urinating or frequent urination, blood-tinged or cloudy urine, and possible reduced appetite or vomiting. If symptoms are noticeable, seek veterinary assessment promptly.

What tests will the vet perform to confirm ureteral stones?

The vet will typically run blood and urine tests to evaluate kidney function and look for infection, and use abdominal X-ray and ultrasound to locate the stone and assess any obstruction. CT imaging may be arranged if needed.

What can I do at home to help the vet with the diagnosis?

Record when symptoms started, how often your pet urinates, and any changes in urine colour. Film any episodes of straining or pain on your phone. Bringing a small urine sample to the clinic will also be very helpful.

Are ureteral stones likely to recur?

The risk of recurrence depends on the type and underlying cause of the stones. Your vet may recommend dietary adjustments and regular monitoring. Specific prevention strategies will be based on test results and your vet's advice.

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

Ureteral Stones in Dogs & Cats: Pain, Urinary Changes, Imaging & Treatment [2025]

A stone blocking the ureter causes hydronephrosis and pain, and can seriously damage kidney function — surgery is often required.

Take 1 minute to check the symptoms first

Last updated: 2026/01/06

Pethealthmap Editorial Team

Sources: ACVIM, AVMA, National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital

When to See a Vet

Seek Emergency Care Immediately

•Complete inability to urinate or no urine output for several hours
•Persistent severe pain, crying out, or inability to rest quietly
•Repeated vomiting with lethargy or unresponsiveness

Schedule a Clinic Visit Soon (within 24–72 hours)

•Frequent straining to urinate or noticeably prolonged urination
•Blood-tinged or cloudy urine occurring repeatedly
•Decreased appetite or significantly reduced energy lasting more than one day

01What Symptoms Indicate Something Is Wrong?

Ureteral stones cause localised pain and urinary changes. Severity varies — watch for blood in the urine, vomiting, or changes in alertness.

Persistent or intermittent pain in the lower back or abdomen — your pet may hunch up or be reluctant to move
Obvious straining to urinate, taking longer than usual, or going to the toilet very frequently
Changes in urine colour, such as blood-tinged or persistently cloudy urine
Reduced appetite, lethargy, or a noticeable drop in activity levels
Repeated nausea and vomiting, or significant weight loss over a short period

Seek emergency care immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

⚠️ Completely unable to urinate, or dramatically reduced urine output
⚠️ Persistent severe pain — your pet cannot settle or refuses to move
⚠️ Repeated vomiting combined with severe lethargy or unresponsiveness

02How to Assess Abnormal Signs at Home? Key Observations and When to Go to Emergency

Tracking and recording key changes at home helps the vet quickly assess whether further intervention is needed.

Note the time symptoms first appeared and how they have progressed
Observe and record changes in appetite, water intake, and activity level
Record the frequency of urination, any straining, and changes in urine colour
Weigh your pet regularly to monitor short-term weight trends
Use your phone to film any urination difficulties or pain episodes for the vet to review
If symptoms worsen suddenly or your pet cannot urinate at all, seek veterinary care or go to an emergency clinic immediately

03How Will the Vet Diagnose This? Common Tests and Procedures

The vet will combine blood and urine tests with imaging to assess kidney function, detect any infection, and locate the stone and extent of obstruction.

Blood tests

evaluate kidney function, electrolytes, and overall health status

Urinalysis

includes urine sediment examination and markers of infection

Abdominal X-ray

checks for visible calcified stones and their location

Abdominal ultrasound

assesses the kidneys, ureteral dilation, and degree of obstruction

Blood pressure measurement and, if needed, CT imaging for a more detailed evaluation

04How Is This Treated After Diagnosis? Medications, Diet, and Care Guide

Treatment depends on stone location and the degree of obstruction, and may include medication, dietary changes, or interventional procedures — regular follow-up is essential after both surgery and conservative management.

The vet may first prescribe pain relief and, if needed, treatment to control any infection
Dietary adjustments or prescription food may be recommended to alter the urine environment and reduce the risk of recurrence
If obstruction is present or does not improve, further intervention or specialist referral may be required
Schedule follow-up visits to monitor blood and urine results, kidney function, and imaging changes
After discharge, give medications as directed and continue recording symptoms and urine output
If obstruction appears to be worsening, seek prompt referral to a hospital that can perform advanced imaging or surgery

05What to Prepare Before the Vet Visit? Key Information to Help Your Vet Reach a Diagnosis Quickly

Write down the full history of symptoms, when they first appeared, and how they have changed

Record recent urination frequency, any straining, and changes in urine colour

Bring any video footage of urination difficulties or pain episodes for the vet to review

List all current medications, supplements, and any known allergies

If you can collect a small urine sample, bring it along for testing

It is advisable to book an appointment at a clinic or specialist hospital with X-ray and ultrasound capabilities

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.