Forest King asked 2 weeks ago
Are Urinary Stones Common in Bulldogs, and Is Surgery Required?
Hi Dr. Kraemer,
My English Bulldog, Precious, expelled some bladder stones last week. No pain, and she was rolling around on her back, doing her usual happy moment antics with happy moment noises.
Just dumped some urine with about 15 stones. 2 were pea-sized, the rest were half that.
Bulldog Bladder Stones Tests
The vet I took her to CT scanned her and discovered quite a few more in her bladder. One was pea-sized (9mm) and the rest half that and less.
He took some of her urine for a urinalysis and sent a couple of the stones I brought him to a lab with a one week turnaround.
He then scheduled a tentative surgery, but also told me if it were a certain type of stone, they could be dissolved with antibiotics.
Struvite Stones In Bulldogs and Fr. Bulldogs
I studied up over the weekend and learned Struvite stones were very common in Bulldogs and from all of the images I found on the various types, looked to be exactly what they are. They happen to be the type that's dissolvable with antibiotics.
Struvite Stone Medicine and Diet Treatment
He sent us home with antibiotics (Amox/Clav 625mg) and Carprofen for pain (though she wasn't in any pain).
He also gave me a prescription for Royal Canin Urinary SO.
He hasn't yet confirmed the type of stones but had already planned a surgery (would have been today). I opted not to do the surgery and instead attempt the antibiotic route to be followed up with the rechecks once the full course of antibiotics is complete so as not to breed resistant bacteria to the food.
Is this the correct antibiotic, and how long is a full course?
Thanks as always Forest
Dr. Roy Kraemer Staff answered 2 days ago
Do Bulldog Struvite Urinary Stones Require Surgery?
Hi Forst and "Precious"🐾
First off, I love that you’ve added an English Bulldog to your Frenchie crew—it’s always fun watching the family grow!
What Are The Most Common Urinary Stones In Bulldogs?
Now, let’s talk struvite stones. These guys are the most common bladder stones in dogs overall, but not so much in bulldogs.
Our bully friends are more prone to cystine and urate stones thanks to their one-of-a-kind genetics and metabolism (bulldogs, always keeping things “special”!🪄).
How Do Struvite Stones Happen in Dogs?
Struvite stones usually pop up because of certain bacteria—most often Staph. pseudintermedius.
These bugs change the urine from its usual neutral/slightly acidic state to a more alkaline (higher pH) state. That higher pH is the perfect recipe for struvite crystals and stones to grow.
Bulldog Struvite Bladder Stones and Wrinkles Connection
Check your girl’s vaginal folds and vulvar hood.
Bulldog females often suffer from wrinkles and fold dermatitis in their private area.
Moist dermatitis in that area is a major reason bacteria climb up into the bladder, causing recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
HOW TO PRVENT UTI DUE TO WRINKLE INFECTION?
Mild cases: often manageable with bully antiseptic wrinkle wipes.
Severe cases: may need corrective surgery to remove extra folds and allow airflow to keep the area dry.
What Antibiotics Are Best For Bulldog Struvite Bladder Stones?
The antibiotic you mentioned (Clavamox) usually works well against Staph. pseudintermedius, but I always recommend running a urine culture.
That way, you know exactly which bacteria you’re dealing with and which antibiotic will knock them out, at minimal cost and with maximum accuracy.
What Are the Best Supplements For Bulldog Urinary Stones?
I recommend starting a urinary health supplement (like my Bully Urinary Therapeutics) to help protect the bladder lining and make it harder for bacteria to stick around, along with a bully immune booster for added defense.
And of course, keep that urine diluted with plenty of fresh water. Think pale yellow, not dark yellow.
What Are The Difference Between Female and Male Struvite Stones?
Good news, female dogs, with their short, wide urethras, are much less likely to have a dangerous blockage compared to males.
I’ve only operated on two or three female bulldogs with a stuck stone in over 30 years (because they are usually open to pee them out).
Still, stones can cause irritation, bladder wall damage, and infections even to the kidneys, so we want to keep them under control.
Even better news: unlike urate and cystine stones, struvite stones usually don’t come back after surgical removal—as long as you stick to the prevention steps we’ve covered (hydration, wipes, supplements, and monitoring).
Struvite Urinary Stone At-home Monitoring Tips:
You can do some detective work at home with urine dipsticks:
- pH: should be 7.0 or lower
- USG (concentration): aim for dilute, around 1.015–1.020
- Color: light yellow
- Protein/WBC/RBC: should be negative (no infection, no bleeding)
Summary – Your Bulldog Urinary Stone Action Plan:
- Hydrate: Keep urine dilute → water, water, water
- Wipe: Use antiseptic wipes for skin folds around the vulva
- Bully Therapeutics: Add a urinary supplement for extra protection
- Home Monitoring: Monitor at home with dipsticks
- Infection Monitor: Recheck with urine culture every few months
- Stones Monitor: Get an ultrasound or x-rays to track stone size and number
With the right combo of diet, hydration, supplements, and monitoring, we can keep these stones in check and your bully feeling great.
Keep these painful stones in check & your bully feeling great.
Keep me posted
🩺Dr. Kraemer Vet4Bulldog
