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Condition guide

Bladder stones: understanding investigation and treatment options

Signs of bladder stones, how vets investigate them, and the range of treatment options — from diet to surgery.

See inside · video

The bladder from the inside

An introduction to cystoscopy, showing the urethra and bladder lining.

Test explained

Cystoscopy

A thin camera is passed along the urethra to look inside the bladder and, in some cases, remove small stones.

Tests compared

CT, ultrasound and endoscopy: why might different tests be needed?

A plain-language comparison of three common investigations, and why your vet might suggest more than one.

Test explained

X-rays (radiography)

A widely available way to look at bones, the chest and some abdominal problems.

Test explained

Ultrasound

Uses sound waves to look at soft organs in real time, particularly in the abdomen and heart.

Procedure explained

Endoscopy explained: what can a camera examination tell us?

How a camera examination of the gut works, what it can reveal, and the questions it can't answer on its own.

Test explained

Blood and urine tests

Often one of the first steps. They give a broad picture of general health and how organs such as the kidneys and liver are working.

For vets

Cystoscopy — professional overview

Transurethral (or percutaneous) examination of the lower urinary tract, with potential for stone retrieval and biopsy.