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Bladder blockage
Last reviewed: 08.07.2025
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A stone is the most common cause of bladder blockage. Other, rarer causes include tumors and strictures. In male dogs, another rare cause of bladder blockage is an enlarged prostate.
A dog with a bladder blockage will feel very sick and be in a very serious condition. Both male and female dogs will often assume a spread-legged position in an attempt to empty their bladder. Partial blockage can be suspected if the dog urinates in a thin stream, frequently, or if the urine stream is weak and splashing.
If left untreated, partial blockage can develop into complete blockage. With complete blockage, urination is completely absent. The lower abdomen swells, intra-abdominal pressure increases, and it feels as if there is a ball in front of the pelvis. It is important to remember that prolonged straining associated with bladder blockage can be mistaken for constipation.
Treatment: In a dog with partial obstruction due to a stone in the urethra, the stone may pass spontaneously. Treatment in this case is no different from the treatment described previously for stones in the bladder and urethra.
A complete bladder blockage is a medical emergency. Take your dog to the vet immediately. If the blockage is not relieved, your dog may develop kidney failure or a ruptured bladder. Often, using a sterile catheter or high-pressure water into the urethra can push the stone back into the bladder. If this does not happen, surgical removal may be necessary.
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