These slightly radiopaque stones vary in size and shape.
General Information
Solidified blood stones are an uncommon cause of urolithiasis. The cause often remains unknown. A solidified blood nephrolith has been reported in an anemic cat with porphyria. In some instances, solidified blood serves as a nidus for deposition of other minerals surrounding it.
Diagnostic
• Identify causes for local (e.g. trauma, infection, cancer, stones) and generalized (e.g. coagulopathies) bleeding.
Medical
• Eliminate underlying cause of bleeding.
Nutritional
• Feed canned foods or add water to achieve a specific gravity <1.020 for dogs to minimize clot formation and retention.
Monitoring
Urinalysis every 3 months to monitor for persistent urinary hemorrhage and need for further investigation of the cause.
Medical imaging every 6 to 12 months to detect recurrence. Recurrence is an indication for further evaluation and alternative treatment strategies.
