[capt_noonie]

Dogs with history of crystals or bladderstones should be on special diets that help dissolve any crystals. If they become too large to dissolve that is when you need surgery. I understand that males and females usually get different types of bladderstones. I had a female foster who had bladderstone surgery. Her case was especially scary bc her diagnosis of UTI and crystals was basically ignored which in turn caused the stones. She has four large ones that were so large and left to grow in her bladder that there was practically no more room in her bladder and the stones were making ulcers in the bladder lining. Her white blood cells were very high and red cells low and very anemic. She had to be flushed out with iv's for about 3 days to stabilize her system before she could be operated on. After that, the vet kept her for another 3 days for observastion. This was a much more serious situation that what you are in, however, it may be beneficial for you and your dog if you have him stay at the vets for a few days. i know there will be additional costs, but I think it would be best. Unless the dog is well pad trained, so he can go himself, he cannot be left alone all day and have him have to hold it that long.