Surgical removal of canine uroliths.

Surgery is indicated for patients with obstructive uropathy; calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, silica, and perhaps cystine uroliths; uroliths refractory to medical dissolution; nephrolithiasis and progressive renal dysfunction; anatomic defects predisposing to urinary tract infection; and problems precluding medical management. The goals of surgical management include removal of all uroliths while preserving organ function, eliminating partial or complete obstruction to urine outflow, and correction of anatomic abnormalities that predispose the patient to infection and or urolithiasis.