Bladder Stones in Tortoises

Bladder stones, also called uroliths or urolithiasis, are a fairly common problem in tortoises. These stones form in the bladder from uric acid and other salts. Depending on their size and location, they may cause discomfort, blockages, or even life-threatening complications if not addressed.

At Tree of Life Exotic Pet Medical Center, we diagnose and treat bladder stones in tortoises using advanced imaging and surgical techniques.

Signs of Bladder Stones

Tortoises with urolithiasis may show:

• Blood in the urine (hematuria)

• Straining or difficulty passing urine or stool (dysuria, tenesmus)

• Tissue prolapse from the cloaca

• Swelling of the hind limbs

• Lethargy or reduced activity

• Weakness, weight loss, or decreased appetite

• In some cases, stones are only found incidentally on X-rays during a routine exam

Causes of Bladder Stones

Several factors can contribute to bladder stone formation:

• Dietary issues: too much protein or oxalates, vitamin A or D deficiency

• Dehydration: chronic low water intake or prolonged water resorption from the bladder

• Infections: bacterial cystitis (bladder infection)

• Foreign material: occasionally, small objects inside the bladder act as a “seed” for stone formation

Diagnosis

To confirm urolithiasis, your veterinarian may recommend:

• Radiographs (X-rays): best for detecting stones inside the bladder or cloaca

• Bloodwork: elevated uric acid or BUN may be seen

• Urinalysis or ultrasound: in select cases, to provide more information

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the stone’s location, size, and the tortoise’s condition.

• Stones in the cloaca:

  • May be removed with sedation and long instruments (forceps, cloacoscopy, or drilling tools).

• Stones in the bladder:

  • Usually requires surgical removal (cystotomy), performed under general anesthesia.

  • The approach may be through the prefemoral fossa (groin) or via a plastronotomy (cutting into the shell).

  • The approach chosen depends on the tortoise’s size, the stone’s size, and its location.

Supportive care after surgery may include:

• Pain relief (meloxicam, tramadol)

• Antibiotics (based on culture results)

• Assisted feeding if the tortoise is not eating

• Fluid therapy as needed

Timing matters: if surgery is needed right before hibernation season, your veterinarian may recommend delaying the procedure until after hibernation if the tortoise is stable.

Prognosis

• In most cases, with prompt diagnosis and surgery, the prognosis is good.

• Delayed diagnosis can lead to complications like bladder rupture, infection, or adhesions.

• Recurrence of stones is possible, so ongoing monitoring is recommended.

Follow-Up Care

• After prefemoral cystotomy: suture removal in 6-8 weeks.

• After plastronotomy, the patch must be inspected regularly every 1–3 months until fully healed.

• Routine wellness checks and annual imaging may be recommended to catch recurrences early.

If your tortoise is straining, passing blood in the urine, or acting lethargic, contact Tree of Life Exotic Pet Medical Center immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve your tortoise’s outcome.