[corky/max]

I'm hoping you know which kind they are because it makes a difference in the way you would treat them Most bladder stones are struvites (magnesium ammonium phosphate) They form in an alkaline urine and are usually preceded by a bladder infection. The bacteria and urinary sediment form a nidus around which the ammonium phosphate is deposited.
Uric acid stones form in an acid urine, and are frequently associated with inherited alterations in urate metabolism. Other stones are calcium oxalate and cystine stones. Silica stones are rare; they most often occur in male German Shepards. These stones are usually not associated with a pre-existing bladder infection. (And according to my Vet book there is an increased incidence for that breed Minature Schnauzer to develop bladder stones. I'm not referring to the rare Silica stones here--Just mean bladder stones in general!)
Struvite stones dissolve in an acid urine low in magnesium and protein--Now that is what it says in my book! But a more recent statement I saw says--- as far as the magnesium--you need magnesium that has an acid base like magnesium chloride or magnesium sulfate or 2 pinches of Epsom Salts. Uric acid stones respond to a low purine diet, along with the drug allopurinol. Cystine stones also respond to Hill's u/d, along with drugs that dissolve cystine. It also mentioned using the Hill's u/d for the uric stones as well. I don't like mentioning these Hill's prescription dog foods as I don't trust them but it is stated here so am adding it FYI. It also stated to feed Hill's Prescription Diet s/d for the struvite stones. NOTE--This last Hill's has s/d not the u/d mentioned further above! There are no available methods for dissolving calcium oxalate and silica stones. (Want to inform you on this Vet Book that I am quoting from---The book is titled DOG OWNER'S HOME VETERINARY HANDBOOK---It is the 3rd editon--copyrighted in yr.2000--more than 600,000 copies sold Authors: James M Giffin, MD & Liisa (yes 2-i's!!) D.
Carlson, DVM This is a very good book but there are prob. newer editions now--maybe some newer info but think most things are pretty basic).
Surgical removal is the treatment of choice for urethral stones causing obstruction and for bladder stones that fail to respond to dissolution. Surgery is also indicated when medical treatment is contraindicated because of CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE, or WHEN THERE IS NEED FOR A MORE RAPID RESOLUTION OF SYMPTOMS.
The formation of new stones occurs in up to 30 percent of cases. The dog should be seen and checked at regular intervals.---End of quotes.
I might be able to give you some suggestions on what to feed and what not to feed---esp. on veggies---There are some veggies that can contribute to certain kinds of stones forming--IF you can tell me what kind of stones these are??!! Let me know and will try to give you as much info as I can! My dogs have had a few minor run-ins with some stones--and I feed a pretty much raw diet and raw fresh 'pulped' veggies---and I was feeding too much of certain veggies to do w/this problem. FINAL NOTE: Just be aware that all stones are not treated the same!