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Treatment

Once the type of urolith is diagnosed and located, your veterinarian will devise a treatment plan. The vet may begin the treatment with antibiotics to dissolve the uroliths, however, if the number or size of uroliths is large, surgical intervention will be needed. The type of surgery for your rat will depend on the location of the uroliths, such as a cystotomy when dealing with the bladder, a nephrotomy when dealing with the kidney(s), or a urethotomy when dealing with the urethra.

Surgery is not always an option. In these cases, your veterinarian may advise euthanasia to spare the rat pain and suffering.

Living and Management

Once the stones are removed, your veterinarian will provide a specific diet and certain living conditions for the rat.

Prevention

Providing a well-balanced, healthy diet for your rat may help prevent uroliths from forming in your rat, but because there are various causes for the condition, there is no surefire way to prevent it.