Urinary stones in dogs
Urinary stones in dogs
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Uroliths, also known as urinary calculi or stones, are caused when minerals in urine form crystals, which then clump together and grow large enough to become visible.
Blockage of urine flow caused by stones may lead to pain, difficulty urinating, and blood in the urine. Physical examination, radiography, and urinalysis are typically used for diagnosis.
The most common types found in dogs are struvite, calcium oxalate, urate, cystine, and silica stones. Struvite stones are the most common type in dogs and are primarily made of magnesium ammonium phosphate.
In most cases they form in the presence of urinary tract infections. Treatment by changing the diet to dissolve the stones is often successful.
Any urinary infection must also be treated. Other options are surgery or lithotripsy (breaking up the stones with ultrasound).
Calcium oxalate stones may develop in any dog breed, but Miniature Schnauzers, Lhasa Apsos, Yorkshire Terriers, Bichon Frises, Shih Tzus, and Miniature Poodles may be predisposed.
Treatment options are surgery or lithotripsy. Recurrence is often a problem, but a diet low in oxalate, protein, and sodium may help prevent new stones from forming.
Keeping urine dilute and acidic may also be beneficial. Urate stones are most common in Dalmatians and dogs with congenital portosystemic vascular shunts.
Key Takeaways
Urinary stones, also known as uroliths or bladder stones, are a common problem in dogs. They are hard, rock-like formations that can develop anywhere in the urinary tract, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. Urinary stones can vary in size, shape, and composition, and their presence can cause a range of symptoms and complications.
The formation of urinary stones in dogs is influenced by a variety of factors, including breed, age, diet, and urinary tract infections. The symptoms of urinary stones in dogs can vary depending on the location and size of the stones and includes difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, urinating more frequently or in inappropriate places, and abdominal pain or discomfort. Treatment options are surgery or lithotripsy. Recurrence is often a problem, but a diet low in oxalate, protein, and sodium may help prevent new stones from forming.