What You Need to Know About Urinary Stone Disease in Dogs

Urinary stone disease of the struvite type in dogs affects pets up to 6 years old. It involves the formation of stones made of salts in the kidneys and urinary tract. The struvite type consists of crystals of phosphorus and magnesium salts. According to veterinary data, the disease affects between 0.2% and 4% of various breeds. It requires diagnosis and treatment.

Main Symptoms of Urinary Stone Disease in Dogs

Both large and small breeds of different ages and sexes are predisposed to this condition. Males often experience urethral blockage, while females have stones settle in the bladder. The exact causes of urinary stone disease in dogs are not fully understood, but risk factors include:

• Excess minerals and increased acidity due to improper feeding;
• Lack of substances responsible for the chemical composition of urine;
• Bacteria;
• Urine stagnation, infrequent walks;
• Metabolic disorders.

Clinical signs of urinary stone disease in dogs differ by sex. In males, urethral blockage is diagnosed, leading to symptoms such as urinating in drops, whining, discomfort, abdominal enlargement, and an enlarged bladder wall. Sometimes prolonged blockage can lead to rupture.

In females, symptoms include blood in the urine, discomfort during urination, lack of urges, thickening of the bladder walls, and pain upon palpation. Often, the disease in females can progress without symptoms for a long time.

Effective Treatment of Urinary Stone Disease in Dogs

Immediate measures are taken first: stones that obstruct urination are removed using one of several methods. They can be dissolved, crushed with ultrasound, or flushed back into the bladder. If these methods are not available, urine is drained via a catheter.

Medications for urinary stone disease aim to dissolve existing crystals and prevent the formation of new ones. The veterinarian may prescribe:

• Antimicrobials (antibiotics, sulfonamides, nitrofurans).
• Specially enriched mineral water and plenty of fluids.

Diuretics should not be used independently, as they can provoke bladder rupture and infectious contamination of internal organs, potentially leading to fatal outcomes.

Diet to Improve Condition in Urinary Stone Disease

Foods for dogs with urinary stone disease should have reduced mineral content. The diet for natural feeding with kidney stones depends on their type (as determined by the veterinarian):

• Phosphate stones. Limit protein intake, increase urine acidity. Add vitamin C and methionine.
• Ammonium urate stones. Prefer plant and egg protein over offal and fish. Provide salt and sodium bicarbonate in moderate amounts.
• Oxalates. Reduce protein and table salt content. Exclude beans and potatoes. Provide Uralyt and vitamin B6.
• Cystine stones. Reduce protein intake.
• Silicates. Initially remove surgically, then introduce salt into the diet.

A specialist can help create an individual detailed diet. This should be followed even if the pet feels well. A special diet prevents recurrences.

Is Surgery Necessary for Urinary Stone Disease?

Some types of stones, such as silicates, do not dissolve with medication. Therefore, surgery is indicated for the pet. Surgical intervention generally has a favorable prognosis, and usually, young pets tolerate anesthesia well. Males require intervention. During the postoperative period, care for the animal should follow the instructions, including administering medications and feeding according to the diet. This guarantees that the disease will not flare up again.

Prevention of Urinary Stone Disease

The following measures are recommended:

• Do not overfeed the animal. When feeding, choose high-calorie premium and super-premium foods. A natural diet should contain all necessary vitamins and minerals, plenty of water, and little salt.
• Walk the pet regularly to prevent urine stagnation.
• Protect the dog from bacterial infections of the urogenital system.

Some breeds are genetically predisposed to urinary stone disease. Despite the statistics, it manifests at a young age in these breeds. Therefore, owners will need to regularly take their pets to the veterinarian and have their urine tested, feed them special food, or adhere to a diet. The recurrence rate of the disease is between 20% and 50%.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is urinary stone disease in dogs?

Urinary stone disease is a condition in which stones made of salts form in the kidneys and urinary tract, most commonly of the struvite type, consisting of phosphorus and magnesium crystals.

How can I tell if my dog has urinary stone disease?

Symptoms may include discomfort during urination, blood in the urine, urinating in drops, or a lack of urges. It is important to consult a veterinarian for diagnosis.

How is urinary stone disease treated in dogs?

Treatment may include the removal of stones, the prescription of antimicrobials, and a special diet with low mineral content.

What diet is needed for dogs with urinary stone disease?

The diet should have reduced mineral content and depend on the type of stones. It is important to follow the veterinarian's recommendations.

Is surgery needed for urinary stone disease?

Some types of stones, such as silicates, do not dissolve, so surgery may be required for their removal.