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Urinary (Bladder) Stones in Dogs
An urinary stone (urinary calculus, plural: calculi, also known as a urolith) forms as microscopic crystals precipitate in the urinary system. Clinical signs are similar to those seen in dogs and cats with other bladder disorders and include increased frequency of urination, painful urination, excessive licking at the genitals, and occasionally blood in the urine. Increased thirst, increased volume of urine, and urinary incontinence are rarely associated with bladder stones and are more typical of kidney disease and diabetes.
The urinary tract stone disease, also known as urolithiasis, urinary stones, ureteral stones, urinary calculi, ureteral calculi, urinary calculus disease, presents itself in dogs in two forms: cystic (bladder) calculi (stones) and urethral calculi. Cystic stones are found mainly in females and appear when urinary tract bacterial infection within the bladder causes a shift in the urine pH, which in turn causes the crystals to form. The two most common types of crystals generated are struvite and calcium oxalate crystals.
Urethral stones occur in male dogs and are seldom caused by infections; rather a metabolic disorder is responsible for crystal formation.
The infection must be treated (usually with an extended course of antibiotics) in order for crystals and stones to dissolve. To increase urination (which reduces the amount of time crystals can form and remain in the bladder), extra salt can be added to the diet. However, if a kidney or heart disease is suspected or present, adding salt is not advised.
Clinical signs of bladder stones in dogs and cats include frequent urination (pollakiuria), straining to urinate (dysuria), and blood in the urine (hematouria). Radiographs of the entire urinary system are taken to determine if stones are present in the kidneys, ureters (ducts that carry urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder), bladder (the most common location for urinary stones), and urethra (a tube which connects the urinary bladder to the outside of the body.)
Treatment - Treatment depends on the size and location within the urinary tract. Stones that become lodged in the urethra require immediate veterinary medical and surgical intervention. These are usually small and enter the urethra from the bladder where they form. They progress down the urethra until they reach a location where the narrow diameter will not permit further passage. A male dog whose urinary tract is completely plugged by one or more stones requires immediate emergency care. Catheterization is performed in an attempt to dislodge the stones pushing them back into the bladder and freeing up the flow of urine. Most of the time, these stones must then be removed from the bladder surgically. Smaller struvite stones or crystals can often be effectively managed only with special diets designed to dissolve the stones.
While urinary acidifiers can be useful, some doctors discourage their use, as the exact dosage that is safe and effective is often not known. If urinary acidifiers are used for short-term acidification, a natural therapy such as cranberry extract might be preferred to conventional medications (such as methionine).
Diet for Dogs with Bladder Stones - Dietary therapy is useful for treating and preventing struvite stones in pets. Since the struvite stones form in urine with a high pH (alkaline urine), diets should help to maintain a low pH (acidic urine). Diets with animal-based protein sources are most important in maintaining an acidic pH (vegeterian or cereal-based diets are more likely to cause and alkaline urine). Homemade diets are preferred for dogs with chronic bladder disorders such as bladder stones. If processed foods must be fed, most holistic veterinarians prefer canned diets (which contain large amounts of water) rather than dry foods.
Important: Before you start to feed your dog or cat a home-prepared diet, it is strongly recommended that you discuss your decision with your veterinarian or a holistic veterinarian. It is essential that you follow any diet's recommendations closely, including all ingredients and supplements. Failure to do so may result in serious health consequences for your pet.
2/3 cup lowfat cottage cheese
1 large hard-boiled egg
2 cups long grain, cooked brown rice
2 teaspoons chicken fat or canola oil
1/2 ounce brewer's yeast
1/4 teaspoon potassium chloride (salt substitute)
This diet provides 780 kcal (enough to fulfill the daily amount required for a 25-pound dog), 42.9 g protein, 22 g fat, 92 g sodium (a high sodium diet).
Variations
- Substitute 4 ounces of tuna (in water without sodium) or 1/4 pound of lean ground beef (or ground chicken or lamb) for cottage cheese.
- Substitute 2 to 3 cups of potato, cooked with skin, or 2 cups of cooked macaroni for the rice.
- Supply vitamins and minerals as follows: use Calcifood Wafers or Calcium Lactate tablets with a miltivitamin/mineral supplement using the label instructions.
- When possible, use natural vitamins made from whole foods, rather than synthetic vitamins (although both can be used in combination), as the natural vitamins. Also supply plant phytochemicals, enzymes, and other nutrients not found in chemically synthesized vitamins. Use either Catalyn from Standard Process (at a dose of 1 Catalyn per 25 pounds) or Canine Plus from VetriScience (following label dosages) as a natural vitamin in this recipe.
- For extra nutrition and variety, use fresh, raw or slightly steamed vegetables, such as carrots or broccoli (approximately 1/2 to 1 cup per recipe), as a top dressing for the diet. Most vegetables provide approximately 25 kcal per 1/2 cup.
- Add supplements that can be beneficial, such as omega-3 fatty acids, plant enzymes, and a super green food or health blend formula.
Medical Terminology: Diseases
Prevention: Because the rate of recurrence is relatively high even after a successful treatment, preventive measures should be taken to help lower the odds, including special diets. To help prevent bladder infections, make sure the dog is given an opportunity to urinate at least every 6 to 8 hours. The longer urine is retained in the bladder, the more likely it is to become alkaline and to develop infection. Provide plenty of clean drinking water to keep the bladder flushed of bacteria and to encourage frequent urination. Cranberry juice (either mixed in with your dog's food or administered to the mouth) stops certain bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall; ascorbic acid is also helpful for acidifying urine, as well as building up the immune system.
Other Natural Treatments Other therapies to consider for the pet with bladder stones include Coenzyme Q10, alfalfa (to alkalinize the urine), dandelion leaf, goldenseal, horsetail, marshmellow, plantain, Oregon grape, uva ursi, yarrow and maitake mushrooms. These therapies can be used in conjunction with conventional therapies as needed. The natural treatments are widely used with variable success but have not all been thoroughly investigated and proven at this time.
Breeds susceptible to bladder infections that can prompt the formation of small stones are boxers, poodles, dalmatians, dachshunds, German shepherd dogs, pugs, Irish and cairn terriers.
Go Pets America recommends seeking the advice of your local veterinarian for the most appropriate vaccination program and for the diagnosis and treatment of your pet's health problems. For vaccination requirements please contact your state and local licensing authorities.
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