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High Uric Acid Excretion
The majority of dogs excrete small amounts of uric acid in the urine. However, the Dalmatian is exceptional in that these excrete large amounts. This disorder in Dalmatian dogs is due to impaired conversion in the liver of uric acid to allantoin by the enzyme uricase leading to excess excretion of uric acid in the urine. Dalmatians do not suffer more from kidney or bladder stones than other dog breeds, although if they develop such stones, their composition is different and they are called urate uroliths. In the urine, high uric acid levels can promote "crystals" which in turn can form into larger stones. The result can be complete blockage of the urinary tract which is an emergency situation with life-threatening potential.
English bulldogs and Yorkshire terriers are over-represented for the formation of urate uroliths and familial predisposition is suspected. The cause of urate urolithiasis in these breeds is not known.
The difference in uric acid excretion is due to a recessive gene ua for high excretion. Although male and female dalmatians can develop stones, males are most likely to do so.
Urate uroliths (stones) occur mainly in Dalmatians and in dogs with portosysthemic shunts when hepatic conversion or uric acid (a product or purine metabolism) to allantoin is impaired. Although all Dalmatians have the primary defect, only a some dogs develops clinical disease. The high heritability of the disease makes it possible for breeders to effectively select against the disease.
Uric acid stones can be effectively prevented by limiting the amount of purine (a type of protein) in the diet. Most vegetables (except beans, peas, asparagus, spinach, and cailiflower) and fruits are low in purines, also eggs, cheese and milk. While meats, fish, and organ meats are high in purines. Processed breads and cereals are low in purines, but whole grain varieties are not. Feeding Dalmatians a low-purine diet and increased water intake is the best way to prevent urate stones in this breed. Drugs such as allopurinol may be needed in some cases but it can result in complications (xanthine stones) in some dogs.
Adapted from:
1. Genetics for Dog Breeders. Roy Robinson
2. Renal Tubular Disorders. KM James.
3. Veterinary Nursing By D. R. Lane, B. Cooper
4. Inheritance of urinary calculi in the Dalmatian. Bannasch DL, Ling GV, Bea J, Famula TR. In: J Vet Intern Med. 2005 Mar-Apr;19(2):143
5. Dr.Ackerman's Book of Dalmatians. Lowell Ackerman
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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