Urolithiasis – the formation of stones in urinary bladder and kidneys – affects more and more pets. Reasons for the spread of this disease are most often malnourishment, genetic disposition or bacteria.
How to Identify Urinary Stones
Symptoms include but are not restricted to:
- bloody urine
- urinary bladder of the pet reacts sensitive to pressure
- the pet appears to be faint and weak
- urine is released often but in small amounts
- visible stones or gravel are contained in the pet’s urine
If some or even all of these symptoms are apparent, a veterinary examination is unavoidable.
How Urinary Stones and Infections Develop
Definite reasons for the development of urinary stones are not yet completely explored. Bacteria functioning as cores for the formation of crystals and gravel are a possible scenario. However, an oversaturation with crystals originating from the metabolism is more probable. These crystals are usually excreted with the urine but in some cases they agglomerate to urinary stones. Responsible for the agglomeration of crystals are metabolism disorder, food containing high concentrations of minerals, insufficient water feed and urine that is either too basic or too acidic.
Kinds of Urinary Stones and Treatment Plans
Urinary stones differ greatly in their composition and therefore in the necessary treatment.
The most common kind is the struvite stone. It consists of three components, namely magnesium, ammonium and phosphate. It dissolves in acidic milieus. Therefore the urine has to be acidified through medication and a diet. A high water supply and a diet that is low in magnesium, e.g. boiled flesh without broth, curd cheese, boiled rice or egg, in combination with prescribed medication – usually improves the condition of the suffering pet quickly.
The more rare calcium-oxalate, cystine and urate stones develop in an acidic milieu. Therefore the treatment consists of a diet based on base or alkaline nutrition and prescribed medication. Fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy products and salt have to be avoided. Protein should be offered in form of high quality poultry or fish and boiled vegetables. A high water supply or water-rich food furthermore facilitates the excretion of the stones or gravel.
Because the stones differ greatly in their composition, an examination through a veterinarian and a thorough screening of a fresh urine sample are absolutely necessary, in order to find a successful treatment plan for urinary stones.
Complications and Side Effects of Urinary Stones
The existence of urinary stones, crystals or gravel in the urinary bladder often causes cystitis or even a constipation of the urethra. A constipation of the urethra always is an emergency. If the urine cannot drain from kidneys and urine bladder, the organism starts to poison itself. Within hours irreversible damages are done. Death can be a probable result. Consulting a veterinarian is essential.
At-Risk Groups for Urinary Stones
The knowledge about at-risk groups can be helpful in avoiding the development of urinary stones.
Genetic dispositions can often be found in:
- Dalmatian dog
- Shih Tzu dog
- Dachshund dog
- Persian cat
- British Blue Shorthair cat
- Somali cat
- Ragdoll cat
Furthermore neutered and overweight pets are more likely to suffer from urinary stones.
How to Avoid Urinary Stones
- A sufficient water supply is essential. If the pet does not drink much water, the food should be water-rich.
- The content of minerals in the food should not be too highly concentrated for the pet’s needs
- The pet should not be overweight.
A Suite101 article cannot substitute for the examination through a veterinarian.
References:
Dr. med. vet. Doris Quinten; Gesundheitsratgeber Hunde; 2. Auflage 2004 BLV Verlagsgesellschaft mbH
Dr. med. vet. L. Ackerman; Mein gesunder Shih Tzu; 1999 bede-Verlag
Dr. med. vet. Doris Quinten; Gesundheitsratgeber Katzen; 1.Auflage 2004 BLV Verlagsgesellschaft mbH
Jessika Mueller - I major in American Studies and German as a Foreign Language at the University of Leipzig, Saxony, Germany. Through a seminar paper, ...
