BLADDER AND KIDNEY STONES IN DOGS
Much of what is written below was based on an internet article by Jeffrey Weishaupt and reviewed by Amy Flowers, DVM. I am also dedicating this article to my long-time friend and customer, Geroge Spadea, who died on the morning of March 14, 2023.
Metabolic kidney stores are formed when there is an imbalance of blood or urine. They tend to be more common than infection-related stones and are more common in female dogs (because they are more likely to develop urinary tract infections) than in male dogs. They are also more common in smaller breeds like Bichons, Miniature Poodles, Maltese, Lhasa Apsos, Pomeranians, Yorkshire Terriers, and Cairn Terriers.
The three most common stones are calcium oxalate, urate, and struvite, and only the struvite stones are the result of infection. High blood calcium levels, liver disease, a nutrient imbalance, and heredity may play a part. The list of the kinds of stones and their frequency is as follows; 42.3% are caused by calcium oxalate and the rest in order of occurrence are, struvite, compound, urate, mixed and cystine. Urate stones can be very serious especially if there is a complete blockage. Urinary tract calculi are the most common cause of urethral blockage. And these blockages are most common in Dalmatians. My Uncle had two Dalmatians and the male had a complete obstruction and the dog underwent a perineal urethrostomy in which a small incision is made between the rectum and the scrotum. Then cutting into the existing penis making a large enough hole to release any stones or obstructing matter. The urethra is then rerouted through the new opening. This procedure only handles the immediate emergency but does not address underlying causes. My Uncle’s dog was okay, but he may have been put on medication or a special diet as well.
The reason that Dalmatians are so susceptible is because they cannot convert uric acid into allantoin. The only other mammal that cannot is a human. That retention of uric acid is accountable for gout, urolithiasis, among others, and now there are studies that may link it to hypertension, chronic kidney infections and cardiovascular disease.
High levels of salt can also be a contributing factor, so dogs do not need extra salt in their diets. Check your treat and food ingredient panels. Some bacterial infections of the urinary tract may also increase the concentration of salt in the urine. Many factors can lead to the formation of stones in dogs, including: a decrease in the natural inhibitors in the body that prevent crystal formation, pH levels that favor formation of salt crystals, and salt retention for an extended period in the urinary tract. Most stones are found in the bladder and urethra and the urinary bladder as opposed to the ureters and kidneys.
A veterinarian will check your dog’s urine and blood if a problem is suspected. An x-ray and or an ultrasound of the urinary tract may follow. The vet may also us a fluoroscopy for diagnoses. Bladder and kidney stones are usually surgical removed. Sometimes a laser fiber can break up a stone into smaller pieces which are usually then passed out. I’m known to be a critic of certain vet prescription diets. Depending on the stones, you may be able to find helpful foods elsewhere that don’t include corn, etc. Check the internet. I just learned that dogs with calcium oxalate stones, should not be given animal based treats such as pig ears, bully sticks, collagen-rich treats, or peanut butter treats or pill pockets.
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