Struvite stones are a common concern for dog owners, and understanding their formation, symptoms, and management is crucial for your pet’s well-being. This comprehensive guide delves into the specifics of struvite stones, offering insights into diagnosis, treatment, and preventative strategies, with a focus on dietary and supplemental support. If your dog has been diagnosed with struvite stones, this information aims to clarify the path forward.
What Are Struvite Crystals and Stones?
Struvite crystals are the most frequently encountered type of crystal in canine urine. While the presence of these crystals alone may not be a significant concern, they become problematic when combined with Urease, an enzyme produced by bacteria. This combination leads to the formation of struvite stones. Struvite stones can also develop due to infections from other bacteria, such as Proteus and Staphylococci strains.
Struvite stones are also known by other names due to their chemical composition: Magnesium-ammonium-phosphate and triple phosphate. Interestingly, female dogs are at a higher risk of developing these stones, accounting for a substantial 85% of all cases. Dogs with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) are also more susceptible.
Symptoms of Struvite Stones in Dogs
Recognizing the symptoms of struvite stones is vital for early detection and intervention. If your dog develops these stones, you might observe a range of signs, including:
- Blood in the urine
- Assuming a ‘downward dog’ position, indicating abdominal pain
- Increased frequency of urination
- Urinary incontinence or urinating in unusual places
- Difficulty urinating
- Excessive licking of the genital area
- Increased thirst
- Nausea
How Struvite Stones Form
Struvite stones thrive in an alkaline environment. The normal pH range for canine urine is between 6.5 and 7, which is considered neutral to slightly acidic. An alkaline urine pH, indicated by a blue or purple tone on a pH test strip (anything above pH 7), creates conditions favorable for struvite stone formation. When a bacterial infection occurs in the bladder, it produces ammonia, which raises the urine’s pH, leading to an alkaline environment conducive to struvite stone development.
Diagnosing Struvite Stones
Veterinarians employ several methods to diagnose struvite stones. X-rays are a common diagnostic tool, as struvite stones are radiodense and typically show up clearly on radiographs. However, if an X-ray does not provide a clear image, an ultrasound of the bladder area may be used. Sometimes, a colored liquid is administered to the dog before imaging to help the stones become more visible.
A crucial part of the diagnostic process is urinalysis. This involves examining a urine sample to detect the presence of bacteria or crystals, which aids in identifying the type of stone. If a stone sample can be obtained, it can be sent to a veterinary laboratory for definitive analysis and diagnosis.
Veterinary Treatment Options
Veterinary interventions for struvite stones often include surgical or non-surgical approaches.
- Surgical Removal: Similar to the removal of other bladder stones like Cysteine stones, surgical removal may be recommended. A procedure called Ureteroscopy involves inserting a small instrument through the bladder and up the ureter to dislodge the stone. In cases of larger stones causing blockages, abdominal surgery might be necessary to remove them manually.
- Urohydropropulsion: For a less invasive, non-surgical option, urohydropropulsion may be suitable, particularly for medium to large dogs. This procedure involves placing two catheters, one in the urethra and another in the urethral lumen. Pressure is applied to the urethra, creating a seal, after which saline water is flushed through the catheters to expel smaller stones. While this method requires anesthesia, it is preferred for smaller stones due to its minimally invasive nature.
Your veterinarian might also suggest dietary changes. However, it’s important to be aware that prescription dry foods often have a low meat and moisture content, which are critical for dogs with bladder stones.
Supporting Your Dog and Preventing Struvite Stone Recurrence
Managing struvite stones involves a multi-faceted approach, focusing on diet and supplementation to support the body and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Dietary Management
A high-moisture diet is essential for dogs with any type of bladder stones. Freshly prepared meals, whether raw or gently cooked, naturally provide the necessary moisture content. You can further increase moisture by adding extra water to your dog’s food. A meat-based diet is also beneficial, as meat naturally promotes a more acidic environment in the bladder, which is counterproductive to struvite stone formation.
Consider incorporating the following ingredients that encourage an acidic environment:
- Chicken
- Pork
- Beef
- Eggs
- Fish
- Venison
Conversely, it’s advisable to limit alkaline-promoting foods such as:
- Broccoli
- Carrot
- Cucumber
- Pumpkin
- Kale
- Sweet potato
- Apple
- Banana
- Cabbage
For dogs with struvite stones, balanced fresh recipes like My Pet Nutritionist’s Low Fat Fish and Low Fat Venison are ideal, adhering to FEDIAF nutritional guidelines.
Supportive Supplements
Several supplements can be highly beneficial in managing and preventing struvite stones:
- Gut Health Supplements: A healthy gut microbiome plays a significant role. When urea enters the gut, it’s broken down by bacteria. An imbalance can lead to insufficient urea breakdown, contributing to an alkaline environment. Supplements like Gut Guardian from My Pet Nutritionist contain mucilage herbs for gut healing and soil-based probiotics to support a healthy microbiome. The connection between gut health and urinary tract health is well-documented.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Known for its antimicrobial properties, apple cider vinegar may help acidify the urinary tract.
- Cranberry Extract: Rich in proanthocyanidins, this extract can help reduce bacteria that may contribute to struvite stone formation.
- Methionine: This amino acid is a potent acidifier, playing a key role in acidifying the urinary tract.
- N-Acetyl Glucosamine: This compound is thought to reduce inflammation within the urinary tract, thereby supporting overall bladder health.
- Herbal Support: Certain herbs, including nettle, plantain leaf, and cleavers, are believed to aid in preventing struvite stones and support general urinary and bladder health.
We hope this guide has illuminated the complexities surrounding struvite stones in dogs. If your dog is experiencing recurring struvite stones, please do not hesitate to book a consultation with our team for personalized support.
