Dealing with a diagnosis of bladder stones or crystals in dogs can feel like a daunting and ongoing challenge. While much information exists about various types of bladder stones, this article specifically focuses on Struvite Stones, offering insights into their nature, symptoms, formation, diagnosis, and management.
What are Struvite Crystals and Stones?
Struvite crystals are the most common type of crystal found in a dog’s urine. They become problematic when combined with Urease, an enzyme produced by bacteria, which leads to the formation of struvite stones. While the presence of struvite crystals alone may not be a significant concern, their combination with Urease necessitates treatment. Struvite stones can also develop due to infections from bacteria such as Proteus and Staphylococci strains.
Also known as magnesium-ammonium-phosphate or triple phosphate due to their chemical composition, struvite stones pose a greater risk to female dogs, accounting for a significant 85% of cases. Dogs experiencing recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) are also more susceptible to developing these stones.
Symptoms of Struvite Stones
If your dog develops struvite stones, you might observe a range of symptoms, including:
- Blood in the urine
- Adopting a “downward dog” position, indicating abdominal pain
- Frequent urination
- Urinary incontinence or urinating in inappropriate places
- Difficulty urinating
- Excessive licking of the genital area
- Increased thirst
- Nausea
How Struvite Stones Form
Struvite stones thrive in an alkaline environment. The healthy pH range for canine urine is between 6.5 and 7, which is neutral to slightly acidic. Alkaline urine will register above pH 7, typically appearing as a blue or purple tone on a pH test strip. Bacterial infections in the bladder can lead to the production of ammonia, increasing urine alkalinity and creating conditions favorable for struvite stone formation.
Diagnosis of Struvite Stones
X-rays are the primary method for diagnosing struvite stones in dogs. However, clear images can sometimes be obstructed by other body parts. Struvite stones are radiodense, meaning they show up clearly on X-rays. If X-rays are inconclusive, a veterinarian may opt for an ultrasound of the bladder area. In some cases, a colored liquid might be administered to the dog before scans to enhance the visibility of the stones.
Urinalysis is a crucial accompanying diagnostic step. Urine samples are analyzed for the presence of bacteria or crystals, which can help determine the type of stone, as imaging alone may not differentiate them. Official diagnosis of the stone type can be confirmed by submitting a stone sample to a veterinary laboratory for analysis.
Veterinary Treatment Options
Similar to the removal of other bladder stones like Cysteine Stones, veterinary professionals may recommend surgical removal. A procedure called Ureteroscopy involves inserting a small instrument through the bladder and up the ureter to dislodge the stone. Alternatively, for larger stones causing blockages, a more invasive surgery might be performed to remove them manually.
A less invasive, non-surgical option is a procedure known as urohydropropulsion. This method is typically most successful in medium to large dogs and involves the placement of two catheters: one in the urethra and another in the urethral lumen. Manual pressure is applied via the rectum to create a seal, after which saline water is flushed through the catheters, and the bladder is massaged to expel small stones. While this procedure requires anesthesia, it is preferred for smaller stones due to its minimally invasive nature.
Your veterinarian may also suggest dietary changes. It’s important to be aware that some veterinary practices may prescribe specialized dry foods. However, fresh feeding is paramount, as many commercial dry foods have a low meat content and low moisture, both of which are essential for dogs with bladder stones.
Supporting the Body and Preventing Struvite Stone Recurrence
To support your dog’s body and reduce the risk of recurrent struvite stones, focusing on diet and appropriate supplementation is key.
Diet
Dogs with any form of bladder stones require a diet high in moisture. Fresh feeding, whether raw or gently cooked, naturally provides the necessary moisture content. You can further increase moisture by adding extra water to your dog’s meals. A fresh diet also offers the benefit of a high meat content, which is crucial for dogs with struvite stones as meat helps promote a more acidic environment in the bladder.
Ingredients that can help promote an acidic environment include:
- Chicken
- Pork
- Beef
- Eggs
- Fish
- Venison
Conversely, it’s advisable to avoid more alkaline-promoting foods such as:
- Broccoli
- Carrot
- Cucumber
- Pumpkin
- Kale
- Sweet potato
- Apple
- Banana
- Cabbage
My Pet Nutritionist offers balanced recipes ideal for dogs with struvite stones, such as Low Fat Fish and Low Fat Venison.
Supplements
Several supplements can be highly beneficial in managing struvite stones:
- Gut Health Supplements: A healthy gut microbiome is vital for overall health and can influence urinary tract health. When urea enters the gut, it’s broken down by bacteria. An imbalance in these bacteria can lead to insufficient urea breakdown, contributing to an alkaline environment. Supplements like Gut Guardian contain mucilage herbs for gut healing and soil-based probiotics to support a healthy microbiome. Research indicates a connection between gut health and urinary tract health.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: When using the version with “the mother,” it can help acidify the urinary tract and possesses antimicrobial properties.
- Cranberry Extract: Rich in proanthocyanidins, which have demonstrated efficacy in reducing bacteria associated with struvite stone formation. [cite:5, cite:6]
- Methionine: An amino acid that significantly contributes to acidifying the urinary tract.
- N-Acetyl Glucosamine: Believed to reduce inflammation within the urinary tract, thereby supporting overall bladder health.
- Herbal Support: Certain herbs, including nettle, plantain leaf, and cleavers, are thought to aid in preventing struvite stones and support general urinary and bladder health.
This information aims to clarify the often-confusing path for dog owners whose pets have been diagnosed with struvite stones. If your dog experiences recurring struvite stones, do not hesitate to book a consultation with our team.
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