If your dog has been diagnosed with bladder stones or crystals, it can feel like an overwhelming journey. While there are various types of bladder stones in dogs, this guide focuses specifically on Struvite Stones, a common concern for many pet owners. Understanding their formation, recognizing the symptoms, and knowing how to manage them are crucial for your dog’s health and well-being.
What are Struvite Crystals and Stones?
Struvite crystals are the most frequently encountered type of crystal in a dog’s urine. While the presence of crystals alone may not be a major concern, they can combine with an enzyme called Urease, often produced by bacteria, to form struvite stones. These stones can become problematic and require veterinary intervention. Struvite stones can also develop due to infections from other bacteria, such as Proteus and Staphylococci strains.
Medically, Struvite Stones are also known by their chemical composition: magnesium-ammonium-phosphate or triple phosphate. Female dogs are particularly susceptible, accounting for a significant majority of cases, and dogs with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) are also at a higher risk of developing them.
Symptoms of Struvite Stones in Dogs
If your dog develops struvite stones, you might observe a range of symptoms. These can include:
- Blood in the urine
- Assuming a ‘downward dog’ position, which can indicate 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 very slightly acidic. An alkaline urine pH, anything above 7, is indicated by a blue or purple color on a pH test strip. When a bacterial infection occurs in the bladder, it produces ammonia, which raises the urine’s pH, creating the alkaline conditions favorable for struvite stone formation.
Diagnosis of Struvite Stones
Veterinarians have several methods for diagnosing struvite stones. X-rays are often the easiest diagnostic tool, as struvite stones are radiodense and typically show up clearly. However, if other body parts obstruct the view, ultrasound of the bladder area may be used. Sometimes, a colored liquid is administered to the dog before imaging to help make the stones more visible.
Alongside imaging, urinalysis is essential. Urine samples are analyzed to detect the presence of bacteria or crystals, which can help identify the type of stone, as distinguishing stones solely through imaging can be challenging. If a stone sample is obtained, it can be sent to a veterinary laboratory for a definitive diagnosis of the stone type.
Veterinary Treatment Options
Veterinary treatment for struvite stones can include surgical or non-surgical approaches.
Surgical Removal
Surgical removal, such as a Ureteroscopy, involves using a small instrument to navigate the bladder and ureter to dislodge and remove the stone. In cases of very large stones causing blockages, a more invasive surgery might be necessary to remove them directly.
Non-Surgical Approaches
For a less invasive option, veterinarians may recommend a procedure called urohydropropulsion. This method is generally most successful in medium to large dogs. It involves inserting two catheters – one into the urethra and another into the urethral lumen. Pressure is applied externally to create a seal, and then saline water is flushed through the catheters while the bladder is massaged, flushing out smaller stones. While this procedure requires anesthesia, it’s a preferred method for smaller stones due to its minimally invasive nature.
Your veterinarian might also suggest dietary changes. However, be cautious of “prescription” dry foods, which often have low meat and moisture content, both vital for dogs with bladder stones.
Supporting Your Dog and Preventing Struvite Stone Recurrence
Managing and preventing struvite stones involves focusing on diet and appropriate supplementation.
Dietary Support
Dogs with any form of bladder stones require a high-moisture diet. Freshly prepared meals, whether raw or gently cooked, naturally have high 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 unfavorable for struvite stone formation.
Consider incorporating meats like chicken, pork, beef, eggs, fish, and venison into your dog’s diet. Conversely, limit alkaline-producing foods such as broccoli, carrots, cucumber, pumpkin, kale, sweet potatoes, apples, bananas, and cabbage.
For owners seeking convenient options, My Pet Nutritionist offers balanced recipes like Low Fat Fish and Low Fat Venison, specifically formulated to support dogs with struvite stones.
Nutritional Supplements
Several supplements can be beneficial in managing struvite stones:
- Gut Health Supplements: A healthy gut microbiome is crucial. When urea is broken down in the gut, an imbalance in bacterial colonies can lead to insufficient breakdown, contributing to an alkaline environment. Supplements like My Pet Nutritionist’s Gut Guardian, containing mucilage herbs and soil-based probiotics, can support gut healing and a balanced microbiome.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This can help acidify the urinary tract and possesses antimicrobial properties.
- Cranberry Extract: Rich in proanthocyanidins, it can help reduce bacteria that may contribute to struvite stone formation.
- Methionine: This amino acid is a potent acidifier that aids in acidifying the urinary tract.
- N-Acetyl Glucosamine: This may help reduce inflammation in the urinary tract, supporting overall bladder health.
- Herbal Support: Certain herbs, including nettle, plantain leaf, and cleavers, are thought to aid in the prevention of struvite stones and support general urinary and bladder health.
We hope this information helps clarify the complexities of struvite stones in dogs. If your dog suffers from recurring struvite stones, don’t hesitate to book a consultation with our experienced team for personalized guidance and support.
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