Symptoms & Treatment for Dog Urinary Stones: Quick Guid

Causes of Urinary Stones

Urinary stones can form due to a combination of factors. A lack of adequate water intake leads to increased salt concentrations, which in turn promote the precipitation of crystal substances and the formation of stones.

Deficiencies in Vitamin A and excessive estrogen levels can also contribute to the formation of stones by causing the shedding of epithelial cells, which may become the core of the stone.

Urinary Tract Infections

Metabolic abnormalities can lead to the formation of cystine stones. Changes in the pH of urine can also play a role, as alkaline urine tends to precipitate phosphates and carbonates, while neutral or acidic urine can lead to the precipitation of urates, oxalates, and cystine.

Dogs fed a meatheavy diet are more susceptible to urinary stones.

Symptoms of Bladder Stones:

Individuals with bladder stones may experience difficulty urinating, hematuria (blood in urine), frequent urination, but with very small amounts of urine each time. Upon palpation, the bladder may feel the distinct friction of multiple stones, and bladder inflammation can be indicated by abnormalities in urine analysis, such as elevated levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, proteins, pH, and a high presence of bacteria.

Symptoms of Urethral Stones:

Urethral stones are complications of bladder stones and may present with frequent urination with only small amounts of blood or no urine. Dogs may appear restless and cautious, with severe pain in the lower back upon palpation. In severe cases, it can lead to uremia. Symptoms can include depression, vomiting, a smell of ammonia in exhaled breath, conjunctival congestion, dehydration, loss of bladder elasticity, and potential rupture.

Treatment Measures:

Once a bladder stone is diagnosed, surgery to remove the stone should be considered. Urethral stones can be treated with retrograde irrigation. If this is unsuccessful, surgery to remove the stone should be performed immediately.

Preventive Measures:

Increase water intake. If the local water quality is poor, consider filtering the water for your dog or purchasing bottled mineral water. Ensure your dog receives adequate Vitamin A by supplementing with fish liver oil, which is rich in Vitamin A, or by incorporating sources such as sweet potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and pumpkins into their diet. It's important to note that excessive Vitamin A intake is harmful, so supplementation should be limited to one to two times per week. Reduce the consumption of meat, focusing on highquality dog food for a balanced and comprehensive nutritional intake.