Understanding & Preventing Senior Pet Kidney Stones: Es

Kidney stones are a common issue affecting the kidneys of pets.

Now, let's delve into the reasons why older pets may develop kidney stones. Both dogs and cats can suffer from kidney stones, and the causes are quite intricate, primarily linked to their diet, level of exercise, and genetics.

Here are some specific reasons that might contribute to the formation of kidney stones in older pets:

1. A monotonous diet: For instance, feeding older pets an excessive amount of meat without incorporating pet food, fruits, or vegetables, leading to an imbalanced diet structure.

2. Insufficient water intake, lack of exercise, or underlying metabolic genetic defects, reduced liver function, and chronic inflammation.

Additionally, purebred pets tend to be more susceptible to kidney stones compared to mixed breeds.

If an older pet has kidney stones, it may exhibit abnormal urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, decreased or increased urine output, pain during urination, or hematuria. However, these symptoms do not necessarily indicate kidney stones, and an Xray is typically required for a definitive diagnosis.

How can we prevent kidney stones in older pets?

Once a pet has developed kidney stones, it can be challenging to completely eradicate them, as there is a high likelihood of recurrence. Large stones may not be removed in a single session.

Here are some dietary considerations to help manage kidney stones in older pets:

1. Increase calcium intake: Adequate calcium binds with oxalate and is excreted through feces, reducing the absorption of calcium in the intestines and, consequently, the risk of stone formation. Drinking milk is not associated with an increased risk of stones and can actually help reduce the likelihood of them forming.

2. Reduce oxalate intake: Foods high in oxalate, such as spinach and tea, should be consumed in moderation.

3. Reduce sodium intake: Maintain a lowsodium diet, avoiding processed and canned foods, and opt for potassiumrich foods like bananas.

4. Reduce meat intake: Lowering the intake of animal proteins can decrease the chance of stone formation.

5. Stay hydrated and active: Ensure your pet drinks at least 3000cc of water daily and engages in regular exercise to reduce bone calcium loss and minimize stone formation.

6. Limit protein intake: Aim for a daily protein intake of 4880 grams (0.81.0 grams/kg/day), considering the protein content in leafy vegetables, lean meats, and grains.

7. Increase the consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits: These contain vitamins B1 and C, which have alkaline byproducts in the body, making uric acid more soluble in alkaline urine and beneficial for treatment.

Conventional treatment:

Implement a cooling diet every 12 days, which includes clean fruits, juices, and vegetables, at least once a week. Avoid highprotein foods, such as meat, animal organs, broths, sardines, and crabs, as well as spinach, strong tea, coffee, and spicy seasonings.

If a pet's kidney stones are particularly severe, surgery may be necessary. To date, there is no miracle drug for kidney stones. Treatment methods:

In everyday life, preventing kidney stones in older pets involves encouraging them to drink more water, consume more fruits and vegetables, and feed them with highquality pet food, such as cat or dog food. Regular exercise is also crucial.

Undergoing kidney stone surgery in older pets carries certain risks, primarily related to anesthesia and the pet's tolerance to it. A presurgery pet biochemical health test is essential, and if all the results are normal, the pet is considered a suitable candidate for surgery.