Struvite stones in dogs can be prevented. Urolithiasis in dogs (UCD): causes, symptoms and treatment. The main treatment measures include

Urolithiasis (urolithiasis)– a disease associated with the formation of urinary stones in the kidneys (nephrolitas) or urinary tract (urolitis). Urine stones can form both in the upper urinary tract (kidneys and ureters) and in the lower (bladder, urethra). Bladder stones are the most common; kidney stones are quite rare, averaging 5-10%.

Urinary stones vary in their composition and frequency of occurrence. The most common stones consisting of ammonium magnesium phosphate (struvite) - up to 60-70% of all stones, the second most common are calcium oxalate stones (up to 10-20%), more rare are urate stones (consisting of uric acid, sodium urate or ammonium urate), cystine, xanthine and mixed stones. However, for cystine and urate stones, the prevalence is very breed dependent.

The factors that contribute to the crystallization and formation of urolith are diverse and can be divided into external (exogenous) and internal (endogenous). TO external factors may include the feeding conditions of the animal, mineral composition water and its saturation with mineral salts. TO internal factors include the animal’s own diseases that contribute to the cause of urolithiasis. For example, hyperparathyroidism, porto-caval shunts, inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system, genetically determined metabolic abnormalities. Thus, reliable factors predisposing to the development of urolithiasis include: following reasons– oversaturation of urine with minerals at a certain urine pH; deficiency in the urine of certain factors that stabilize the composition of urine; stagnation of urine and long intervals between bladder emptyings; increased crystalloid loss caused by increased intestinal absorption; an increase in the formation of crystalloids due to the activity of bacteria capable of breaking down urea, which leads to alkalinization of urine.

Struvite urolithiasis- crystals of this composition can form in dogs at any age (usually the average age is 4-6 years). A breed predisposition has been identified in miniature schnauzers; this is believed to be due to a violation of local defense mechanisms in the urinary tract. The risk group also includes breeds such as,. Struvite is much more common in females than in males. These stones are often accompanied by a urinary tract infection and are radiopaque. Urine pH is usually alkaline.

Oxalate urolithiasis– the average age of dogs with this type of stone is 7-8 years, but can occur at any age. Mainly males are affected. A breed predisposition has been noted in miniature schnauzers. Oxalates form in acidic urine and are radiopaque. Promotes of calcium oxalate stone formation include hypercalciuria (eg, due to hyperparathyroidism), hyperoxaluria, hypocitraturia, and defects in crystal growth inhibitors (nephrocalcin). Role bacterial infection in the formation of this type of uroliths is not great.

Urate urolithiasis– crystals of this type are most often formed in Dalmatians, which is caused by a genetic disorder in the metabolism of purines in the body. Average age diseases in this breed are 3.5 years old, but can manifest themselves much earlier. Also, breeds with impaired portal blood flow (congenital porto-systemic shunts) are susceptible to this type of urolithiasis. This is first and foremost Yorkshire Terrier, miniature schnauzer, Irish wolfhound, Australian Shepherd, Maltese, Cairn Terrier. With this pathology, urolithiasis manifests itself mainly before 1 year. It is more common in males with acidic and neutral urine. X-ray contrast is not stable.

Cystine urolithiasis– associated with cystinuria, caused by a genetically determined disorder in the reabsorption of cystine in renal tubules. Not all dogs with cystinuria form stones. They mainly form in males at the age of 3-5 years (but the first episode can occur between 1, 5 and 3 years). They are practically never found in females. Breeds at risk are dachshund, English bulldog, Yorkshire terrier, Irish terrier, Chihuahua. Uroliths usually form in acidic urine. These uroliths are radiopaque.

Clinical manifestations of urolithiasis in dogs depend on the location, size and number of stones. The main symptoms are pollakiuria (frequent urination), dysuria (painful, difficult and frequent urination), hematuria (blood in the urine). Stones displaced into the urethra can cause partial or complete obstruction with the development of postrenal renal failure. Animals with portocaval shunts may have symptoms hepatic encephalopathy. Stones in upper sections urinary tract may for a long time remain asymptomatic (if there is no ureteral obstruction) further leading to the development.

Diagnosis diagnosed using plain radiography (for radiopaque stones), . In unclear cases, double contrast cystography or excretory urography. General and biochemical analysis s blood, general analysis urine and tank. urine culture. Unfortunately, a urine test cannot accurately indicate a specific type of stone, since the crystals found in the urine may not correspond to the type of urolith in bladder or kidneys. Also, in the presence of stones, crystalluria may be absent, and vice versa, crystalluria does not yet provide grounds for diagnosing urolithiasis and does not indicate the obligatory presence of stones in the urinary tract. After removing the stones, it is necessary to examine them to make a final diagnosis.

Treatment of urolithiasis in dogs depends on the presence or absence of urethral or ureteral obstruction, as well as the general condition of the animal. Urethral obstruction is relieved using the following methods - retrograde urohydropropulsion (pushing stones from the urethra into the bladder), catheterization of the bladder with a thin catheter, urethrotomy or urethrostomy. Next, the stones are removed from the bladder using a cystotomy. Animals with struvite, urate and cystine stones may be recommended conservative therapy aimed at dissolving stones. The main disadvantage is the duration of treatment (from several weeks to several months). To dissolve struvite, special diets are used that limit protein, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and maintain urine pH at a certain level, as well as antibiotic therapy (in the presence of a urinary tract infection). In the presence of urates, special diets are also used (with limited proteins and purines), which contribute to the alkalization of urine, xanthine oxidase inhibitors (allopurinol) are used, and in case of porto-caval shunts, their ligation is carried out. For cystine stones, therapeutic diets are also necessary, with protein restrictions affecting urine pH, penicillamine D or alpha-mercapto-propionyl-glycine are used. Oxalate stones are insoluble and must be surgically removed. With the aim of further prevention oxalate stones, it is also necessary to eliminate the cause of hypercalcemia (if hypercalcemia has been identified). To prevent recurrence of stone formation (as after surgical removal, and after conservative therapy) must be adhered to therapeutic diet and conduct a control examination of the animal (X-rays, ultrasound, urine tests) at certain intervals.

If a well-mannered dog suddenly describes the sofa, do not rush to scold him: urolithiasis in dogs often manifests itself as blatant uncleanliness. ICD is difficult to treat dangerous illness, which quickly undermines the health of pets. Unfortunately, about 15% of dogs suffer from this disease. But a pet can live a long and happy life, if you consult a veterinarian in time.

With urolithiasis, stones or sand (uroliths, calculi) form in the bladder, urinary tract, kidneys or urethra. This occurs due to a shift in the chemical balance of urine to the alkaline or acidic side. In most cases in dogs, crystallization of salts occurs in lower section – urethra and/or bladder. Stones are formed from various trace elements contained in urine. The most common types of stones found in dogs are:

• cystines. The disease is often hereditary, and there is a breed predisposition (corgis, bulldogs, Newfoundlands, dachshunds). Among genetically healthy pets this type of ICD is quite rare (no more than 5% of all cases);

• oxalates. The most “harmful” stones are hard, grow quickly and are poorly dissolved by drugs, branched, with sharp edges.

• phosphate stones They also grow quickly, but they can be dissolved by following the diet prescribed by your doctor. Formed in alkaline urine;

• in dogs in 90% of cases they are delayed due to various bacterial infections. Typically composed of ammonium phosphate, magnesium and calcium carbonate.

There are mixed types of stones and even multiple types of stones in the same dog's bladder and kidneys. Stones of different composition do not respond equally to treatment. Therefore, the owner must strictly follow all the veterinarian’s instructions, even if something seems trivial.

Uroliths are annoying soft fabrics, which leads to inflammation and microtrauma. When washed out with urine, solid sharp fractions cause severe pain and bleeding. And if sand or a large stone blocks the urinary tract (obstruction), the dog may die - the urine literally rots and poisons the entire body, which quickly leads to general intoxication. Therefore treatment folk remedies or on the advice of friends is unacceptable: at the first suspicion, you should immediately contact a veterinarian without wasting a day. And in the case of obstruction, every hour is important! ICD is an extremely serious illness that requires a qualified approach to treatment.

Causes of ICD

This disease has been studied closely for a long time, but much still remains unclear. However, some predisposing factors have been identified that clearly influence the alkalization or oxidation of urine, and therefore the formation of uroliths.

The main causes of urolithiasis in dogs:

• infections, especially of the genital and urinary tract. But theoretically, any infection that affects the blood picture (for example, common staphylococcus) can lead to the development of urolithiasis;

• Not balanced diet. First of all, this is mixed feeding, when the dog eats both natural and ready-made ( industrial feed) food. Canned food and dried foods must not be mixed in any way with natural food(neither morning-evening, nor every other day - either natural, or drying plus canned food). Excess protein (solid meat and fish in the diet) oxidizes urine and generally puts an excessive burden on the kidneys and liver. Excess carbohydrates (solid cereal) alkalinizes the urine;

• sand in the bladder and kidney stones in a dog can appear due to drinking untreated tap water to your pet. Or due to insufficient drinking (the dog has no free access to water or the bowl often remains empty, which is especially harmful in the heat and/or when feeding dry);

• insufficient walking. When the dog suffers, the urine crystallizes - this is the direct and shortest path to the UCD;

• insufficient loads lead to obesity, edema, stagnation of urine and, as a result, to the formation of uroliths;

• hereditary predisposition and congenital pathologies. These may be pathologies of the kidneys, liver, genitourinary system, blood vessels, metabolic dysfunction - the list is almost endless.

Often we're talking about about several reasons: the dog does not eat properly, drinks tap water, walks 1-2 times a day for 20 minutes. If a pet genetically predisposed to KSD is kept this way, the formation of stones is inevitable. But even if the dog is genetically “pure” and does not suffer from hidden infections, such a lifestyle increases the risk of urolithiasis tenfold.

Read also: Acne in dogs - cause and prevention

Symptoms of ICD

In 80% of cases, owners notice that something is wrong with their pet when signs of illness become obvious. Dog:

• pees often and in small portions;

• urine changes color, becomes cloudy, or turns pink. After urination, droplets of blood remain on the bitch's loop or the tip of the male's penis. Sometimes drops of urine can be seen on the ground;

• experiences pain when emptying the bladder (the pet whines, trembles, looks tense and scared, pees in a strange position). Males sit down and do not lift their paws. Girls sit down very often, but urine either does not flow out at all or very little of it.

When there is blockage (obstruction) of the ducts, the signs of urolithiasis in dogs are the same, but more pronounced. It is clearly painful for the pet to empty the bladder, the stomach becomes tight and painful (the dog does not open the peritoneum), thirst appears in the background poor appetite, temperature rise is possible. This emergency, you need to contact a veterinarian immediately!

Early symptoms are difficult to notice: slight decrease in the amount of urine, cloudy urine with a strong odor, discomfort(resi, nagging pain– dogs have high pain threshold, but they cannot talk about discomfort). It seems to the owner that the pet suddenly falls ill, but in fact, sand and stones have been forming for a long time (often we are talking about years of chronic illness). Therefore, it is important to undergo a preventive examination once a year and donate blood and urine for tests - this way ICD will be detected at an early stage, which will allow the veterinarian to begin treatment before the disease seriously undermines the health of the genitourinary system.

Read also: Streptoderma or skin inflammation in dogs (symptoms and treatment)

Diagnostics

First of all, you need to pass urine tests - clinical and biochemistry. Sometimes this is enough to determine the absence/presence of stones and the type of stones. But in any case, the veterinarian must perform an ultrasound - this is necessary to confirm the diagnosis and assess the condition of the kidneys, bladder and urinary ducts. Sometimes stones in a dog’s urinary tract cannot be detected by ultrasound, so it is better to immediately take an x-ray. These three studies - urine analysis, ultrasound and x-ray - are the main diagnostic methods, without which it is impossible to prescribe correct treatment(unless you get lucky “at random”).

In addition, it is important to make sure that there is no bacterial infection - a smear on the flora, urine bacteriology. It is important to assess the general condition of the dog - clinical and biochemical blood tests. You can’t trust a veterinarian who prescribes a bunch of pills without making sure the diagnosis is accurate - the type of ICD largely determines the method of treatment (the wrong drug can significantly worsen the situation).

Therapeutic measures

If there is an obstruction, the veterinarian will remove the rotting urine using a catheter inserted into the urethra. Then the doctor will prescribe medications that eliminate the consequences of blockage of the ducts - antispasm, hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, painkillers. A course of furagin quickly relieves symptoms ( human medicine) in combination with cantarene (veterinary homeopathy). However, treatment should only be prescribed by a veterinarian, and the owner must follow the recommendations exactly!

When the acute condition is overcome, the doctor will prescribe long-term therapy. The choice of drugs depends on the type of stones. The goal is to dissolve the stones and gently remove them, preventing the formation of new stones (or sand). The doctor will definitely tell you what to feed the dog: if the environment is alkaline, it needs to be slightly acidified, and vice versa. Usually, veterinarians recommend switching to medicated food, strictly balanced for a specific type of KSD. Such diets are available from Eukanuba, Royal canin, Hills, and Purina. In addition, at first you will have to have your urine tested once a month, and with significant improvement - once every six months. This is necessary in order to stop the complication in time: ICD - chronic illness, and a single attack suggests that it is necessary to support the dog throughout its life (read further).

Content:

Urothiliasis (ICD, urolithiasis) is characterized by the formation of a sediment of insoluble salts, mainly in the kidneys. Concrete stones are formed in the form of sand or stones. The dog develops stranguria - painful urination, pollakiuria - frequent urge. The pet becomes unclean, leaving puddles everywhere. KSD is a disease that is difficult to treat. Up to 15% of dogs suffer from this disease. Pathology occurs when the pH of urine shifts to the alkaline or acidic side. Males suffer more often than females due to the anatomical uniqueness of the structure of the urethra.

Types of stones

In dogs they predominate the following types uroliths:

• Cystines.
• Oxalates.
• Struvite (triple phosphates).
• Urats.

Cystines

Cystine stones are formed as a result of a hereditary anomaly. The amino acid precipitates in acidic urine. Dachshunds, Bulldogs, Newfoundlands are predisposed. Among dogs with undisturbed heredity, this is the most rare view urotiliasis.

Oxalates

Stones from oxalic acid salts form in acidified urine. The stones quickly crystallize, have a branched structure and sharp edges. The stones are characterized by increased hardness. They are difficult to dissolve with medication. The provoking factor is:

• Excess protein.
• Fluid deficiency.
• Individual predisposition.

Struvite

Formed in alkaline urine. They are a mixture of Phosphorus, Magnesium and Calcium salts.

Urine gradually washes away small pebbles that move along the ureters, injuring them, causing bleeding and pain in the dog.

When the urinary canal is blocked by urolith, urine stagnates and putrefactive microbes develop. Toxic metabolites are released. This condition can lead to the death of the dog.

Urats

Stones are formed as a result of crystallization of uric acid salts. They occur against the background of protein overfeeding, especially defective proteins and lack of water.

Causes

The following predisposing factors for the occurrence of urolithiasis in dogs have been established:

• Urogenital infections.
• Unbalanced diet for dogs.
• Congenital anomalies.
• A combination of factors.

Urogenital infections.

An infection, mainly Staphylococcus, enters the urinary canals with blood or lymph. Their metabolites affect the pH of urine, which reduces the solubility of salts, causing crystallization of stones. The embryo of a microlith is any solid formation, for example, a dead cell.

Unbalanced diet

The occurrence of pathology is provoked by loving owners who feed the dog with leftovers from their dinner and delicacies. If you feed your pet only meat or other protein foods, the urine becomes acidic and the preconditions for the formation of stones arise. The same result is caused by the stinginess of the owners, who try to reduce the cost of the dog’s diet through low-quality offal - chicken paws or kaltykov. Those who like to cook porridge from derti often purchase products contaminated with mycotoxins, which also contributes to the occurrence of pathology. Excessive use porridge and potatoes leads to protein deficiency and alkalinizes the urine.

Fluid and salt exchange disorders.

It occurs as a result of water shortage or poor quality. Tap water is often oversaturated with calcium and magnesium salts. If the water in the bowl is rarely changed, algae and bacteria develop in it, the pH shifts to the alkaline side, and toxins accumulate. If the dog refuses to drink, the concentration of salts increases, leading to their crystallization.

Irregular walking leads to disruption of the metabolism of salts and moisture. A dog living in an apartment is taught to endure, the urine stagnates, and sediment forms. Reduced loads cause obesity, edema, prolonged presence of urine in urinary canals, which promotes the formation of stones.

Congenital anomalies

Man changed the dog's genotype and created breeds predisposed to hereditary diseases. Yorkies and Schnauzers are predisposed to struvite ICD, Pekingese and Shih Tzus are predisposed to oxalate, and Dalmatians are predisposed to urate. Cystine stones are formed mainly in males English bulldogs, Bassets and Dachshunds.

Set of factors

The combination of the above reasons for the formation of stones increases the risk of developing urolithiasis.

Symptoms

In mild cases of urolithiasis, the following symptoms are observed:

• Pollakiuria. The dog urinates frequently and little by little.
• Hematuria. The urine turns pink.
• Increased duration of urine flow.
• Increased licking of the genitals.

In severe cases of urolithiasis, the following signs are observed:

• Constant drip of urine.
• Urinary tenesmus. The dog is straining, trying to pee.
• Severe hematuria.
• Urine becomes foul-smelling.
• The dog whines while defecating.
• Urination occurs in an unusual position. The males sit down.
• Appetite disappears and thirst arises.
• Hyperthermia.

Signs of a life threat:

• Anuria. No urine is released.
• Collapse.
• Vomit.
• Coma.

Diagnostics

Early diagnosis ICD increases the chances of treatment success. The main search test is a detailed urine test. When stones are detected, their composition is determined using X-ray diffraction or crystallographic studies.

An ultrasound is required. Some stones are invisible with this method, so additional X-ray testing is performed.

Bacteriological tests of urine and vaginal smear help detect infectious agents. In this case, additional blood tests are prescribed - biochemical and clinical. Urolithiasis disease- the pathology is sluggish, so a month after the clinic disappears, the effectiveness of the treatment is checked. If positive results are obtained several times in a row, a preventive examination of the dog is carried out once every 6 months.

Treatment

The treatment concept is developed depending on the type of stones and consists of stopping the acute condition and implementing long-term therapy. An attack of ICD is eliminated using the following actions:

• Removing stagnant urine using a catheter.
• Eliminate urethral obstruction.
• Disinfect the urinary tract with antiseptic solutions.

Long-term therapy consists of conservative or surgical treatment. Non-surgical options are as follows:

• Dissolution of stones.
• Gradual removal of them from the urinary tract.
• Taking medications to prevent the formation of new stones.
• Transferring the dog to nutritional food, focused on the established type of stones.

Surgical treatment is indicated when conservative therapy is ineffective. If a large stone is blocking the flow of urine, it must be removed immediately.

If obstructions recur, the urethra is dilated or other ways of removing urine are formed. Males have to part with their penis. This operation allows you to prevent small pebbles from blocking the urine outflow channel, but it is not always possible to eliminate the cause of stone formation.

Therefore, treatment for urolithiasis can be lifelong.

Struvites, urates, and cystines can be dissolved; methods for solubilizing oxalates have not been developed.

Measures to combat soluble stones

Destruction methods are applicable for stones located in the bladder or kidneys. If conditionally pathogenic microbes are isolated during culture, antibiotic therapy is prescribed. The solubilization procedure is long-term use medicinal feeds that acidify urine. Excess Sodium acts as a diuretic, flushing the excretory channels. It is necessary to stop giving the dog food other than medicinal food.

Measures to combat insoluble stones

Stones are localized mainly in the bladder. If the formation of uroliths is high, they are surgically removed quarterly.

Prevention

Preventing the development of urolithiasis is as follows:

• Use fresh filtered water. It is necessary to change the contents of the drinking bowl twice a day, and more often if the container is located outside and the weather is hot. Rapidly developing bacteria, as well as algae, change the reaction of the environment to alkaline, which contributes to the formation of stones.
• If you take your dog on a picnic in hot weather, you shouldn’t forget a bowl and a container of water for your pet.
• If the dog is not sick, it is recommended to provide him with ready-made balanced food or learn how to prepare a diet.
• Dog suffering chronic urolithiasis forced to use only diet food, appointed veterinarian.
• Stop treating your pet with human delicacies, as well as food waste.
• They organize a walk, two trips to the street should last 30 minutes or more, the third should last at least an hour.
• Exercise is selected individually to prevent adynamia and overload.

Dogs suffering from chronic urolithiasis are best suited for long walks, without jumping or running, which causes the movement of stones. In this case, an attack accompanied by severe pain cannot be ruled out.

Despite the visible improvement, the course of treatment prescribed by the veterinarian should be followed to the end to prevent relapses.

Urolithiasis changes the life of the dog and its owner, turning him into caring person capable of compassion.

Urolithiasis in dogs (veterinarians call it urolithiasis) is quite common today. This is a serious disease, during the development and progression of which stones form in the kidneys and bladder. The size and mineral composition of the texture of uroliths can be very diverse and directly depend on individual characteristics pet's nutrition and regimen.

Definition and types of stones

Urolithiasis in dogs develops against the background of displacement chemical composition pet's urine is alkaline or acidic. As practice shows, crystallization of urine salts occurs in the lower section and in the bladder. It is quite rare for stones to form directly in the kidneys.

Veterinarians identify several different types stones that occur with urolithiasis:

1. Cystines. Stones of this type are most often found in representatives of such breeds as Dachshund, Bulldog and Newfoundland. Interestingly, the disease is also hereditary. As for other rocks, this type of stone is quite rare (less than 5% of all cases).
2. Oxalates. According to veterinarians, these are the most harmful of all types of stones, since they have the hardest structure. Stones of this type usually grow very quickly and do not dissolve well when using special medicines. And formations of this type also have sharp, uneven edges, which are additional reason discomfort and pain pet.
3. Phosphate type stones. These formations increase in size very quickly. However, they can be dissolved provided strict adherence special diet, which is prescribed to the dog by a veterinarian. In most cases, the root cause of the formation of stones of this type is various bacterial infections.
4. Stones mixed type or stones of several types at once. Treatment of urolithiasis in dogs in this case is complicated by the fact that different formations respond differently to treatment. To achieve positive result therapy, the dog owner must strictly follow all the veterinarian’s recommendations regarding the pet’s daily routine and nutrition (change food), even if some of them at first glance seem insignificant.

Causes and symptoms of the disease

Symptoms of urolithiasis in dogs manifest themselves in different ways and directly depend on the individual characteristics of the animal (gender, stage of development of the disease, localization of the process of stone formation).

The different stages of the ICD are characterized by different symptoms, by which the veterinarian determines the stage of the disease. But there are a number of “universal” signs, the manifestation of which indicates that stones have formed in the dog’s kidneys (usually in the bladder). If your pet exhibits the symptoms described below, you should immediately show it to a veterinarian:

1. The dog often pees, and in places that are not typical for it.
2. Blood streaks appear in the animal's urine, and late stages diseases, the animal sometimes pees with blood clots.
3. If stones have blocked the urinary tract, urine may be constantly released in small droplets. Most often, these signs of ICD are observed in male dogs.
4. When going to the toilet, the dog noticeably tenses up.
5. Complete lack of appetite. Even your favorite food does not arouse interest.
6. Sometimes urolithiasis in dogs is accompanied by vomiting with signs of pain.

Interestingly, the symptoms, like urolithiasis itself, appear in adulthood (3-5 years).

Owners of dog breeds such as dachshund, poodle, and Yorkshire terrier should be especially attentive to their pets, as they have a genetic predisposition to this disease.

The reasons for the development of this disease are different in all cases, but veterinarians still identify several main factors that provoke the formation of stones in the kidneys and bladder of animals:

1. Bacteria. They can very quickly change the acidity of urine, resulting in sediment. In addition to the formation of stones, bacteria provoke the development inflammatory processes in the lower urinary tract and the dog often gets sick.
2. The animal drinks little. For this reason, the concentration in his urine increases mineral salts, which then crystallize.
3. Nutritional features. It is believed that protein diet is optimal diet food for dogs. However, if you constantly feed your pet foods high in protein, then such a diet will bring more harm than health benefits. The food must be selected very carefully.
4. The main causes of ICD also include infrequent walking of the pet.

Features of disease diagnosis

KSD can only be diagnosed by examination by a veterinarian. If the dog's stones have already reached an impressive size, then they can be detected even by the most routine examination.

The condition of the urinary tract is checked in most cases when a catheter is used.

To get a more detailed picture of the course of the disease, especially if traces of blood were found in the urine, additional tests are prescribed:

1. Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity.
2. Analysis of urine.
3. X-ray examination. By the way, this type of diagnosis allows veterinarians to determine the type of stones in order to determine exactly how to treat the disease.

Types of treatment for urolithiasis in dogs

Today, urolithiasis in dogs is treated using several methods. The choice of treatment method directly depends on the degree of development of the disease and the age of the animal:

1. Magnetotherapy. This is one of the most popular and modern species treatment of urolithiasis in dogs, which does not involve surgical intervention. At the core this method treatment lies in physiotherapy, the use of which can not only dissolve stones, but also neutralize unpleasant symptoms diseases.
2. Homeopathy. Homeopathic medicines serve more as a measure to prevent the formation of new stones than to treat urolithiasis.
3. Hirudotherapy. Can be used on early stages diseases. This type of treatment is often used by doctors as one of the methods of preventing the disease, as well as in rehabilitation period after surgery.
4. Urethrotomy. This treatment method is necessary when the urinary tract is blocked by stones.
5. Urethrostomy. This treatment involves creating a new opening for urination. However, when using urethrostomy, castration of the dog is inevitable.
6. Surgical intervention. This last resort treatment of urolithiasis, which is used if the dog’s life is at risk.

Prevention methods

Competent prevention of a disease is always better than treatment, even for initial stage. Prevention of urolithiasis requires a comprehensive approach from the pet owner.

First of all, the owner must feed his four-legged friend balanced healthy diet.

For these purposes, you can also use special ready-made medicinal food, which is recommended by the veterinarian. In addition, you need to monitor your pet’s weight; a special balanced diet. The most best prevention Urolithiasis in dogs is the control of fluid intake by the animal.

Food, especially synthetic food, contains phosphates, an increased concentration in the urine of which causes the formation of stones, as well as the appearance of traces of blood in the urine.

More fresh air, as well as increased physical activity- this is the best prevention not only of ICD, but also of most other animal diseases.

Types of food for dogs with urolithiasis

Proper balanced nutrition is the main guarantee of health. If dog food is chosen incorrectly, this can cause not only ICD, but also other more serious illnesses. Available for dogs with urolithiasis special food With reduced content phosphorus. Eating food high in protein will help reduce the load on the liver.

You should only feed a sick dog fresh products. And one more thing - the food should not contain a large number of calcium. After all, this element oxidizes urine and provokes the formation of stones.

Lifestyle of a dog suffering from urolithiasis

To prevent the formation of new stones, the owner must monitor not only the dog’s diet, but also the dog’s lifestyle. To do this, you should adhere to the following recommendations:

1. First of all, there must be a balanced diet, which includes only fresh food. The dog should eat high-calorie foods to avoid large food intake. It is worth considering that the food recommended by the doctor may differ greatly from the dog’s usual food. It is worth completely eliminating meat, liver and calcium supplements from your diet.
2. You can feed a sick dog only according to a schedule developed by the attending physician, depending on the individual characteristics of the dog.
3. Your pet should always have fresh water in sufficient quantity.
4. The dog must not be overloaded physical activity, you can just increase hiking in the fresh air.

Approximately one sixth of domestic dogs are diagnosed with urolithiasis. The danger of the disease is that it quickly deteriorates the pet’s health, so you need to respond to its symptoms immediately. A timely visit to the veterinarian will save your pet’s life and save him from suffering.

Stones or sand that form in the organs of the urinary system occur due to a violation of the chemical composition of urine. The shift can occur in the acidic or alkaline direction, therefore the stones will differ in composition.

Most often, the problem occurs in the urethra or bladder. The composition of stones in dogs is as follows:

Oxalates are the most dangerous stones.

Soft tissue injury

The appearance of stones, their movement along urinary tract leads to soft tissue injury. That's why bloody issues when urinating, the dog owner should be alerted. Sometimes large stone deposits block the ureter.

When urinating, bloody discharge appears.

If the animal does not receive quick help, his death is possible due to general intoxication of the body. If obstruction is suspected, contact a veterinarian should be urgent!

Causes of stones

A dog drinking water from a puddle can get urolithiasis.

Of the main factors that lead to the appearance of sand and stones, several of the most common can be identified:

• Infectious diseases . These can be diseases not only of the urinary system, but also other infections that change the blood picture.
• Water very often causes the appearance of stones in the dog’s body. Very important for the animal drinking regime and water quality. It is recommended to give your pet purified water and place the water container in an accessible place.
• Rare walks outdoors lead to stagnation of urine, and this causes deposition and crystallization of salts. If the animal lives in an apartment, you need to go for walks with it more often.
• Obesity and sedentary lifestyle pet's life - a direct path to swelling and stagnation of urine.
• Improper feeding . Many pet owners make the mistake of purchasing dry food and adding it to the diet from natural products. The food should be either completely natural or consist of dry food and canned food for animals. Mixing various types food is unacceptable. It is also impossible to feed only fish and meat. Protein food oxidizes urine and kidneys. Porridge alone is also unacceptable in the diet. Carbohydrates cause urine to become alkaline.
• Bad heredity , certain congenital pathologies.

The risk of developing urolithiasis increases many times over if several are present at once. unfavorable factors from the above list.

Symptoms

Obvious symptoms of the disease are noticed by almost all dog owners who carefully observe the life of their pet. For urolithiasis characteristic features are:

1. Frequent urge to urinate . If the dog is not allowed outside, it begins to urinate in small portions and anywhere indoors.
2. The color of urine should definitely alert you . The urine may become cloudy and change color to pale pink. Drops of blood can be seen on the floor or ground.
3. Male dogs change their usual behavior when urinating : They begin to sit down and stop raising their paw. Bitches sit down repeatedly, but urine either does not flow out, or its discharge is very scanty. During defecation, the animal may look tense, frightened, sometimes whine, etc.
4. If a stone or sand interferes with normal bowel movements or completely blocks the ureter, this is can be seen by the tight stomach , which the animal does not allow to touch. The pet refuses to eat, but drinks more than usual, and a fever appears. You should contact a veterinary hospital immediately!

Frequent urination is the main symptom of the disease.

Almost none of the owners notice the early symptoms of ICD. Dogs cannot tell about the discomfort that occurs. The disease develops long time, which is why it is so important to periodically visit the veterinarian and get tested. This will help you notice the problem in time and begin its treatment.

Necessary diagnostics

A blood test is necessary for diagnosis.

Additionally, to clarify the condition of the kidneys and all organs of the urinary system, as well as the size of the stones, you will have to undergo an ultrasound. Some types of stones cannot be diagnosed with ultrasound. In this case, an x-ray is prescribed.

To identify a bacterial infection, a smear is done on the flora. tell the vet about general condition four-legged patient.

Treatment at home

Treatment measures can only be carried out after receiving an accurate diagnosis.

Having learned accurate diagnosis, treatment should begin.

Dissolving stones

Some types of stones (struvite, urate and cystine) can be dissolved.

1. Struvite stones can be dissolved, if the animal is transferred to a special diet.
2. For example, food from Purina and Hills leads to oxidation of urine, and struvite stones dissolve. Sodium is specially added to these feeds to improve urination. This leads to washing of the ureters and bladder and salts are eliminated faster.
3. If there is no bacterial infection, then switching to such a diet gives a visible effect after 5 days.
4. It is very important to strictly monitor the diet and not feed your pet with various goodies from your table! If a bacterial infection is present, additional antibiotic therapy is prescribed.
5. Complete dissolution of stones is a long process, taking about 3–4 months.

Purina food helps improve urination.

To monitor the healing process, it will be necessary to take a urine test of the animal and do an X-ray for the presence of stones in the urinary tract. If the diagnostic results are good, then urine monitoring is carried out Once every 3 months.

Operation

If your dog has completely stopped urinating, go to the vet immediately!

If surgery is scheduled, you should not refuse it.

He will be able to remove the obstructing stone and help the animal empty itself. For certain types stones are the only way out - surgery. Therefore, if a specialist prescribes surgery, there is no need to refuse it. This is the only way to save your pet's life. Some stones can be pushed back into the bladder, but the risk of re-blockage remains quite high.

Prevention and dietary nutrition

The dog should always have access to clean water.

To prevent repeated relapses of the disease, the following recommendations must be followed:

1. Constant access of the dog to drinking purified water.
2. Frequently walk the animal so that the urine is emptied in a timely manner.
3. The loads should not be excessive, but the animal should not lie down all the time. A sedentary lifestyle causes even greater stagnation, which leads to the progression of the disease. Sick dogs are recommended to take long, quiet walks or run on level ground. It is best not to force your dog to jump, otherwise you may disturb the stones and cause them to move.
4. Correct selection of feed, depending on the type of stones and acidity of urine.
5. Controlling the animal's weight. The pet should not be overfed. Even if you use food recommended by a specialist, exceeding the daily norm is unacceptable. In order for your dog to eat in small portions, you should purchase high-calorie food. It is easily digestible and saturates the body with all essential minerals and microelements. Usually this is super-premium and premium food. When using a low-calorie diet for feeding, the pet requires a large portion, and with it it will receive excess minerals, which lead to urolithiasis.
6. If you decide to feed regular food, then it is necessary that the diet be prescribed by an experienced veterinarian nutritionist. The menu should not contain: sweets, smoked and salty dishes, sausages. Meat, cereals and dairy products should not be in excess quantities. Fish dishes– only boiled and maximum 1 time per week.

conclusions

You should have your urine tested periodically.

The success of treating urolithiasis depends on early detection Problems, correct diagnosis, treatment and full compliance with all veterinarian recommendations. The disease is prone to relapse, so periodic monitoring of urine is mandatory.

Video about urolithiasis in dogs