The most common uroliths that form in dogs are:
Tripelphosphates (magnesium ammonium phosphate)
Calcium oxalate
Salt uric acid
Less common uroliths include cystine, silica, calcium phosphate, and xanthine.
Most often found in dogs are Struvite or tripelphosphates. In most cases, these stones are formed due to an infection in the urinary system. Microflora is more often represented coli, Proteus, staphylococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, etc. When urine is contaminated with bacteria, their accumulations adhere to the epithelium Bladder and form microcolonies. During their life, microbes secrete the enzyme urease into the urine. Under the influence of the enzyme urease, the acidity of urine increases, which creates favorable conditions for struvite crystallization. Sterile struvite uroliths are very rare to form in dogs, but they have been found in the breed English cocker spaniels, which may indicate a genetic predisposition.
Treatment of urolithiasis in dogs
Therapeutic measures depend on the location of the urinary calculus, its chemical composition, as well as on the individual characteristics of the body. Most often it involves dissolving crystals or stones, and if there is no response to conservative treatment surgical removal of large stones is used.
Before starting treatment comprehensive examination patient. This includes a clinical examination, clinical and biochemical tests blood, urine analysis, urine culture to determine the sensitivity of microflora to antibiotics, ultrasonography, X-ray to determine the size of large stones.
Dissolution of struvite stones
Drugs are used to reduce urine acidity levels below 6.0, but individually selected ones are more often used. dietary rations, which promote the dissolution of struvite. In dogs consuming these diets, the amount of protein, phosphate and magnesium entering the body is reduced and the amount of sodium increases. As a result of consumption of this diet, the volume of urine excreted increases, the urine becomes unsaturated, and this is an unfavorable environment for crystallization. When taking specialized diets, it is not recommended to eat other foods or treats, but access to drinking water must be open 24/7.
Antibacterial therapy
For selection antibacterial therapy It is necessary to carry out laboratory culture of urine to determine sensitivity to antibiotics. Most staphylococci and Proteus are sensitive to amoxicillin. A urease inhibitor (acetohydroxamic acid) is used when resistance to antibiotics develops; it blocks the urease enzyme, resulting in acidification of the urine and subsequent dissolution of struvite.
After four weeks of treatment, a repeated comprehensive examination is carried out, which includes blood biochemistry, urine analysis, ultrasound and x-rays. After treatment, urine acidity should normalize: 6.0-6.5, specific gravity should be no more than 1.025. The radiograph shows a decrease in size of the stones. With positive dynamics, treatment can last up to 20 weeks, but a follow-up examination is required every 4 weeks. Stones that do not decrease in size after 8 weeks may not be struvite or the feeding regimen is not being followed. Such stones must be surgically removed.
Prevention
The main method of preventing the formation of struvite stones is to maintain sterile urine, so it is important to have your pet's urine tested periodically. If fresh urine has alkaline reaction, urine culture must be done and the animal must be treated based on the results of the analysis.
It is also important to carry out periodic preventive examinations after the stones have dissolved. the main objective is to prevent the development of urinary tract infections by urease-producing microbes. A diet is also used to maintain normal urine acidity and urine acidity must be monitored weekly in the morning after an overnight fast; owners conduct this study on their own.
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 urges. 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 by using low-quality by-products - chicken paws or kaltyks. Those who like to cook porridge from derti often purchase products contaminated with mycotoxins, which also contributes to the occurrence of pathology. Excessive consumption of cereals 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 alkaline side, 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 the urinary canals, which contributes to 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 male 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.
At severe course urolithiasis is observed following signs:
- 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 you receive several times in a row positive results, 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 acute condition and implementation of 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 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 the long-term use of medicinal feed that acidifies 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 eat only dietary food prescribed by a 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 a caring person capable of compassion.
Definitions of the concept " urolithiasis disease“You can give a lot. To put it simply, its essence is this: due to metabolic disorders in the body of dogs and cats, stones called uroliths or calculi form in the urine and urinary tract.
Urine is a complex solution that is necessary environment to remove waste products from the body. Metabolic products (urea and creatinine) are excreted in the urine. minerals(calcium, magnesium, phosphate), electrolytes (sodium and potassium), water, urine pH varies depending on homeostatic maintenance acid-base balance. Any deviations from the norm can lead to the development of urolithiasis in animals. Mechanical blockage urinary tract stones and is the cause of urolithiasis. Stones can form both in the kidneys and in the urinary tract, but the clinical symptoms of urolithiasis are associated specifically with urinary tract disease.
Diagnosis. Urolithiasis is diagnosed when stones are detected in fresh urine, in the bladder through ultrasound or x-ray examination and stones are detected during surgery to remove them. The presence of stones in urine that has stood for more than an hour does not give grounds to draw a conclusion about urolithiasis, since uroliths can precipitate as a result of natural chemical reactions.
Uroliths vary greatly in composition - from homogeneous (cystines) to a complex mixture of minerals and even minerals and proteins. They also differ in appearance - from soft deposits of sandy material (mucoid plugs), which are mainly observed in cats and consist of a protein-like shell filled with mineral content, to hard, smooth or uneven stones, consisting mainly of minerals and small matrices. We will not describe in detail the properties of each of the stones; this is not the purpose of this article. Fellow veterinarians engaged in in-depth study of this problem can refer to the relevant manuals.
The formation of stones occurs for the following reasons:
1. If the concentration of urolith components in the urine is higher than the possibility of their dissolution and excretion without the formation of a crystal.
2. Some types of crystals are sensitive to urine pH. Thus, struvite is formed only in alkaline urine (PH> 7.0). Calcium oxalates are generally not sensitive to urine pH.
3. The formation of large crystals that can cause obstruction (blockage) of the urinary tract should occur very quickly, because When crystals form slowly, they are washed out of the bladder before they can cause harm.
4. The presence of a nucleus (base) to begin the formation of a large urolith. These may be cell remains suture material, bacteria and, according to some sources, viruses.
5. Some bacterial infections can contribute to the development of urolithiasis. Thus, some bladder infections contribute to the development of struvite-type urolithiasis in dogs (especially in bitches and puppies in the first year of life).
Clinical symptoms of urolithiasis
The presence of uroliths in the urinary tract can cause clinical symptoms that may or may not be noticed by the pet owner. This is especially true for cats, since they hide from their owners and their owners do not always see their act of urination. The main clinical symptom is the inability to urinate naturally or urination is difficult.
In this case, the animal often sits down (male cats, females) or raises its paw (males), tries to urinate, whines, cries, urine is released in drops, often with blood.
Palpation of the abdomen establishes the presence of a full bladder. This procedure in cats it can always be done, in dogs it can sometimes be palpated abdominal wall extremely difficult due to the tense powerful muscles of the abdominal wall.
There are several degrees of urolithiasis:
1. Subclinical urolithiasis. There may be no symptoms associated with the presence of uroliths in the urinary tract. Struvite, calcium oxalate and other calcium-containing uroliths are radioopaque and are found on x-rays. A urine test may show increased content crystals and atypical urine pH. These uroliths are usually struvite and sometimes calcium oxalate. Calcium oxalate stones often have a very rough surface and can cause mild to severe symptoms of urinary tract inflammation, while smooth struvite or cystine stones often cause no clinical symptoms at all. Nephroliths rarely cause clinical symptoms other than hematuria until they move into the ureter, causing obstruction (blockage) and hydronephrosis.
2. Mild symptoms of urolithiasis:
- Slight increase in urinary frequency
- Mild hematuria - blood staining
- Slight increase in urination time
- Slight discomfort during urination
- Increased licking of the genitals
3. Severe symptoms:
- Pollakiuria - cats almost never leave their toilet, dogs constantly leak drops of urine
- Urinary tenesmus (to be distinguished from constipation)
- Severe hematuria - obvious blood in the urine
- Severe discomfort when urinating - vocalization and obvious pain
- On palpation, the bladder is greatly distended
- Polydipsia/polyuria in case of secondary renal failure
- General depression and anorexia
4. Symptoms that threaten the animal's life:
- Anuria (lack of urination)
- Weakness/collapse
- Dehydration
- On palpation, the bladder may not be found if it has burst or is anuric (otherwise it feels like a dense mass)
- Uremic halitosis may be detected
- Vomit
- Convulsions
For appointment adequate treatment The veterinarian must be able to assess the degree of development of urolithiasis.
Diagnosis of urolithiasis
Urolithiasis is confirmed:
- Clinical symptoms
- Palpation of uroliths in the bladder in dogs (in cats they are difficult to palpate)
- Plain x-rays show radioopaque uroliths
- Contrast radiographs for radiolucent and small (less than 2 mm in diameter) uroliths
- Discharge of uroliths during urination (they can be collected in a net)
Radiography is necessary to determine radioopacity, location of deposition, number and size of uroliths. Usually stones are present in several places at once, so examination of all urinary tracts is necessary.
Rice. 1. Calcium oxalate crystals in urine
In cats, urolithiasis usually resolves with the formation of struvite (tripelphosphate), but in Lately cases of detection of calcium oxalates in the urine of cats and, even worse, mixed type urolithiasis, when both struvite and oxalates are present in the urine at a neutral urine pH level, have become more frequent. Many veterinarians neglect laboratory diagnostics, relying on the prevalence of struvite in cats. I think this approach is wrong.
In dogs, KSD can occur with the formation of all known uroliths, therefore, laboratory visual determination of the type of stones for dogs is very important for prescribing treatment. A 10-mL sample of fresh urine sediment should be microscopically examined immediately after collection at body temperature because time, cooling, or evaporation of the urine may accelerate crystal precipitation and produce false positive or paradoxical results. Most common crystals have a typical appearance in urine, and if their number is large, one can judge the composition of the urolith or, according to at least, its outer layer.
Rice. 2. Struvite
Rice. 3. Struvite and red blood cells in urine
Treatment of urolithiasis
The choice of the correct treatment depends on the location(s) of the uroliths:
Kidneys- nephroliths are very difficult to remove surgically, unless they are concentrated in one kidney. Then nephrectomy (kidney removal) is possible. With nephrolitas, the development of postrenal renal failure is possible. Dissolution of struvite uroliths is possible by prescribing a special diet.
Ureters- uroliths located in the ureters can be successfully removed surgically, but one should remember the possibility of developing postrenal renal failure.
Bladder- treatment depends on the type of uroliths. Struvite, urate, and sometimes cystine can be dissolved, and calcium oxalate and other calcium- and silica-containing uroliths can be removed surgically by conventional cystotomy (opening the bladder and removing stones).
Urethra- depending on how the uroliths lie, several types of treatment are used:
1) Manipulation - manual massage(often used for cats with sand plugs) or catheterization a small polyurethane catheter (for example, a special Jackson catheter for cats or a medical subclavian catheter with a diameter of 0.6 - 0.8 mm).
Despite the fact that catheterization is often used to displace or break up uroliths in cats and some breeds of dogs, this method of treatment is the most dangerous for the following reasons:
- it injures the tissue, which leads to fibrosis and scarring with subsequent narrowing of the urethra;
- causes infection in the urinary tract.
2) Retrograde urethral lavage followed by dissolution (struvite, urate and cystine) or cystotomy (calcium oxalates, other uroliths containing calcium and silicon dioxide) is the only method of treating urethral urolithiasis.
Method of retrograde washing out of urethral stones
The animal is given general anesthesia or strong sedatives. Then the following steps are performed:
- Empty the bladder by cystocentesis (puncture of the bladder through the abdominal wall)
- Through the rectum, fingers compress the urethra opposite the pubis, below the urolith (an assistant is needed for this)
- A sterile catheter is inserted into the distal urethra
- Secure the penile part of the urethra around the catheter
- A sterile saline solution is injected into the catheter through a syringe.
- When intraluminal pressure reaches desired point, the assistant removes his fingers and releases the urethra
- Under pressure saline solution urolith returns back to the bladder
- You can repeat the procedure several times
After retrograde lavage, recurrence of obstruction is very rare. This method, as a rule, is not used in cats; in males, this low-traumatic method is often recommended for use.
3) Urethrostomy used for males when manipulation or retrograde lavage has not been successful. A urethrostomy creates a permanent opening in the urethra. This method is used for recurrent obstructions of the penile urethra in cats and sometimes in males. Although this is the only method of treating animals with permanent urethral obstruction, it must be used with caution, because according to some data, in 17% of cases, urethrostomy in cats leads to postoperative urinary tract infection. In 10% of cats, urethrostomy and dietary changes also result in postoperative infection, while none of the cats treated with diet develop a urinary tract infection.
Dissolution
Struvite, urate and cystine stones can be dissolved. This is the only method for removing stones in animals with urolithiasis, not life-threatening. Dissolution is used for kidney or bladder stones. If a urinary tract infection is present, antibiotics are prescribed as part of treatment based on the results of urine culture and sensitivity testing. Treatment details are discussed below.
Struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate, tripel phosphates). To dissolve struvite stones, it is enough to strictly adhere to special veterinary diets. On Russian market they are represented quite widely, any veterinary clinic in Moscow and major cities Russia can offer a veterinary diet for your pet. We successfully use food from Purina (UR) and Hills (s/d, c/d).
These foods contribute to the acidification of urine, causing the dissolution of struvite. In addition, the increased sodium content in these diets stimulates diuresis (urination), which helps flush the bladder and speed up the elimination of accumulated salts. For uncomplicated bacterial infections urolithiasis treatment special diets brings positive results already 4-5 days after the start of treatment. It should be noted that contacting as early as possible veterinarian And early production diagnosis of urolithiasis promotes a speedy recovery of the animal and minimizes possible relapses of the disease. Great value has the owner's compliance with the animal's feeding regime. THE ANIMAL CANNOT BE GIVEN ANYTHING ELSE EXCEPT A SPECIAL DIET!!!
Quality control of treatment is carried out laboratory research urine and x-ray diagnosis of the presence of stones in the bladder. If there are no stones in the urine and in the photographs, the treatment is considered effective and the owner’s task in the future is a MANDATORY urine test at least once every six months. In our opinion, the optimal period for control testing is 3 months.
Laboratory assessment of urine pH, as well as the presence and analysis of urine sediment, determination of the type and quantity of urinary crystals.
Treatment of insoluble uroliths
-Calcium oxalates
Calcium oxalate uroliths are more common in certain breeds of dogs ( Yorkshire terriers and miniature schnauzers), and in last years they began to occur noticeably more often, especially in cats.
Unfortunately, this type of crystal is completely insoluble, and treatment of this type Urolithiasis is performed exclusively surgically, by removing stones from the bladder. Sometimes 3-4 operations per year are required if the intensity of oxalate formation is very high.
To prevent relapses, it is necessary to reduce the concentration of calcium and oxalates in the urine. Prevention is possible with special diets (Hills x/d, Eucanuba Oxalat Urinary Formula, etc.). I repeat. PREVENTION. But not the dissolution of oxalate stones!
-Calcium phosphates
Calcium phosphate crystalluria manifests itself in various forms: both in amorphous (calcium phosphates) and in the form of calcium hydrogen phosphates (brushite). These minerals are often present in mixed uroliths along with struvite, urate, or calcium oxalate. Most calcium phosphate crystals (with the exception of brushite) are sensitive to urine pH and form in alkaline urine.
A medical protocol for dissolving these uroliths has not yet been developed, so surgical removal and prevention of hypercalciuria (as in the case of calcium oxalate urolithiasis), but not urine alkalinization, are recommended.
-Silicon dioxide (silicates)
Silicate uroliths are rare in dogs. They are called "Jack stones." The etiopathogenesis of these uroliths is not completely clear, however, it is believed that the risk of the formation of these stones increases if the dog eats soil or types of vegetables contaminated with soil (rutabaga, beets). Personally, I have never encountered this type of urolithiasis.
At clinical symptoms The only treatment is surgical removal of the stones, and as a preventive measure it is recommended to ensure that the dog does not eat soil or vegetation contaminated with it.
Urolithiasis in dogs (UCD) occurs when sand or stones appear in the kidneys and bladder, blocking the urinary tract. The crystallization process leads to impaired diuresis, the animal suffers pain every time it tries to defecate. Excessive accumulation of urine leads to intoxication of the animal's body.
What is this?
If a dog owner notices that his pupil is making puddles on the sofa or carpet, he should urgently contact veterinary clinic. Timely diagnosis and correct treatment drugs can eliminate the disease and prolong the life of the animal.
According to statistics, 15% dogs of different ages suffer from urolithiasis, of which:
- 10% of young individuals under 3 years of age;
- 20% of animals up to 6 years old inclusive;
- the remaining 70% are older pets (over 6 years old).
Causes
Deposits in the organs of the urinary system of animals are formed against the background of changes in the chemical composition of urine. The liquid can become alkalized or oxidized, which affects the composition of the stones. More on the factors contributing to the formation of stones.
- Infections caused by bacteria or viruses.
Bitches most often develop stones due to urinary tract infection. Incorrect treatment or its absence leads to the accumulation of bacteria, deterioration of urination due to inflammation.
Bacterial infection is accompanied by the formation of struvite, consisting of ammonium phosphate, calcium carbonate and magnesium.
- Rarely walk your pet.
Short and infrequent walks outside lead to the dog emptying its bladder less often. Low physical activity of the animal contributes to the development of physical inactivity, which causes deterioration of blood circulation in the organs. Stagnant processes provoke the formation of stones in the bladder.
- Violation feeding.
An incorrectly formulated diet with a high percentage of protein and mineral salts promotes the development of ICD. Bran, soy products and fiber also increase the risk of stone formation in dogs.
Dry food and natural nutrition it is unacceptable to combine. A mixed diet contributes to the appearance of stones. Additionally, we recommend reading about
- Limit water consumption.
Some dog and cat owners do not leave water available to their pets. Animals get used to drinking rarely, but at the same time their urine becomes more concentrated. This is quite dangerous for the dog's health, as stones begin to form in the bladder or ducts.
- Genetic predisposition.
Some dog breeds are much more likely than others to see a veterinarian for difficulty urinating. For example, cystines are diagnosed in bulldogs and dachshunds. It is believed that the disease is inherited among them.
Small breeds of dogs are also more likely to experience urolithiasis. Their little bladder demands frequent bowel movements, but owners suffering from a lack of time do not provide them with proper walking.
- Features of the structure of the urinary tract.
There are significant differences in the structure of the urethra in females and males. The long urinary canal in males means that stones from the bladder that get into it cannot fall out on their own. Their advancement is accompanied by injury to the mucous membranes and inflammatory process. Males more often than females suffer from complete blockage of the ureter.
IMPORTANT!The risk of developing urolithiasis in a pet increases if several items from the above list are present at once.
Symptoms
What signs should alert a dog owner? Symptoms of ICD vary and depend on the stage of the process.
ATTENTION! Anuria (lack of discharge) can lead to rupture of the animal’s bladder, which can also be fatal.
The owner, noticing the symptoms , must provide timely treatment your dog. To do this, you should contact a veterinarian and undergo the necessary examinations.
Diagnostics
When the first symptoms appear, you should show your pet to a doctor. In addition to visual inspection and palpation, additional procedures will be required.
- X-ray or ultrasound dogs are needed to identify the location of the stone, its shape and dimensions.
- Analysis of urine helps determine the type of stones and presence infectious processes in an animal. You should not collect urine for testing in advance. Adequate results are obtained by analyzing fresh urine.
- Blood analysis will show general state canine body.
- Cystoscopy prescribed in emergency cases. The intervention is carried out under general anesthesia. First, the bladder is emptied using a catheter, washed, and then a cystoscope is inserted into the urethra. The device transmits an image of the internal surface to the monitor. The operation is more often performed on female dogs. Anatomical features male dogs make it difficult to intervene. The cystoscope must be inserted through a puncture in the wall of the bladder.
Treatment
If there are stones you will need A complex approach to therapy. Only a specialist knows how to treat an animal. He will determine the severity of the pathology and choose the necessary tactics.
Drugs
- If the dog is in critical condition, means are needed to maintain the functioning of the heart (Cordiamin, Sulphocamphocaine).
- To relieve spasms, antispasmodics are prescribed (Atropine, No-shpa, Papaverine hydrochloride).
- Analgesics (Baralgin, Pentalgin, Analgin) will help reduce pain. In the clinic at renal colic They can carry out a novocaine blockade.
- To stop bleeding in animals, Etamzilat is used.
- The addition of an infection requires the prescription of antibiotics (Furagin, Furadonin). If there is pus - "Neopen".
- Special drugs for the treatment of inflammation: “Stop-cystitis”, “Urotropin”, “Urodan”, “Kantaren”, “Urolex”.
- To support the dog's body it is prescribed infusion therapy(Nelit, Ringer-Locka and glucose).
- Probiotics (“Vetavit”) will help support the animal’s immunity.
Operation
Complete blockage of the canal requires surgical intervention. There are several types of surgeries performed on dogs:
- Urethrostomy, when through an opening in urethra stones are removed.
- Cystotomy - removal of stones is performed after opening the bladder.
- Urohydropropulsion is the pushing of stones from the urethra into the bladder.
Nutrition correction
When creating a menu, you should take into account the type of stones identified.
- For struvite stones it is necessary to reduce the amount of magnesium in the diet. Phosphorus content must comply with NRC standard. When acidification of urine occurs, struvite dissolves; the diet should lead to an increase in pH. Meat products and cereals can increase acidity, which will help eliminate stones. You cannot overfeed so as not to increase the phosphorus content.
The use of an acidifying diet should not be long-term. When the stones are completely dissolved, the diet is adjusted. Excessive acidification is dangerous due to the formation of another type of stones - oxalate. But alkalization is also dangerous: when returning to the original diet, a relapse is possible.
IMPORTANT! Prolonged acidification is dangerous due to demineralization of the dog’s bones.
- For urate stones it is necessary to reduce the amount of purines and protein in the diet. You can include dairy products, eggs, vegetables and grains in your diet. By-products, lean meats, fish, legumes, and asparagus are excluded from the diet. Be sure to adjust water consumption.
- When identifying cystine stones dairy products are removed from the diet. Eggs should also be excluded from the menu.
- There are cases when a dog is diagnosed mixed stones. In this situation, it is necessary to individually develop a diet by a specialist nutritionist. Medicinal food is produced only to correct the diet for common types of uroliths. At mixed type stones it is difficult to find ready-made food. Therefore, you cannot do without consulting a nutritionist.
Possible complications
The absence of urination for more than a day in an animal threatens death from a ruptured bladder and peritonitis that develops as a result. If the animal does not defecate, acute renal failure may develop. In this case, the body suffers from poisoning by decay products. Prolonged accumulation of urine leads to irreversible processes in the body and increases the likelihood of death.
Prevention
To prevent the risk of relapse and for prevention in dogs at risk, it is necessary to observe the following recommendations.
- Give the dog water sufficient quantity pure distilled or filtered water.
- Provide a pet living in an apartment with good physical activity, taking her out for walks more often.
What to feed?
Depending on the type of stones identified, the doctor will recommend dietary food for an animal. If store-bought food is prescribed, the dog should not also be fed treats from your table. Do not mix natural food and industrial canned food or dry food.
Some animals are reluctant to change their diet. Perseverance and patience are required. During the first days, you can feed your pet by hand. If the dog does not want canned food, they need to be slightly heated; if he refuses dry food, the balls should be slightly soaked in warm water.
REFERENCE! If the dog does not drink enough, add a few drops of milk, kefir or meat broth to the water.
How to choose medicinal food for prevention
When choosing ready-made feed For the animal, the following principles should be adhered to.
- High quality food is purchased. The animal should eat small portions. Easily digestible, high-calorie premium or super-premium food is suitable for this. If the food is low in calories, the pet will need a large portion to be satisfied, and this threatens an overabundance of minerals and contributes to the development of urolithiasis.
- When purchasing dog food, you should pay attention to phosphorus content. Its reduced content reduces the risk of stone formation.
- Calcium is necessary for young puppies, and for adult animals it high content in food is fraught with severe acidification of urine.
- Protein must be of high quality, but contained in the feed in small quantities. This will reduce the load on the animal's liver.
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