Antibiotics For Bladder Stones
Bladder infections are a common cause of struvite bladder stones. If your dog is suffering from struvite stones, your vet may prescribe antibiotics to treat his or her bladder infection. In the case of struvite stones, its essential to treat the underlying issue that caused them, as well as the stones themselves. If the condition at fault is left untreated, your dog could develop struvite stones again.
Signs & Symptoms Of Bladder Stones In Dogs
Dogs with very small bladder stones will not always exhibit symptoms. Often, these small stones will pass through the urinary tract without being noticed, especially in female dogs. However, larger stones may interfere with urination or irritate the lining of the bladder or urethra. Signs and symptoms include:
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Discomfort and difficulty urinating
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Urinating small amounts very frequently
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Blood in the urine
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Pain in the abdomen around the kidney area
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Change in energy level
Its important to note that not all of these symptoms may present themselves. Pain may be the only indicator that bladder stones are present, so it can be difficult to diagnose.
Its nonetheless important to figure out if your dog is suffering from this ailment: if left untreated, stones can cause blockages, chronic urinary tract infections, and be potentially life-threatening.
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Q: How Common Are Cystine Bladder Stones
A: While bladder stones in general are somewhat common in dogs, cystine bladder stones are rare. Based on laboratory analysis of stones submitted to a national veterinary urolith center, cystine uroliths were most commonly diagnosed in male dogs while only 2% of the dogs diagnosed with cystine bladder stones were female.
“symptoms of bladder stones are very similar to the symptoms of an uncomplicated bladder infection or cystitis”
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Homemade Dog Food For Cystine Stones
If your dog has been diagnosed with cystine stones, you may be wondering what to feed him.
The best dog food for cystine stones is a high-quality, low-fat diet that provides adequate protein and fiber to promote healthy digestion.
If youre interested in making homemade dog food for your pet, our recipe below offers a tasty alternative to commercial foods.
Comparison Chart: Urolithiasis Diets For Dogs
Whether youre dealing with struvite, calcium oxalate, urate or even cystine uroliths, this chart can help you find a therapeutic canine diet for stone-prone veterinary patients.
Rock climbing: good. Rock ‘n’ roll: good. Pop Rocks: very good.
Bladder rocks: not so good.
And the cats!
You can check out our comparison chart for feline urolithiasis diets at dvm360.com/caturolithdiets.
When mineral crystals in a dog’s urine aggregate to form uroliths, they can become large enough to cause hematuria, dysuria and even partial or full obstruction of the urinary tract.
Though the exact mechanisms behind urolithiasis are not yet completely understood in dogs , these two factors are a must: sufficiently high urine concentrations of the substances that form uroliths, and slower movement of crystals within the urinary tract.1 The development of some stones is also affected by factors like diet, genetics, infection and medications.1
Though diet can be a contributing factor in stone formation, it can also be part of treatment and prevention. Knowing a urolith’s chemical composition is key. The most common canine uroliths include:
Struvite : Struvite stones top the list of common canine uroliths and are typically caused by urinary tract infections. They are the only stones that can be completely dissolved via therapeutic diet.
Urate: Ammonium urate stones are most frequently found in Dalmatians and in dogs with congenital portosystemic vascular shunts.1
Information chart
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Dr Harveys Canine Health
Main Ingredients: Organic Rolled Oats, Organic Barley, Organic Triticale, Organic Spelt, Organic Brown Rice
Made with whole foods, free of wheat, corn, soy, and any sort of by-products, this food will quickly become your dogs favorite. The unique freeze-dried texture is suitable for dogs who prefer kibbles but also need some forced moisture. Its free of ingredients such as meat and dairy that could cause urate, purine, oxalate, or struvite stones. It is perfect for diluting the urine to get rid of bladder stones.
What Is The Difference Between Cysteine And Cystine
Both these amino acids contain sulfur. Despite their similarities, each of this amino acid is responsible for different tasks in the body. Cystine is usually regarded as a semi-essential amino acid whereas Cysteine is a non-essential amino acid. This is the main difference between cystine and cysteine.
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Working Towards A Sustainable Future
Our belief that pets make our world better inspires and gives life to our purpose of making a better A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS
- Ingredients
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Brewers rice, corn, wheat, egg product, chicken fat, corn gluten meal, natural flavors, wheat gluten, monocalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, fish oil, fructooligosaccharides, salt, vitamins , taurine, L-lysine, potassium citrate, trace minerals , choline chloride, GLA safflower oil, marigold extract , L-carnitine, rosemary extract, preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid.
Calorie Content
This diet contains 3729 kilocalories of metabolizable energy per kilogram or 339 kilocalories ME per cup on an as fed basis .
- Guaranteed Analysis
What Are Bladder Stones
Urine is produced in the kidneys, stored in the bladder and runs out of the body through the urethra tube. Urine carries away water, dissolved protein waste and excess minerals. The problems occur when there are more waste materials than can be dissolved and this is when stones may form. These stones can then block the urine passage, meaning that urine and waste elements are forced to stay in the bladder.
Also Check: Can A Bladder Infection Cause Incontinence
Castor & Pollux Organix Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Wholesome natural ingredients are the most digestible for your dog and improved digestibility means that he gets more nutrition from the food he eats.
This Castor & Pollux Organix Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Canned Food is a nutrient-rich and highly digestible recipe because it features a selection of organic ingredients.
This USDA certified organic formula also includes minimally processed fruits and vegetables to provide natural sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat support, plus optimal levels of calcium and phosphorus for bone and joint health. It is also crafted in small batches to ensure optimal nutrition and is completely free from corn, wheat, soy, and artificial additives.
- Pros: Rich in moisture and wholesome natural ingredients, certified organic ingredients, rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, rich in antioxidants for urinary health
- Cons: Somewhat more expensive than the average canned food
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Urate Or Purine Stones
Of the remaining stone categories, urate or purine stones are the most common. They contain ammonium acid urate, sodium urate, or uric acid.
Only 6 to 8 percent of all uroliths are urate or purine stones, but their presence in certain breeds is significant. Dalmatians, English Bulldogs, Russian Black Terriers, Large Munsterlanders, Weimaraners, German Shepherd Dogs, Giant Schnauzers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Australian Shepherds, and South African Boerboels develop urates because of a genetic metabolic abnormality. Miniature Schnauzers and Yorkshire Terriers do so as a result of their tendency to have portosystemic shunts, which are abnormal blood vessels that bypass the liver, predisposing dogs to urate stones. These stones can form in dogs of any age, from very young puppies to seniors, but the most common age for forming urates is 1 to 4 years.
Of the breeds that develop urate stones, Dalmatians are most adversely affected. Between 1981 and 2000, the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine’s Minnesota Urolith Center analyzed 7,560 stones from Dalmatians. Of these, 97 percent were from males and 95 percent were composed of urates. It’s estimated that between 27 and 34 percent of male Dalmatians form urate stones, while the incidence in females is much lower.
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Holistic Dog Treatments 02
âWhat are bladder stones?
Bladder stones form from crystals in the urine of dogs. There are 4 types of bladder stones- calcium oxalate, struvite, cystine and urate. Crystals form from the mineral salts that are excreted by the kidneys into the urine. This is a natural function of the kidneys, but over time in some dogs, the crystals attach to each other and form stones. This is not an instant process so owners are rarely aware of bladder stones until their dog begins showing symptoms.
What are the symptoms of bladder stones?
What causes bladder stones?
It is commonly believed that the type of food your dog eats can cause bladder stones. In fact, this is not true. We use diet to manage the condition, but the cause is dependent on the type of stones.
Cystine stones for instance result from an inherited defect in âbully breedsâ due to excess secretion of the amino acid cystine into the urine.
Dalmatians have an inherited defect in amino acid metabolism that causes urate stones to form in the bladder.
Dogs with liver shunts are also prone to urate stone production in their bladders.
The most common stone types are calcium oxalate and struvite stones. 60% of cases of calcium oxalate are found in the Bichon Frise, Lhasa Opso, Miniature Schnauzer, Miniature Poodle, Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier breeds.
This suggests some inherited disorder that promotes calcium oxalate crystal and stone formation in the bladder.
How are bladder stones diagnosed?
How To Care For Dog With Urinary Stones
- If a urinary tract infection or urolith/urinary stone is suspected, a visit to the veterinarian is essential. The urine can be analyzed right in the veterinary clinic by using a dipstick test, checking the sediment under the microscope, and measuring the urinary specific gravity, initial important information can be obtained. Further information can be obtained by way of diagnostic imaging , urine cultivation, and even analysis of surgically removed stones. On the basis of information, the veterinarian will choose a suitable treatment.
- Prescribing and adhering to a special veterinary diet is extremely important. Ideally, the dog will eat no other food or treats, which could create an environment conducive to the formation of urinary stones, thereby negating the effects of the therapeutic diet.
- Ensure that the dog gets enough to drink they must have plenty of fresh water available at all times.
- Walk the dog frequently at least every six hours, to ensure that urine does not sit in the bladder or urethra, which could cause crystals to form.
- Go for regular checkups and adjust the treatment/diet based on the animals current condition.
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Use Herbs For Bladder Stones
There are several herbs that can help manage bladder stones. Canine Herbalist Rita Hogans protocol below helped her own dog avoid surgery.
When Rita adopted her dog Francis, she had bad bladder stones. Vets recommended surgery. Instead, Rita fed her a raw diet, and gave her the herbal blend below. Within three weeks the stones were gone.
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Emergency/Acute Herbal Blend For Bladder Stones
Rita Hogan advises giving this blend when your dog has acute bladder stone symptoms. This formula works both both struvite and oxalate stones.
Mix together tinctures in the following proportions:
Cleavers leaf and flower tincture 15%Nettle leaf tincture 20%Yarrow flowers and leaf tincture 5%
Dosage: Give 3 drops 3 times daily for every 10 lbs of body weight.
Caution: Do not use this blend for dogs with kidney or liver disease, or for pregnant dogs.
Healing Herbal Infusions For Bladder Stones
Once your dogs acute symptoms resolve, Rita recommends either a hot or cold infusion using her recipes below. These will support ongoing healing for your dog.
Hot Infusion
Mix equal amounts of the herbs below. Add 2 Tbsp of dried herb to 8 ounces of almost boiling water. Let it steep for 45 minutes. Strain and cool before using. This blend keeps for 2 days in refrigerator. After that make a new batch.
Nettle leaf
Dose: Give 1/8 cup per every 10 pounds of body weight over food 2x daily.
Cold Infusion
Other Herbal Options
What To Look For In A Good Dog Food For Bladder Stones
When choosing a dog bladder stones diet, there are two primary goals to focus on. The first is to dilute the urine with an increase in moisture intake. Diluting the urine helps prevent stones from forming.
The second goal is to reduce the intake of compounds which make up bladder stones. To choose the best dog food for bladder stones, you may need your veterinarian to perform tests to identify the type of stone so you know what foods your dog should avoid.
If your veterinarian is able to identify which type of stone your dog has, he may recommend a therapeutic diet. If youre simply looking to reduce stone formation or prevent bladder stones, however, there are a few things to look for in a dog bladder stones diet:
Remember, there is a difference between diets made to dissolve bladder stones and diets made to prevent them. If your veterinarian recommends a therapeutic diet for a specific type of stone, that is your best bet.
Keep in mind that, in order for dietary dissolution of bladder stones to work, you need to feed your dog the special diet exclusively. This means no treats and no supplements while your dog is on the diet unless they are approved by your vet.
Now that you have a better understanding of bladder stones in dogs and what causes them, youre ready to start shopping for a dog bladder stones diet! Take what youve learned here to start shopping around or simply choose one of our top dog food picks above. Best of luck to you and your dog!
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Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Renal Support D Canned Dog Food
Main Ingredients: Water, Chicken by-products, Pork Liver, Wheat Flour, Corn Flour
D is for delicious in this kidney supportive formula designed for picky eaters. The soft gravy formula is calorie-dense and designed for adult dogs whove lost their hearty appetite, which is especially helpful for those dogs who just dont eat much anymore.
It contains fatty acids from fish oil along with the lower phosphorus levels necessary for dogs with compromised kidneys. This veterinary prescribed meal can be served on its own or as a topper.
What Are The Causes Of Bladder Stones In Dogs
- Bladder stones are exactly what they sound, in general they are small stones that form in the urinary tract.
- These stones comprise different minerals and can range in size from sand-like grains to pebble stones.
- In dogs that have bladder stones, it is typical for them to have stones of various sizes at exactly the same time.
- Stones from the bladder begin as microscopic crystals that aggregate into stones over time.
- Bladder stones are usually composed of struvite, calcium oxalate, urate or cystine crystals.
- Stones can also form in the gallbladder or kidneys, although they are more frequently found in the urinary tract.
- Gallstones that form in the gallbladder usually include bile salts while kidney stones are usually composed of calcium and calcium oxalate.
- You also need to know that although the bladder and kidneys are part of the urinary tract, kidney stones and kidney stones come out independently.
Listed below are some of the most common kidney stones in dog symptoms:
- Forcing yourself to urinate
Since not many dogs show signs of kidney stones in the early stages, you may not even realize your dog has them before his next vet appointment.
However, it is very important to know that your dogs are at risk of developing kidney stones and also to pay attention to the symptoms.
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Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good For Dogs With Bladder Stones
Some pet parents reach for apple cider vinegar in hopes of acidifying their companions urine. But this is not necessarily a good idea. I wouldnt add anything to increase the acidity of a diet without the supervision of a veterinarian, says Jeffrey, whose professional interests include preventative care.
Food That Contains An Abundant Amount Of Vitamin C:
Vitamin C is an important antioxidant and very helpful for humans and pets. It is a harmful free ingredient, which helps to reduce inflammation and cognitive aging. Dogs synthesize vitamin c in their own, and when there is vitamin c deficiency in the body, then supplementation may offer. Besides these benefits, vitamin c is also the cause of kidney stones gradually.
According to Dr. Richard Pitcairn informs giving 100 500 mg of vitamin c is recommended for dogs. This dose may vary from puppy to dogs. Over Feeding of vitamin c can also cause looseness of the bowels and that singular resistance levels change.
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Hills Prescription Diet C/d Multi
Easily one of the most popular brands of prescription pet food, Hills is a company that many veterinarians trust. If youre looking for a prescription canned food that is formulated to support your dogs urinary health, consider this Hills Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care Chicken & Vegetable Stew.
Here are the main options for treating bladder stones:
Dietary dissolution is the preferred treatment for many veterinarians because it is non-invasive and it can help prevent stones from reforming in the future. Keep in mind that not all stones can be dissolved through dietary changes youll need to ask your vet if it is possible.
Dietary dissolution can also be a fairly slow process, taking weeks or months to dissolve a large stone. If your dog is at risk for urethral obstruction during this time, you may want to take a more direct approach to treatment.