Does your pet have bladder stones? A tailored diet may help | Pet Peeves

Dear Readers,

Dogs and cats can suffer from a condition known as urolithiasis. Urolithiasis means ‘urine stones’. Urinary stones can form in the kidneys. This is the first thing we think of because it is the most common site in humans. But in dogs and cats we typically see urinary stones in the bladder. Because of this, the familiar term for urolithiasis in dogs and cats is bladder stones.

While diet and water consumption can have an effect on the presence of stones, the most likely predisposing factor is genetics. Some breeds are more prone to getting bladder stones than others.
While diet and water consumption can have an effect on the presence of stones, the most likely predisposing factor is genetics. Some breeds are more prone to getting bladder stones than others.

Previously: Be thankful for animal-loving volunteers

More: Cats may resist, but they must visit the vet one time a year

While diet and water consumption can have an effect on the presence of stones, the most likely predisposing factor is genetics. Some breeds are more prone to getting bladder stones than others. The small dog breeds are more likely to have this problem. They include Yorkshire terriers, poodles, shih tzus, schnauzers, Lhasa apsos and bichon frises. Rarely do you see bladder stones in large breed dogs. The one exception is the Dalmatian. Dalmatians can develop ammonium urate stones which are most particular to their breed. The cat breeds most likely to develop stones are Burmese, Himalayan and Persian.

When a pet has a bladder stone, straining to urinate and blood in the urine are two common symptoms. Left untreated, bladder stones are at best a constant source of discomfort and infection. At worst, these stones will migrate down into the urethra and block the exit for urine. Urine can back up and cause pressure on the bladder and kidneys. Constant pressure on the kidneys can cause life-threatening kidney damage and sepsis.

Diagnosis is made with radiographs and sometimes ultrasound of the bladder. Once it is determined that the pet does have stones, the best course of action is surgical removal. When the stone is removed, it can be sent off for analysis. Bladder stones are composed of various minerals such as calcium, magnesium, ammonia, phosphorus and carbonates. The minerals that make up the stone determines how it is treated.

Special diets have been developed to treat specific types of stones. The diet may acidify the urine, making it harder for the stone to precipitate out. Or the diet may be low in the minerals that compose that type of stone. Science has come a long way in targeting the cause and prevention of these uroliths. Unfortunately, some conditions are not responsive to diet. The stones can recur. In these cases, owners must work with their veterinarians to tailor a plan specific to that dog. It may involve regular monitoring with radiographs and urine assessment.

This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: How to treat bladder stones in dogs and cats