Urolithiasis in dogs is a violation of the acid-base balance in the animal's body when sand or stones in the kidneys, kidney loaches or bladder are formed from the components of urine. If urine becomes too acidic, oxalates, urates are formed. In the alkaline urine struvites are formed. Different breeds of dogs are characterized by the formation of different stones.
Symptoms of urolithiasis
The signs of urolithiasis in dogs show up gradually. Characteristic of the oppression of urination. In males, the disease is particularly acute. Symptoms of kidney stones in dogs are painful frequent, sometimes drop-like urination with partial or complete delay, bad breath, colic that appear after physical exertion and drinking. Stagnation of urine leads to inflammatory processes in the urinary tract.
Treatment of urolithiasis in dogs
When making a diagnosis, they rely on clinical manifestations and the results of laboratory tests. Do a clinical and bacteriological analysis of urine, determine the presence of infection, the specific gravity of urine, its pH, the presence of sand and stones. Sometimes resort to radiography or ultrasound.
Treatment of urolithiasis in dogs depends on the nature of the mineral formations. The goal is the dissolution of stones or sand. For example, if the disease is caused by cystine or urate stones, it is alkalized by prescribing sodium bicarbonate 125 mg / kg per day. With urolithiasis caused by struvite, induced by infection, antibiotics are prescribed. The treatment achieves a decrease in the specific gravity of urine. To strengthen diuresis in dry food, add water. To stimulate thirst in the diet, salt is added at the rate of ΒΌ teaspoon per 10 kg of weight per day. Contraindication to the addition of salt is edema, hypertension, cardiac and hepatic insufficiency. Assign anesthetics and anti-spasmodics (atropine). With urolithiasis, dogs are prescribed a diet. Buy a special feed S / D, if urine struvite and U / D, if urinary urate or cystine stones. Sometimes resort to surgical intervention.
The animal is treated only under the supervision of a doctor. The causes of urolithiasis in dogs have not been elucidated, but the conditions for keeping and feeding animals affect the occurrence of the disease.
Prevention of urolithiasis in dogs, this is, above all, quality food and diet. Frequent feeding weakens the urine. Dogs need calcium in the form of whole bone or supplements and soft water for drinking. Frequent walks with a leash are required .