Common Canine & Feline Uroliths: Causes, Symptoms & Care

Canine and feline uroliths, or urinary stones, are mineral crystal accumulations that can cause discomfort, obstruction, and infection in the urinary tract. Various types affect dogs and cats, with some breeds more prone to specific uroliths. Understanding the types, causes, symptoms, and treatments is essential for responsible pet care and early intervention.

Understanding Common Urolith Types in Dogs and Cats

The two most frequent types of uroliths differ somewhat between cats and dogs but have overlapping concerns:

• Calcium Oxalate: Increasingly common in dogs; also affects cats. These form in acidic urine environments.
• Struvite (Magnesium Ammonium Phosphate): Historically the most common in cats and dogs; linked with infections in dogs and metabolic factors in cats.
• Urate (Ammonium Urate): Primarily in dogs, especially breeds like Dalmatians and English Bulldogs, due to genetic metabolic differences.

In cats, struvite stones often form without infection (sterile) and are influenced by urine concentration, pH, diet, and metabolism. In dogs, struvite uroliths commonly result from infections by urease-producing bacteria that increase urine alkalinity.

Breed predispositions vary: small dog breeds like Miniature Schnauzers, Shih Tzus, and Miniature Poodles are at higher risk for calcium oxalate stones. Certain cat breeds such as the Himalayan, Ragdoll, and Chartreux are more susceptible to struvite crystals.

Recognising Symptoms of Urolithiasis

Early detection of urolithiasis is vital. Observe for symptoms including:

• Blood in the urine
• Straining or difficulty urinating, sometimes producing little or no urine
• Urinating in unusual places
• Signs of pain or vocalisation when urinating

If your pet shows these signs, seek veterinary advice promptly to avoid serious complications such as life-threatening urinary obstruction.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Veterinary examination often includes urine analysis to identify crystals and imaging to detect stones or obstructions. Treatment varies depending on severity:

1. Non-blocking struvite crystals: Managed by antibiotics if infection is present, pain relief, and prescription diets designed to dissolve crystals over six weeks or longer under veterinary supervision.
2. Blockages: Require urgent veterinary intervention including catheterisation or surgery under anaesthetic to remove stones, hospitalisation, antibiotics, and ongoing dietary management.

Follow-up tests are essential to assess progress and prevent recurrences, which are unfortunately common despite correct treatment and diet management.

Dietary Management for Different Urolith Types

Struvite Diets

• Promote acidic urine to prevent crystal formation.
• Restrict calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
• Avoid combining acidic diets with urinary acidifying drugs.
• Short-term use diets often contain higher sodium levels.

Breeds at risk include the Himalayan, Ragdoll, and Chartreux cats, as well as dogs like the Miniature Schnauzer, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso.

Calcium Oxalate Diets

• Moderate calcium restriction; avoid overly low levels to prevent increased oxalate absorption.
• Avoid ingredients rich in oxalate like most fruits, leafy greens, wheat, and oats.
• Reducing protein to alkalinise urine is no longer routinely recommended.

Susceptible cat breeds include Burmese, Himalayan, and Persian cats. Dog breeds at risk are Miniature Schnauzer, Yorkshire Terrier, and Miniature Poodle.

Urate Diets

• Low-purine proteins are limited; egg is commonly suitable for dogs.
• Avoid high-purine foods including organ meats, game, fish like sardines and mackerel, cauliflower, mushrooms, peas, spinach, legumes, gravies, and yeast.
• Treatment may include the drug allopurinol alongside dietary changes.

Breeds predisposed to urate stones include Dalmatians and English Bulldogs.

Maintaining Good Urinary Health: General Diet and Care Tips

• Feeds rich in omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) to reduce inflammation.
• Cranberry-containing diets may reduce bacterial adhesion and help prevent cystitis.
• Multiple smaller meals aid digestion and overall health.
• Encourage adequate hydration via wet food, soaked dry food, or pet water fountains.
• Maintain healthy body weight and avoid excessive minerals or salt in feed.
• Choose highly digestible proteins for optimal nutrient absorption and immune support.
• Consult your veterinary surgeon or pet food expert for diet nutrient comparisons based on dry matter.

Breed Predispositions and Responsible Ownership

Certain breeds are more prone to specific uroliths, such as the Miniature Schnauzer and Shih Tzu for calcium oxalate stones, or the Dalmatian for urate stones. Selecting pets responsibly, providing appropriate nutrition and veterinary care, and observing for urinary changes can greatly improve outcomes.

When to Consult the Vet

If you notice any changes in your pet’s urination habits, blood in the urine, signs of distress, or suspected urinary obstruction, seek immediate veterinary care. Early intervention can save lives and reduce the risk of recurrent stones.

FAQs: Why Do Dogs Get Uroliths?

Quick Answer: Dogs develop uroliths due to metabolic imbalances, infections, dietary factors, and genetic predispositions that lead to crystal accumulation in the urine.

Urinary stones form when urine becomes supersaturated with minerals that crystallise and aggregate. Infections by urease-positive bacteria raise urine pH, encouraging stone formation, especially struvite. Some breeds genetically excrete more uric acid causing urate stones. Maintaining hydration and balanced diet helps reduce risk.

FAQs: How Can I Prevent Uroliths in My Pet?

Quick Answer: Prevention involves maintaining optimal hydration, feeding appropriate diets, managing body weight, and regular veterinary check-ups.

Encourage your pet to drink plenty of water, feed veterinarian-recommended diets tailored to urinary health, avoid stress and obesity, and watch for urinary symptoms. Regular vet visits for urine testing help early detection. Avoid overusing mineral or high-purine foods.

**This article promotes responsible pet ownership, emphasising diet, health monitoring, and veterinary collaboration to manage and prevent urolithiasis.**