By Tess
Thompson
Bladder
stones are fairly common in domestic pets and are linked with
urinary tract infection in dogs
http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/uti-free-urinary-tract-infection-cats-dogs.html?kbid=5918
and urinary tract infection in cats
http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/uti-free-urinary-tract-infection-cats-dogs.html?kbid=5918.
Besides urinary infection in dogs, changes in the pH balance,
over saturation of urine with crystals and water re-absorption
by the kidney tubules are the other major causes behind the
formation of bladder stones. Diet, decreased water intake and
frequency of urination and genetics are some of the factors that
contribute to the formation of bladder stones.
Concentration and pH balance play an important role in the type
of stone that is formed. Calcium oxalate and urate stones are
formed when the urine is acidic to neutral. Struvite stones are
generally formed in neutral to alkaline pH environments. Cystine
stones, calcium phosphate stones and silicate stones, on the
other hand, although dependent upon pH of the urine are more
breed specific and are caused due to a defect in renal tubules.
The
extent of urea in the body is another factor that plays a
significant role in the formation of calcium crystals that
ultimately result in bladder stones.
A
confirmation of the type of bladder stones can only be obtained
by testing the bladder stones in a laboratory. These can be
obtained for examination by two methods. Trying to flush out a
stone is one option. This method is likely to work only if the
stones are small. The only other method that can yield a stone
sample for testing is the intrusive surgical method.
Treatment
of bladder stones can range from dissolving and flushing to
intrusive surgical treatments. Dissolving calcium oxalate stones
is not possible. Flushing is possible only if the stones are
small in size. But if the stones get dislodged from the bladder
and travel in the urethra to block the passage, a surgical
treatment becomes necessary.
Even
after surgical treatment, a large proportion of the dogs develop
calcium stones again. Therefore, preventive measures become
extremely important in controlling this recurrent condition.
A
controlled diet is extremely important. Foods that have low
levels of calcium are recommended. Since calcium stones
generally form under acidic conditions, foods that create an
acidic environment inside the body should be avoided. The final
solution is to give your dog a balanced diet that maintains a pH
scale of 6.4 to 6.6. An imbalance in pH implies that the
digestive system is working at low resistance levels.
Make all
efforts to increase your dog’s intake of water. High levels of
water can help keep concentration at low levels, thus preventing
the formation of calcium crystals. Water also helps in reducing
the risk of canine or feline urinary tract infection
http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/uti-free-urinary-tract-infection-cats-dogs.html?kbid=5918.
Regular
urinalysis (say once in every two months) can help in monitoring
the pH levels of urine. Taking radiographs once a quarter can
allow you to see whether new stones are beginning to form. These
can be treated immediately by flushing, before matters get out
of hand and the stones become large.
Once your
dog has suffered from calcium bladder stones, administering
potassium citrate is helpful. The potassium citrate ensures that
the calcium binds with the citrate forming calcium citrate, a
compound that is dissolvable in urine.
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bladder_stone_%28animal%29#Symptoms
http://www.executec.com/urolith.htm
http://petcaretips.net/why_bladder_stones_form.html
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_canine_oxalate_bladder_stones.html
http://www.tetonnm.com/pics/MESSamplePages/1-893441-10-5.pdf
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