We offer to buy medicinal food for dogs with urolithiasis. Veterinary nutrition is designed to solve animal problems during treatment, as well as for prevention. For each dog with its own individual characteristics, you can choose the ideal diet.

Use of dog food for urolithiasis

Manufacturers produce canned and dry food for dogs with urolithiasis. The animal becomes capricious and picky during the period of illness, taking this into account, manufacturers have created many different flavors and forms of release - wet food and dry croquettes.

Special diets for urolithiasis are designed to solve problems in dogs or provide supportive therapy for:

• bacterial cystitis;
• dissolution of struvite;
• prevention of relapses of urolithiasis, which can be caused by both struvite and calcium oxalates.

The unique formulation of dog food for the prevention of urolithiasis promotes the dissolution of struvite stones and creates an acidic urine environment, which also has a beneficial effect on your pet’s body.

Contraindications to medicinal feeds for urolithiasis

Before using such nutrition, you should consult a doctor, because it has a number of contraindications, including:

• period of pregnancy and lactation;
• chronic renal failure;
• pancreatitis (including previously suffered);
• heart problems;

Also, dry food for dogs with urolithiasis cannot be combined with medications that cause acidification of urine. The course of treatment is 1.5-4 months; prevention of such a disease can last up to six months.

Buy dog ​​food for urolithiasis

In our online store “12 Monkeys” you will find a wide selection of medicinal foods:

• Appetizing-looking pieces of meat and excellent taste. Thus, the pet will happily eat medicinal food for dogs with urolithiasis and receive the necessary treatment;
• safe ingredients when followed correctly. All ingredients are carefully selected, so that such food will not contain food additives, dyes and suspicious sources of protein, thereby significantly reducing the risk of allergic reactions;
• nutritious diets. In addition to its therapeutic effects, the food contains protein, fats and carbohydrates necessary for a pet.

From us you can purchase dry food for dogs with ICD, as well as special canned food. Among our products there are special nutrition lines from brands such as Royal Canin, Purina, Hill's, Farmina and others. You can purchase in packages from 200 g to 12 kg.

Cause of urolithiasis (urolithiasis)

The formation of stones in dogs does not occur in the kidneys, but in the bladder. There are four types of stones:

Struvite is the most common trivalent phosphate, the formation of which is caused by bacterial cystitis (most often occurs in dogs in adulthood);

oxalates – statistically less common salt deposits derived from oxalic acid; the main factors of their accumulation are dietary features, as well as individual predisposition;
urates are derivatives of uric acid, their occurrence is due to congenital liver defects at the cellular level or congenital vascular anomalies, the entry of part of the blood from the hepatic portal vein into the systemic circulation (deviations characteristic of black terriers and Dalmatians); the disease can manifest itself already in a one-year-old dog;
cystine - extremely rare (casuistic) cases of deposition of this amino acid on the walls of the dog’s bladder are caused by acidification of the urine.

Of the four options for clinical causes of the disease, only oxalates are associated with dietary habits. Stone formation occurs if a dog eats high-protein foods rich in calcium for a long time, while receiving insufficient amounts of fluid.

ICD - diagnosis, course of the disease, treatment

Urolithiasis symptomatically manifests itself as prolonged urinary retention (this is not always accompanied by a visual increase in the volume of the abdomen). If congestion continues for more than 2 days, death is possible. It happens that the deterioration of an animal’s health is obvious. Convulsions, lethargy, and frequent vomiting force the owner to consult a veterinarian. However, if urination is not 100% difficult, the patency of the canal is not impaired, a long latent (hidden) phase of the disease is possible, which can only be detected by performing standard urine tests.

It is important to emphasize: there is no general, single diagnosis for ICD; treatment depends on the type of stones formed in the dog’s bladder. Radiography can reliably detect the first two types of stones (struvite and oxalate). A complete blockage of urination will require surgery. Conservative treatment includes “mild” diuretics, in cases

Struvite stones are prescribed long-term (from 3 weeks) treatment with antibiotics selected based on the results of bacteriological analysis of urine;
oxalate formation, thiazide diuretics and a diet with reduced sodium and protein are prescribed:
To detect urate stones, a low-protein diet is used, supplementing treatment with allopurinol.

Cyston, phytolysin, and similar drugs have little effect on the effectiveness of treatment.

Urolithiasis: what to do with dry food?

Counterfeiting of branded dry food is a separate issue; it makes sense to talk about cases where the contents fully correspond to the information on the packaging about the quality of the product and the manufacturer.

Prevention of urolithiasis (urolithiasis) is based on simple rules:

Do not overfeed your dog with either natural or dry food; It is best to give small but sufficiently satiating portions of high-calorie premium and super premium food;
use feed with a low phosphorus content to prevent the formation of struvite;
exclude foods high in calcium to avoid urine oxidation;
include protein foods in your diet with great caution; the low protein content in high-quality dry food helps reduce the load on the liver;
Make sure your dog drinks enough water; It is highly desirable to provide purified water to prevent the development of urolithiasis.

Some pet owners prefer to give their pet medications in advance for preventive purposes that expel sand and stones from the urinary tract.

Dry food for the treatment of urolithiasis

In veterinary pharmacies you can purchase special dry food designed for the treatment of urolithiasis:

PURINA Veterinary Diets Canine Fofmula,
Hill's PD Canine.

It is best to consult your veterinarian about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of urolithiasis.

Lower urinary tract diseases are not uncommon in dogs. Approximately 15 out of 100 individuals suffer from urolithiasis (urolithiasis or the abbreviation ICD). Pet owners just need to remember the main signs of this disease and what to do first to help quickly cope with the disease.

What you need to know about urolithiasis in dogs

• With this pathology, salt stones can form in any organ of the urinary system. The bladder suffers most often, because... Urine accumulates in it and it is most convenient for sand to settle.
• The following types of stones are found in dogs: cystines, struvites, phosphates and oxalates. The latter are considered the most unpleasant - they grow quickly and are difficult to treat (most often they are removed surgically). One individual can form several types of stones at once.
• Most often, struvite is recorded in dogs, the cause of which is chronic inflammation in the bladder, and not nutritional errors, as is the case with cats.
• In dogs, the cause of urolithiasis is not always a metabolic disorder.
• The presence of sand and stones causes inflammation in the bladder, injury, bleeding and blockage.
• In dogs, urolithiasis is most often asymptomatic, so it is important to periodically undergo a routine urine test so as not to miss the disease and not to aggravate the condition of the excretory system. The main symptom of the disease—impaired urination, up to its cessation—occurs even when the condition is critical and the pathology is advanced.
• The risk group consists of representatives of predominantly small breeds: Yorkies, schnauzers, Dalmatians, Shih Tsu, Pekingese, miniature poodles, English bulldogs, etc.
• When diagnosing ICD, the types of stones/sand must be determined, otherwise treatment will be ineffective. For this purpose, additional examinations are always carried out - x-rays, ultrasound, detailed blood and urine tests.
• Middle-aged individuals and males are more likely to get sick, because They have a long urethra and are more likely to be blocked by stones or excess sand.

Why does this pathology develop?

It is impossible to name an unambiguous reason to say for sure that this is precisely why the pathology arose. But there are a number of predisposing factors:

1. Any long-term infections of the genitourinary area, including the kidneys. Such diseases change the composition of blood and urine, shifting their acidity. Against this background, sediments often begin to form in the form of sand and the formation of stones.
2. Unbalanced feeding of the dog. Usually the culprit is cheap dry food and mixing ready-made industrial food with natural food. All this puts an increased load on the gastrointestinal tract, which is constantly in a state of adjustment to certain foods, literally working to its limits.
3. Bad water or general lack of drinking. Often the tap water most commonly given to pets contains high levels of salts. They are the ones in the body that provoke the accumulation of insoluble sediments in the bladder and/or kidneys. If there is insufficient fluid intake into the body, the urine becomes more concentrated and may produce sediment.
4. Inactivity. Dogs should move actively, run, play - this is the prevention of stagnation of urine. You also need to walk your pet regularly so that it does not suffer and relieves its needs in a timely manner. With long-term patience, nature provides crystallization of urine to make it easier for the animal to endure. These crystals are then transformed into sand and rocks.
5. Obesity – an increased load on the cardiovascular and excretory systems develops. Fluid in the body stagnates, and urine begins to deteriorate.
6. Genetic predisposition. There are a number of pathologies that are inherited by offspring, which go inextricably with ICD.
7. Metabolic disorders due to disorders of the liver, pancreas, etc.

Manifestation of the disease - what to look for

Depending on the severity of the disease, clinical manifestations can be divided into several degrees of manifestation:

• Subclinical form or asymptomatic. This is the period of the disease when there are no outward manifestations, and stones and sand can only be detected using X-rays or ultrasound. And these studies are prompted by a urine test, where a change in the pH of the urine (in any direction) and the deposition of crystals are noted.

• Mild form of the disease. Outwardly, it often manifests itself as a minor malaise and classic signs of general malaise:
  • the number of times the pet asks to go to the toilet increases;
  • minor hematuria - the appearance of droplets of blood in the urine, which slightly change its color to pink;
  • the dog takes longer to pee than usual, may whine during the process, take unnatural poses, or mark time in the process;
  • licks the genitals for a long time and thoroughly;
  • a slight increase in body temperature is possible if infectious inflammation develops.

• Severe manifestations follow mild ones:
  • The dog constantly has traces of urine droplets in the perineum, which indicates constant involuntary urination. Also, traces of urine are found throughout the home where the pet lives;
  • there is obvious blood in the urine;
  • the pet constantly whines, especially when he tries to go “small”, you can see how he strains for this;
  • you can feel an enlarged (full) bladder, because urine flow is difficult;
  • the animal looks depressed, emaciated, there is no appetite, and even its favorite treat is not attractive;
  • Thirst may be present;
  • The temperature may rise if there are signs of infection.

• See a doctor immediately if you have the following signs (threatening symptoms):
  • urine does not pass at all;
  • signs of dehydration, general exhaustion;
  • weakness, comatose state (the animal lies almost constantly, reacts poorly to its name or does not react at all);
  • when palpating the abdominal wall, the bladder may be full, large, tense and painful, or may not be palpable at all if it has ruptured;
  • general signs of intoxication from the entry of uric substances into the blood (vomiting, nausea, convulsions);
  • the pet may fall into a coma in a particularly serious condition;
  • body temperature usually drops below 37.5°C.

Competent treatment directly depends on how correctly the veterinarian assesses the degree of manifestation of urolithiasis in a dog based on symptoms.

Owner's first aid

• If signs of illness are detected, the animal must be taken to the veterinarian to find out what is wrong.
• If critical signs of the disease are detected - lack of urination, blood in drops of urine, coma - take the pet to a specialist immediately.
• Self-medication is prohibited! An exception is the removal of spasm and pain, if it is not possible to deliver the pet to the clinic immediately (no-spa, papaverine or baralgin intramuscularly in a dose of up to 0.5 ml of solution intramuscularly into the thigh).

Treatment

It should be noted right away: there is no universal treatment for all dogs with urolithiasis!!! There are certain schemes that are formed from generally accepted drugs, but strictly individually, depending on what type of stones the course of the pathology was complicated by.

Important: treatment is carried out until it is canceled by a specialist based on the results of tests and examination. It is forbidden to stop treatment on your own against the background of visible improvement!

The main treatment measures include:

1. Maintaining cardiac activity in a critical condition:
   • cordiamine: 1-3 drops on the tongue (depending on the size of the animal) or intramuscularly 0.1 ml/kg;
   • sulfocamphocaine: 0.5-2 ml of solution by any injection method up to 2 times a day. Do not exceed the dosage of 2 ml!
2. Catheterization, which restores the flow of urine by pushing stones back into the bladder or retrograde lavage of the urethral canal;
3. Use of antispasmodic drugs:
   • atropine: 0.5 ml twice a day at the withers subcutaneously;
   • no-spa, papaverine hydrochloride: 0.5 ml 2-3 times a day intramuscularly.
4. Anesthesia:
   • baralgin: 0.75 ml/10 kg intramuscularly to relieve pain at a given point in time;
   • analgin: 0.1 ml of solution per kg of body weight up to 2 times a day (no more than every 10-12 hours) and no longer than 3 days;
   • pentalgin: ¼ tablet/10 kg weight symptomatically;
   • novocaine blockade in the lumbar region to relieve pain from renal colic (carried out only by a specialist).
5. Hemostatic therapy:
   • dicinone (etamsylate): for a dog weighing up to 5 kg, ¼ tablet is used, if more, then ½ tablet. for the same 5 kg of weight or intramuscularly 0.1 mg/kg of weight twice a day.
6. Antibiotic therapy (the use of Gentamicin is prohibited!):
   • furagin: ½-1 tablet orally. depending on the size of the pet, 2-3 times a day after feeding for 5-7 days;
   • furadonin: daily dose of 5-10 mg of active substance per kg of weight, which is divided into 2-4 doses per day, course 7-10 days;
   • neopen (if pus is detected in the urine): 1 ml/10 kg of weight into the muscle or subcutaneously once a day for a course of 3-4 days.
7. Detoxification (infusion) therapy restores the body’s condition against the background of dehydration and promotes the elimination of toxic substances against the background of stagnation of urine:
   • vetavit: the contents of 1 sachet are divided into two parts and given with milk or food in the morning and evening for 1.5-2 weeks;
   • a mixture of 100-200 ml of Ringer-Locke and 5-10 ml of 40% glucose subcutaneously or intravenously as a dropper;
   • Nelit: per 1 kg of weight, take 50 ml of solution twice a day, in critical condition 8-10 ml/kg every 4 hours.
8. Elimination of the general inflammatory process with complex drugs for urolithiasis:
   • Urodan (about 460 rub./100 g bottle): 1 tsp. the solution is dissolved in 100-125 ml of water and given to the dog. Frequency – up to 3 times a day.
   • Stop cystitis (up to 165 rubles/pack): 1 tablet. or 2 ml of solution orally for a dog weighing up to 5 kg, 2 tablets. or 3 ml - if more. Give within a week. Then reduce it to a single dose also during the week.
   • Uro-ursi (up to 180 rubles/pack of 14 capsules): 1 capsule if the dog’s weight does not exceed 10 kg and 2 capsules if more than 10 kg. Course – 14 days, one dose per day.
   • Cystokur forte (up to 1000 rub./30 g): twice a day, 2 scoops/10 kg of weight for at least 15 days.
   • Urotropine (up to 35 rubles/vial): 2-5 ml orally diluted with water twice a day for 1-1.5 weeks.
   • Healthy kidneys “Phytoelite” (100 rubles/50 tablets): adult dogs 1 tablet/10 kg body weight, puppies – ½ tablet. In the first day or two, give the indicated dose every 2 hours, then switch to a three-time dose and remain at this dosage until the symptoms pass + another 1 week to consolidate the result.
   • Ipakitine (1250-1500 rubles): duration of use is from 3 to 6 months. 1 measuring spoon goes for every 5 kg of weight along with water or food twice a day.
   • Kantaren (150-180 rubles): the dosage depends on the size of the animal and varies between 1-3 tablets. orally or 0.5-4 ml as an injection once a day for 2-4 weeks (but not longer). You can increase the frequency of administration to 2-3 times a day in severe conditions.
   • Urinari Tract Support (800 rubles): give a dog up to 10 kg 2 tablets, up to 30 kg - 3 tablets, over 30 kg - 4 tablets. with your dog’s favorite treat or food. Monitor symptoms - after persistent disappearance, stop taking (on average 1-2 weeks).
   • Renal-advance (RUB 1,250/pack of 40 g): thoroughly mix into the food over the course of a month according to the following scheme: up to 2.5 kg – 1 small scoop, up to 5 kg – 2, up to 7.5 kg – 3, up to 10 kg – 4, up to 15 kg – 2 large measuring portions, up to 25 kg – 3. In some cases, the veterinarian may increase the duration of administration at his discretion.
   • Urolex (up to 260 rubles): three drops/kg three times a day, an hour before feeding, onto the tongue. You can dilute it a little with water and pour it in. Use no longer than 30 days.
9. Diet therapy, depending on the type of stones identified:
   • The most important rule of a natural diet for a dog with urolithiasis is to reduce the content of protein, phosphorus and calcium in such a way as not to disturb the acidity of the urine, not to put an increased load on the kidneys, but at the same time, so that all this is enough for the dog to function normally.
10. If the urethra is completely blocked and the natural flow of urine cannot be restored, surgical intervention is recommended. Surgical treatment of urolithiasis is also indicated when stones are detected on ultrasound or x-ray before blockage of the urethral canal. After any operation, the dog continues to be treated by a veterinary therapist, because... removing stones is not a cure!

Kidney stones are extremely difficult to remove surgically. One way out of the situation may be to remove the affected kidney, provided that the remaining one can subsequently cope with its functions for two. Otherwise, the animal is doomed to lifelong maintenance therapy and early death.

Question and answer

Question:
What if urolithiasis in a dog is not treated?

If the identified disease is not treated, then in addition to the formation of urinary stones, which can block the urethra, a chronic inflammatory process, the formation of adhesions and, worst of all, rupture of the bladder can be provoked. The animal may die.

Question:
What and how to feed the dog during the period of treatment for urolithiasis and after?

Balancing your diet on your own is very difficult, but you can try. Everything will depend on the general condition of the pet, the stage of development of the disease and the type of stones identified.

1. Do not mix natural feeding with industrially produced feed.
2. Try to make the diet as varied as possible, do not give the same food set for a long time.
3. With oxalates, by-products are completely excluded from the diet, because they contain derivatives of oxalic acid.
4. During natural feeding, the animal can be given medicinal water “Borjomi” and “Essentuki”. There should also always be access to clean, purified water for drinking.
5. With urates, rich meat and fish broths are excluded (but boiled fish and meat are left), sausages, and offal. Increase the amount of vegetables, dairy products, eggs and cereals.
6. In dogs, a lack of calcium in the diet when fed naturally will stimulate the formation of phosphate stones, so dairy products cannot be completely excluded from the diet (nor can you overdo it).
7. It is important to measure portions of food and not feed often (4-6 times is a lot) so as not to provoke constant alkalization of urine. Water should stand constantly, food should not.
8. With any diet, it is important to add vitamin A to the diet - it improves the condition of the inner mucous membrane of the bladder.
9. With the oxalate type of ICD, it is imperative to add vitamin B6 and magnesium to the food (wheat bran copes well with this).
10. Salty, fatty, sweet and fried foods are completely excluded from the diet.

Question:
Therapeutic food for dogs with urolithiasis

It is important to note that with the correct selection of special food, you cannot give your pet anything else - even as a reward or treat, otherwise the effect of the diet will be reduced to zero. An appropriate note is required indicating what type of animal the food is intended for (for example, Royal Canin for dogs). The class must be premium or super-premium. Economy class should be excluded from the diet.

For general prevention and treatment of urolithiasis, it is recommended:

• Royal Cannin Urinary S/O;
• Royal Cannin Urinary;
• Club 4 paws Ph control;
• Pet Time Dog Perfection;
• Urinary S/O Small Dog USD
• Eucanuba Oxalate Urinary Formula
• Hill's Prescription Diet™ Canine k/d™

If oxalates are detected:

• Urinary S/O LP18;
• Eucanuba Oxalat Urinary Formula;
• Hill's Prescription Diet™ Canine c/d™ Multicare$
• Farmina vet life ossalati

Urate urolithiasis:

• Hill's Prescription Diet U/D/

Cystine urolithiasis:

• Farmina vet life ossalati

For struvite stones:

• Urinary S/O LP18;
• Hill Prescription Diet™ Canine w/d™;
• Hill's Prescription Diet C/D;
• Eukanuba Struvite Urinary Formula;
• Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR.

Question:
Surgical treatment of urolithiasis

Surgical treatment of urolithiasis includes the following methods:

• urethrotomy - dissection of the urethra and removal of stones that have blocked it;
• urethrostomy - the formation of a new urethra with frequent inflammatory processes and relapses of pathology;
• cystostomy - opening the bladder, removing stones, washing the cavity from sand, followed by medical therapy;
• laser stone removal - crushing stones into smaller fragments in order to remove them naturally by increasing diuresis (the method is rarely used in veterinary medicine due to a lack of equipment and the high cost of the procedure);
• administration of drugs that dissolve bladder stones.

Question:
Is the prevention of urolithiasis effective?

This disease can and should be prevented! Necessary:

• monitor your pet’s weight, avoiding obesity;
• choose the right diet (especially if there have been cases of the disease in your anamnesis);
• Take your pet to the veterinarian regularly and take a urine test, because... urolithiasis in dogs is often asymptomatic;
• always provide free access to clean drinking water (especially if the pet is fed dry food);
• monitor an excess of protein products when feeding adults;
• monitor the timely emptying of the bladder, not allowing your pet to endure and wait a long time for a walk;
• walking should include at least 3 walks, two of which should be at least 30 minutes, one up to 1 hour;
• Do not mix natural food with prepared food. Also, do not alternate between feeding dry and wet food;
• Give the dog regular but moderate physical activity - running, active games during walks.

Question:
Is it acceptable to treat urolithiasis with herbs (folk recipes)

It is permissible to use traditional medicine recipes, but strictly according to the indications of a veterinarian. It is possible that some herbs are not compatible with the main treatment medications - it is important not to make the pet worse.

1. Visible pain when trying to urinate can be relieved with freshly squeezed parsley juice - from 1 tsp. up to 1 tbsp, depending on the size of the dog, up to 4 times a day.
2. Take 1 g of dry herbs of bearberry, cucumber, immortelle, dandelion, kidney tea, corn silk and flax seeds, mix, take 5 g of the mixture, pour 250 ml of boiling water, leave covered for up to 30 minutes. Give 1-3 tablespoons twice a day, 30 minutes before or after feeding, depending on the dog’s weight.
3. Mix 1 tsp. licorice root, dandelions and burdock, chamomile flowers, golden rod and echinacea, horsetail and sage herbs, hop cones. 1 tbsp. pour 500 ml of boiling water over the mixture and simmer in a water bath for up to 20 minutes. Give 5-10 ml in the morning and evening throughout the entire treatment of urolithiasis + 2 weeks on top to consolidate the result. With this remedy, you need to give the dog a lot to drink - the sand is washed out of the bladder well.

According to veterinary statistics, the first place among diseases of the excretory system in dogs is urolithiasis (urolithiasis). The disease has a polyetiological nature, but most often develops as a result of an unbalanced diet and infectious processes. Veterinary medicine has both conservative and surgical methods for treating the disease.

The main factors that play a key role in the pathogenesis of the formation of stones (struvite) in four-legged pets, veterinary specialists include:

This phenomenon promotes the formation of tripel phosphate crystals.

• • Unbalanced diet. Mixed feeding of the animal (a combination of dry food and natural food) and a high-protein diet lead to disturbances in the composition of urine. There is a high probability of developing urolithiasis with an increased calcium content in the diet. As a rule, in this case, oxalates are formed in the animal.

Expert opinion

Lyubov Ilyina

Veterinarian

According to the observations of veterinary specialists, this type of stone is most often found in pets over 7 years of age, as well as in representatives of breeds such as Shih Tzu and Yorkshire terriers.

• Violation of the drinking regime. If a dog eats dry commercial food and does not receive enough water, the composition of the urine changes, which leads to the formation of crystals in the form of citrates and oxalates. Giving your pet untreated tap water also provokes the formation of inorganic compounds in the bladder.
• Congenital anomalies– a common cause of urolithiasis in dogs. Pathology develops, as a rule, against the background of narrowing of the urethra.
• Hereditary predisposition. Breeds such as Scottish Terriers, Poodles, and Pekingese are most often susceptible to the formation of struvite in the bladder. Dachshunds, Dalmatians, and cocker spaniels are also at risk due to a genetic predisposition to urolithiasis. Basset Hounds and English Bulldogs are prone to forming cystine stones.

The reasons that provoke the development of struvite in the bladder in dogs, veterinary experts include a sedentary lifestyle and irregular walking of the pet.

Symptoms in dogs

The insidiousness of urolithiasis lies in the fact that the disease develops almost imperceptibly for the owner; the first symptoms become obvious, unfortunately, when the pathological process has become serious. The sick dog has the following clinical picture:

In advanced cases, when stones block the urinary ducts, the animal experiences abdominal tension. The dog is worried and whines. The temperature may rise and anorexia develops. A threatening symptom is a lack of urination, signs of dehydration and cramps. This condition threatens the pet’s life due to the development of severe intoxication of the body and requires urgent qualified assistance.

Due to the peculiarities of the anatomical structure of the urinary tract, clinical signs in males develop faster than in females.

Diagnosis of pathology

In some cases, the diagnosis is established by urine analysis before the pet develops pronounced symptoms. Laboratory analysis of urine allows us to identify the nature of the stones and prescribe the appropriate diet and treatment. During a clinical examination, in some cases the veterinarian may be able to palpate large stones through the abdominal wall.

A veterinarian can confirm the diagnosis, as well as identify the location of struvites, by performing an x-ray. In some cases, in a specialized institution, the pet will undergo excretory urography using a radiocontrast agent. The study is effective in individuals over 4 years of age. Testing will help determine the size and number of stones in the bladder.

In order to identify a bacterial infection, which often accompanies urolithiasis, the animal is prescribed a bacteriological urine test.

Treatment of urolithiasis

In acute cases, when a pet has urethral obstruction with stones, the veterinarian performs catheterization and retrograde lavage of the bladder.

In some cases, urethrotomy or urethrostomy is performed. The instrument is inserted into the urethra under local anesthesia. After the procedure, the bladder is emptied through the surgical opening and is often used for pathology in uncastrated purebred males. Subsequently, urinary function is restored naturally.

In a urethrostomy, the surgeon creates a new urethral opening. This operation is usually combined with castration of the animal.

Medicines for dogs

In order to eliminate the consequences of blockage of the ureters, the animal is prescribed antispasmodic drugs - No-shpu, Baralgin, Spazgan, Papeverine. For struvite, manual massage is indicated.

The drug Allopurinol helps reduce the formation of urate deposits. In some cases, the product leads to their dissolution.

If the obstruction is accompanied by bloody discharge, the dog is prescribed hemostatic agents, for example, Dicynon, Vicasol, etc.

A course of antibiotic therapy helps a dog eliminate the inflammatory process when urolithiasis is complicated by pathogenic microflora. Broad-spectrum antibiotics have the best effect. Cephalosporins, for example, Cephalen, Ceftriaxone, have a good therapeutic effect.

Operation

If conservative therapy does not bring the desired effect, they resort to planned surgery. Most often, this situation is observed during the formation of oxalates. During surgery, stones are removed from the bladder.

Cystostomy is performed under general anesthesia. During the operation, the veterinary surgeon makes an incision in the bladder and then removes large stones. Small formations (sand) are washed out of the organ. Normal urination is restored, as a rule, after 2 - 3 days. After surgery, conservative treatment is carried out to prevent relapse, and a therapeutic diet is prescribed.

Diet and food selection

Complex therapy of the disease necessarily includes a therapeutic diet. Diet adjustments mainly depend on the type of stones found in the dog's body and should be carried out by the attending physician.

If your pet is found to have urates or cystines, then the diet should be low in protein. Specially developed medicinal foods that alkalize urine, for example Royal Canin Urinary U/C Low Purine, help limit the intake of protein components into the dog’s body without compromising the functioning of other organs and systems.

Expert opinion

Lyubov Ilyina

Veterinarian

The formation of struvite in the bladder requires adjustment of the diet aimed at reducing protein, calcium and phosphorus in it. Veterinarians recommend switching such pets to Hill's C/D or Royal Canin Urinary S/O food. Medicinal feed effectively dissolves struvite crystals and is characterized by a low level of magnesium, which prevents the formation of new pathological formations.

Lifestyle if you have a disease

If an illness is detected, the owner must first take care of strict compliance with the instructions of the veterinarian. As a rule, a therapeutic salt-free diet is prescribed to the dog for life. Based on the results of the analysis, special foods are selected that dissolve and slow down the formation of certain uroliths in the excretory system.

A sick pet needs to be outdoors regularly. Moderate physical activity is recommended. The owner must ensure that the dog does not tolerate it and empties its bladder as needed.

Regular (every 3-4 months) blood and urine examinations will help monitor the development of pathology and the condition of your pet.

Prevention of urolithiasis in dogs

The following tips and recommendations from veterinary therapists will help prevent the development of urolithiasis in dogs:

• Treat inflammatory processes in the genitourinary area in a timely manner.
• Balance your diet with low phosphorus content.
• The moisture content of the feed should not be lower than 60 - 70%.
• When feeding dry industrial formulas, the owner must control the consumption of fresh water.
• To water your dog, you must use filtered water.
• Do not allow the animal to become obese.
• Maintain a walking routine, avoiding bladder overfilling.
• Regularly take urine tests for early diagnosis of the disease.
• Pets at risk should be fed medicated food to prevent the formation of struvite.

Urolithiasis in dogs develops, as a rule, as a result of inflammatory processes, as well as with unbalanced feeding and impaired drinking regime. Considering that symptoms are detected already at a late stage of the disease, you should not delay a visit to a veterinarian. Treatment for the disease includes medications, a therapeutic diet, and surgical removal of stones.

Useful video

About the types of stones, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of urolithiasis, watch this video:

Urolithiasis in dogs occurs in fifteen cases out of a hundred and is a common problem in many breeds. The essence of the disease is simple: the dog’s bladder is filled with pebbles of different sizes, which block the urinary canals, causing terrible pain. Symptoms of ICD begin with difficulty urinating and then progress. The treatment is positive and brings significant relief. The most important thing is not to progress the disease to such an extent that the dog painfully tries to survive.

Useful information

With urolithiasis, stones can form in any part of the excretory system: kidneys, bladder, canals. Stones are formed as a result of the accumulation of certain substances, subsequent hardening, and crystallization. Normally, urine is approximately neutral. The disease shifts the pH value to the acidic and alkaline side. Minor chemical displacement results in the formation of fine sand, which is usually discharged to the outside on its own. Sometimes there are unpleasant sensations when solid particles pass through, but overall the dog’s condition remains satisfactory.

The following types of stones may form:

• Cystines: passed on through generations of certain breeds. Dachshunds, bulldogs, and corgis usually suffer. Other dog breeds rarely develop this type of urolithiasis.
• Oxalates are the nastiest stones, they grow quickly, have a variety of shapes, and are difficult to treat.
• Phosphate stones are also characterized by intensive growth and are successfully eliminated by strictly following the drug regimen proposed by the doctor.
• Struvite occurs as a result of exposure to various bacterial diseases.

One animal may have several types of stones. Therapeutic procedures are complicated by the selection of different treatment regimens to eliminate each type of urolith. Urolite- urinary stone. The danger of finding stones inside an organ cavity is as follows. Stones, passing through the urinary canals, scratch the walls of blood vessels, and the animal feels severe pain. Particularly large stones can get stuck and clog the lumen of the canal. Then urine will accumulate in the dog’s body, poisoning the body with toxins. The blockage can result in rupture of the canal walls, leakage of fluid into the abdominal cavity. It is unrealistic to remove the formed stones yourself using folk remedies. It is acceptable to use non-medicinal products in the early stages to remove sand as quickly as possible. But stones pose too serious a threat to a dog’s health to joke or self-medicate.

Causes of urolithiasis

A serious disease requires a serious approach; many veterinarians have been studying the causes and factors leading to urolithiasis for years. It was possible to establish the following patterns:

• Various infections, especially those that change the structure of the blood, can cause changes in the composition of urine. The balance of the content of certain urinary elements determines the neutrality of the fluid reaction. Any excess or decrease in concentration inevitably leads to excessive hardening of the components. Diseases of the genital area and excretory system are especially dangerous. Pancreatitis can cause complications of this kind.
• Improper feeding leads to the development of the disease. The combination of regular (natural) food with canned and dry food puts a lot of pressure and strain on the digestive organs. The dog’s body is forced to adapt over the years and work hard. Excessive amounts of protein put a strain on the liver and kidneys, and shift the pH to the acidic side. Exceeding the proportion of carbohydrates in the diet has the opposite effect. You need to adhere to a certain regimen when feeding your dog, then the risk factor will go away.
• Often sand is formed due to the use of poor quality water. Giving water directly from the tap is possible if the salt content is known exactly. Otherwise, it is recommended to pre-clean the liquid. Using banal filters will perfectly help cope with the situation. Also, irregular access to clean drinking water can cause the accumulation of poorly soluble substances.
• Lack of regular, constant exercise. By walking the dog twice a day, the owners unwittingly cause stagnation of urine. Prolonged fluid retention provokes absorption. The components of urine crystallize to contain the animal's natural urge. Older dogs cannot endure for long, so urolithiasis is often diagnosed at this age.
• The next factor follows from the previous point - insufficient physical activity causes obesity. Problem weight is a threat to the animal’s heart and all body systems. Increased body weight requires a lot of work from the excretory system, which simply cannot cope, stagnation occurs, and urine deteriorates.
• The genetic makeup of a particular dog has a big impact. Also, congenital changes significantly complicate the animal’s life. Degenerative changes in blood vessels and excretory canals can lead to urolithiasis. Improper functioning of the liver and kidneys due to abnormal structure, metabolic disorders.

Usually a combination of several reasons leads to urolithiasis. Such a combined effect is especially dangerous in predisposed individuals. Although other breeds also have certain problems, the risk of the disease increases sharply if there are problems with keeping and walking the dog. Minor little things and mistakes of owners inevitably lead to the development of various ailments. Most of these diseases occur in pets at the end of their lives.

Symptoms of urolithiasis in dogs

The initial change in urine structure usually goes unnoticed. The dog changes when stone formation has already occurred. It is possible to prevent the dangerous development of the disease if the owners regularly undergo preventive examinations at a veterinary clinic. An ultrasound will help to promptly identify the beginnings of a future problem. Do not neglect a visit to the doctor if your dog is at risk!

The following irrefutable evidence of stone formation is observed:

• The dog goes to the toilet often. The animal is simply unable to hold back the urge while watering carpets, shoes, and corners.
• The amount of urine varies, often the volume is too small.
• The color of the liquid becomes darker, and blood may be present.
• The animal experiences pain, trembles, and may take strange, unusual, uncharacteristic positions.
• If the urinary canal is blocked by a stone, the dog experiences severe pain. The abdomen becomes painful, tight, and the animal avoids touching. Body temperature rises rapidly, severe thirst appears, and the dog refuses to eat.

Blockage of the canals poses a threat to the dog’s life, so observing such symptoms is a signal to the owner that urgent measures need to be taken. Primary changes in the urine should alert the attentive owner: the liquid begins to smell unpleasant, and a periodic decrease in the volume of urine excreted is observed. In general, urolithiasis is characterized by a long course. Animals live for years, experiencing temporary difficulties in the excretory sphere; the manifestation of symptoms is secretive.

Diagnosis

It is based on three successive steps: urine examination for biochemistry, ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity, radiography. Then, based on the available laboratory data, the type of urolithiasis is determined. It is important to determine the nature of the stones in order to prescribe effective treatment. Thoughtless use of medications will cause significant damage to the dog's health. Therefore, always try to get and see a complete picture of the processes taking place.

A comprehensive examination is also required to exclude the presence of bacterial infections and an assessment of the dog’s condition.

Treatment of urolithiasis

An emergency condition of urinary canal blockage is eliminated by inserting a catheter and removing urine. The veterinarian then uses anti-spasm medications, anti-inflammatory medications. If the x-ray shows too much stone filling of the lumen of the bladder and canals, surgical removal of the accumulated stones may be required.

The goal of therapy is to dissolve the formations and remove the crystals naturally.

The first months of treatment regularly urine testing for concentrations of substances is required. This action will allow you to notice the deterioration of the condition in time and avoid possible complications. If classical treatment does not produce results, a method is used to remove part of the dog’s excretory tract. Permanent blockage of the canals is cured by widening part of the urinary canaliculi.

It is important to follow the treatment regimen prescribed by your doctor. Believe me, short-term improvement in your condition will return a hundredfold if you follow these recommendations. Preventive medications should be used if there is a risk of urolithiasis. It is also important to follow the general rules for keeping dogs in order to avoid even a possible hint of the development of the disease.

Prevention of ICD

Includes following simple rules for a healthy dog:

• The dog should be given clean, filtered water.
• You should feed either natural food or adhere to a dry diet, periodically diluting it with canned food. It is not recommended to mix different types of feeding.
• Walks should be long, at least half an hour, preferably three times a day.
• Ensuring regular adequate physical activity.
• Periodic preventive urine tests. Especially important for predisposed individuals.

Following these rules will help keep your dog healthy for many years. Health to your pets!