Canine calcium oxalate stones have a 42% recurrence rate within two years of a stone removal. Prevention methods are important to keep affected dogs well.
A recurring bladder infection that does not respond to antibiotics is often the first sign of a calcium oxalate stone. Many of the affected dogs also have blood in their urine. Dogs who are prone to calcium oxalate stones may suffer recurring or chronic bladder infections and eventually more stones, unless the veterinarian and dog owner come up with an effective prevention plan for the dog.
Breeds at Risk for Calcium Oxalate Stones
Certain dog breeds are genetically susceptible to calcium oxalate stones. Dog breeds at risk for calcium oxalate stones include:
- Miniature Schnauzers
- Bichon Frises
- Miniature Poodles
- Lhasa Apsos
- Yorkshire Terriers
- Shih Tzus
Diets to Prevent Calcium Oxalate Stones
A veterinarian will work with a dog owner on developing a custom preventive diet, which may include medication or supplements. Most veterinarians recommend prescription dog food that contains ingredients that prevent calcium oxalate stone formation. The diets are designed to keep the dog's urine at 7.0 to 7.5 pH to prevent urine from being too acidic or alkaline. Acidic or alkaline urine could lead to more bladder infections and stones.
Veterinary diets commonly recommended for calcium oxalate stone prevention are:
- Hills U/D
- Hills K/D
- Hill's W/D (will potassium citrate supplements)
- Purina's NF
- Royal Canine L/P Diet
- Royal Canine Modified Diet
Some holistic veterinarians may recommend a personalized homemade diet instead of a veterinary commercial diet.
Diet modification also may include adding extra water to the dog's diet by adding water to food.
The veterinarian then generally checks the dog's urine sample two to four weeks after surgery. If the dog does not have a good urinalysis reading, the veterinarian may place the dog on potassium citrate supplements also.
Potassium Citrate Supplements
Veterinarians place a dog on potassium citrate supplements if the dog food is not producing urine that has a pH of 7. Potassium citrate increases citrate levels in the urine and the calcium then binds to the citrate instead of oxalate. A dog generally takes a potassium citrate supplement once or twice a day. The supplement often comes in granules that can be sprinkled on the dog's food once a day for a dose. The pill form of potassium citrate is usually taken twice a day.
Home Monitoring to Prevent Calcium Oxalate Stones
Dog owners will also have to do more home monitoring of their pet during preventive treatment. Dogs recovering from surgery may need to go outside more frequently to urinate. Veterinarians often have dog owners checking the dog's urine pH levels with pH test strips during early treatment to make sure that a new prescription is working effectively.
The most important way to prevent canine calcium oxalate stones is to follow the veterinarian's instructions and let him know if the dog is responding to treatment.
Source:
Mar Vista Animal Medical Center
Minnesota Urolith Center, University of Minnesota
Adrienne Warber - Adrienne Warber is a professional freelance writer with more than ten years experience. She has expertise in a variety of topics ranging ...
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