How to Dissolve Struvite Crystals

A triple phosphate (magnesium ammonium phosphate) urinary tract stone, struvite crystals can occur in all dogs, but certain breeds such as the German shepherd, bichon frise, springer spaniel, schnauzer, dachshund, poodle and Bassett hound show a genetic predisposition towards the crystal formation. The crystals normally occur with the presence of a bacterial infection and predominately affect female dogs. Specialized diets can reduce the acidic concentration in the animal's urine and slowly dissolve the stones. The diets contain less protein, magnesium and phosphorus but have more salt to encourage the pet to drink more water.

Things You'll Need

  • S/D by Hills
  • Cranberry capsules
  • Royal Canin SO
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Instructions

    • 1

      Feed the dog a prescription diet specifically formulated to dissolve struvite crystals. Supply the dog with the food over the course of 60 to 120 days. Mar Vista Animal Medical Center recommends S/D Diet food by Hills, which is designed specifically to dissolve struvite crystals. A veterinarian must prescribe the food for your dog. Feed the recommended dosage according to the veterinarian.

    • 2

      Provide fresh water daily for the dog to drink. The increased water consumption will help flush out the dog's urinary tract, which can help the stones dissolve.

    • 3

      Feed the dog 1/2 to 2 cranberry capsule pills per day depending on the dog's size to help acidify the urine, according to the Veterinary Institute of Integrative Medicine. Break the capsule open and pour over the dog's food.

    • 4

      Take the dog to the veterinarian regularly to have its urine checked to make sure the crystals are dissolving. Once the crystals begin to dissolve the veterinarian will often switch the dog to a maintenance diet, such as Royal Canin SO. Dogs cannot remain on S/D Diet food by Hills for longer than six months, according to Mar Vista Animal Medical Center.