Both bladder stones and bladder crystals are capable of impacting the general health of a dog, especially in conjunction with infections of the urinary tract, or UTIs. Bladder crystals are comprised of minerals that form different shapes and sizes, and in different quantities depending on the dog. Bladder crystals are not always detrimental to a dog's health, but they can be in certain circumstances.
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Symptoms
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A number of common symptoms point to bladder crystal problems in dogs, including straining to urinate, urinating frequently, only passing a few drops of urine at a time and dribbling urine. A dog with irritation from bladder crystals may also display a loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting or depression. If your dog displays any of these systems, a veterinarian examination is vital.
Diagnosis
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The first examination should include a bladder palpation, urinalysis and a urine culture. The bladder palpation will help the veterinarian determine whether or not the bladder is overly full of urine. The urinalysis will allow the veterinarian to diagnose the type of crystals present as well as infection if one is present. The right antibiotic is vital in treatment of an infection, making urinalysis an important part of the diagnosis process. The veterinarian may also determine the pH of the urine in order to determine what type of bladder stones or crystals are present.
Struvite Crystals
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Struvite crystals are commonly associated with urinary tract infections, and are more common in female dogs than male. They appear both in young and middle-aged dogs, and are more common in some breeds than others, including Labrador retrievers, poodles, Pekingese, spaniels and some terriers. Struvites are often accompanied by a high alkaline pH from bacteria, so diagnosis generally comes from a bacterial culture of the urine.
Calcium Oxalate Crystals
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Calcium oxalate crystals are more common in male dogs than female, and occur in miniature poodles, miniature schnauzers, Yorkshire terriers and lhaso apso breeds more than others. These crystals can be found in any healthy dog, but can form into bladder stones and cause health issues when left unchecked. Dogs with calcium oxalate crystals in their bladder tend to have an acidic or neutral pH level. The crystals themselves do not pose a threat unless they transform into stones, which can cause infections and other health issues in dogs.
Treatment and Prevention
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Treatment is based on the type of crystal or stone present in the bladder. For struvite crystals, the veterinarian will administer an antibiotic and will also likely recommend cranberry juice or cranberry extract capsules. The cranberry is the best preventative measure as it prevents bacteria from adhering to the walls of the bladder. Acidifying the diet will also help to dissolve struvite stones in the bladder. For calcium oxalate crystals and stones, the typical treatment is surgical removal. Alkalizing the urine's pH through diet is another treatment option, using foods like honey, alfalfa, vegetables, apple cider vinegar, pumpkin, apples and bananas.
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