Housebreaking your pet is a challenging, but ultimately rewarding, experience. However, even the most well trained canine or feline can suddenly become incontinent. Out of several dangerous canine health conditions, urinary incontinence is one of the most frustrating, and potentially dangerous. One of the main causes of this condition is bladder stones, also known as calcium oxalate crystals. Prevention of this condition is difficult, but the stones can be helped with certain diet and supplement programs.
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Dangers
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Canines or felines with calcium oxalate crystals can suffer in a number of ways. One of the most pronounced is discomfort when urinating. This is very similar to the pain that humans have with a urinary tract infection. This pain will cause the animal to hold their urine, and this will increase incontinent situations when it just can't be held any longer. If allowed to grow unchecked, these stones can become lodged in the urinary tract, which will cause severe urinary tract blockage. Calcium oxalate crystals, or bladder stones, can only be surgically removed at that time. There are some steps you can take, however, to help your pet avoid this potentially serious and painful condition.
Causes
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There are several known causes for calcium oxalate crystal buildup. Heredity is the main factor, and certain breeds of dog are more prone to this condition than others. Lhasa apsos, miniatures schnauzers, Yorkshire terriers, miniature poodles, shih tzus and bichons frises are the most common breeds for this condition.
Diet can also play a key role in the development of bladder stones. Diets that are high in protein, as well as certain nutrients such as magnesium and calcium, can aggravate calcium oxalate crystals. Also, certain foods such as chocolate (containing an oxalate) can highly inflame the stones--and can also cause other life-threatening problems for pets.
Treatment
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Low-protein, low-calcium diets are the best treatment when the stones are discovered. Though diet alone cannot get rid of existing stones, the proper diet can hinder the growth of new ones. In addition, a mild diuretic prescribed by a veterinarian will also promote the flushing of the crystals. Increasing your pet's water intake will help as well.
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