Increased mineral compounds in the canine urinary system sometimes clump together and form urinary calculi (stones). Known as urolithiasis, this condition can cause significant pain and may lead to urinary obstruction.
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Types of Stones
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Scientists label urinary calculi according to their chemical makeup, such as calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD). Identifying stone composition helps veterinarians determine cause and a treatment plan. For instance, struvite is the most common type of canine urinary stone, and Pet Education notes it often occurs with bacterial infections.
Causes of COD Stones
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According to the Merck Veterinary Manual (MVM), COD stones may be due to faulty calcium absorption. The parathyroid hormone, among other things, regulates and maintains calcium levels, and MVM advises thyroid function checks for dogs with COD stones.
Where Stones Occur
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Pet Education reports that urinary stones occur in a dog's bladder 85 percent of the time, but they can develop in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys.
Symptoms
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With urinary stones, dogs often urinate frequently but only in small amounts, strain during urination (sometimes mistaken for constipation), may have bloody urine, lick their genitals frequently or show other signs of distress.
Treatment
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The MVM states that COD stones require surgical removal or lithotripsy (a medical procedure that uses shock waves to break up stones).
Warning
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If a dog is unable to pass any urine, he may have a urinary obstruction. This requires immediate medical attention since it can result in kidney failure and death.
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