Dogs diagnosed with struvite stones in their urinary tract need to be placed on a diet that changes the highly alkalized urine that creates the stones. According to Dr. Alleice Summers in her book ̶0;Common Diseases of Companion Animals,̶1; struvite stones (also called uroliths) are composed of a super concentration of magnesium ammonium phosphate minerals in the animal̵7;s urine that forms first crystals, then stones, around a central mineral nidus. A prescribed diet that changes alkaline urine to more acidic urine forces dissolution of the stones.
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Ingredients and Effects
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The prescription food for dogs with struvite stones is normally very low in protein, phosphorus and magnesium. It is also very high in sodium. By lowering the amounts of magnesium and phosphorus, the diet helps decrease the number of the mineralized building blocks in the animal̵7;s urine that causes struvites. A lower protein level combined with high amounts of sodium causes an increase in urine volume and dilutes the concentration of crystals in the dog̵7;s urine. As the acid pH of the urine increases, the struvite crystals become more soluble and begin to dissolve.
How to Feed
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Veterinarians frequently recommend the canned version of this food instead of the dry because of the added water needed by the affected dog. The extra water increases urination and can prevent dehydration in older dogs. Transitioning slowly from the dog̵7;s original diet to the new food over seven to ten days will help to deter intestinal issues. Because of the lowered protein in the food, the amount each dog is offered during the day will need to be adjusted on an individual basis to maintain optimum body weight.
Veterinary Treatment
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Dogs with struvite stones need continued veterinary monitoring while on the prescribed diet. The veterinarian will want to check the dog̵7;s urine pH to assure its continued acidity and determine dissolution of the struvite stones through radiographs. Continued feeding of the diet usually results in the stones dissolving within one to three months. Affected dogs are normally placed on antibiotics during this time period to prevent recurrent urinary tract infections and will need to be checked by the vet should any symptoms appear.
Contraindications
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This particular acidic diet is not recommended for pregnant dogs or puppies. It is also contraindicated for animals with hypertension, fatty liver syndrome, pancreatitis, kidney, liver or heart disease. Dogs with other types of bladder stones should not eat this food because highly acidic urine actually promotes development of these stones.
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