Therapeutic food for dogs with mcb. What is urolithiasis in dogs and how to get rid of it? Natural diet for dogs with urolithiasis

According to veterinary statistics, the first place among diseases of the excretory system in dogs is urolithiasis (urolithiasis). The disease has a polyetiological character, but most often develops as a result of unbalanced nutrition and infectious processes. In the arsenal of veterinary medicine, there are both conservative and surgical methods of treating the disease.

The main factors that play a key role in the pathogenesis of the formation of stones (struvites) in four-legged pets, veterinarians include:

This phenomenon promotes the formation of tripelphosphate crystals.

• • Unbalanced diet. Feeding an animal according to a mixed type (a combination of dry food and natural foods), a high-protein diet leads to the fact that the composition of urine is disturbed. There is a high probability of developing urolithiasis with an increased calcium content in the diet. As a rule, in this case, oxalates are formed in the animal.

Expert opinion

Lyubov Ilyina

Veterinarian

According to the observations of veterinarians, this type of stone is most often found in pets over 7 years old, as well as in representatives of breeds such as Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terriers.

• Violation of the drinking regime. If a dog eats dry industrial food and does not receive enough water, the composition of the urine changes, which leads to the formation of crystals in the form of citrates and oxalates. Drinking a pet with untreated tap water also provokes the formation of inorganic compounds in the bladder.
• congenital anomalies is a common cause of kidney stones in dogs. Pathology develops, as a rule, against the background of narrowing of the urethra.
• hereditary predisposition. Breeds such as Scottish Terriers, Poodles, and Pekingese are the most commonly affected by struvite formation in the bladder. Dachshunds, Dalmatians, Cocker Spaniels are also at risk due to the genetic predisposition to urolithiasis. Bassets and English Bulldogs are characterized by the formation of cystine stones.

The reasons that provoke the development of struvite in the bladder in dogs, veterinarians include a sedentary lifestyle, irregular walking of a pet.

Symptoms in dogs

The insidiousness of urolithiasis lies in the fact that the disease develops almost imperceptibly for the owner, the first symptoms become apparent already, unfortunately, when the pathological process has become serious. A sick dog has the following clinical picture:

In an advanced case, when the stones block the urinary ducts, the animal has abdominal tension. The dog is worried, whining. Perhaps an increase in temperature, anorexia develops. A threatening symptom is the lack of urination, signs of dehydration and convulsions. This condition threatens the life of the pet due to the development of severe intoxication of the body and requires urgent qualified assistance.

Due to the peculiarities of the anatomical structure of the urinary tract, clinical signs in males develop faster than in females.

Diagnosis of pathology

In some cases, the diagnosis is established by analyzing urine before the appearance of pronounced symptoms in the pet. Laboratory analysis of urine allows you to identify the nature of the stones and prescribe the appropriate diet and treatment. During clinical examination, in some cases, a veterinarian can palpate large stones through the wall of the abdominal cavity.

To confirm the diagnosis, as well as to identify the localization of struvites, a veterinarian can perform x-rays. In some cases, in a specialized institution, the pet will undergo excretory urography using a radiopaque substance. The study is effective in individuals older than 4 years. Conducting will help determine the size and number of stones in the bladder.

In order to detect a bacterial infection that often accompanies urolithiasis, a bacteriological analysis of urine is prescribed to the animal.

Treatment of urolithiasis

In acute cases, when a pet has an obstruction of the urethra with stones, the veterinarian performs catheterization, retrograde washing of the bladder.

In some cases, a urethrotomy or urethrostomy is performed. The instrument is inserted into the urethra under local anesthesia. After the procedure, the emptying of the bladder occurs through the operating opening and is often used for pathology in uncastrated pedigreed males. Subsequently, the function of urination is restored naturally.

In a urethrostomy, the surgeon creates a new urethra. This operation is combined, as a rule, with the castration of the animal.

Preparations for dogs

In order to eliminate the consequences of blockage of the ureters, antispasmodic drugs are prescribed to the animal - No-shpu, Baralgin, Spazgan, Papeverin. With struvite, manual massage is indicated.

Allopurinol helps to reduce the formation of urate deposits. In some cases, the agent leads to their dissolution.

If the obstruction is accompanied by bloody discharge, the dog is prescribed hemostatic agents, for example, Dicinon, Vikasol, etc.

A course of antibiotic therapy helps the dog to eliminate the inflammatory process when urolithiasis is complicated by pathogenic microflora. The best effect is provided by broad-spectrum antibiotics. Cephalosporins, for example, Cephalen, Ceftriaxone, have a good therapeutic effect.

Operation

In the event that conservative therapy does not bring the desired effect, they resort to a planned operation. Most often, this situation is observed in the formation of oxalates. During surgery, stones are removed from the bladder.

Cystostomy is performed under general anesthesia. During the operation, the veterinary surgeon makes an incision in the bladder, followed by the removal of large stones. Small formations (sand) are washed out of the body. Normal urination is restored, as a rule, after 2 to 3 days. After surgery, conservative treatment is carried out to prevent relapse, and a therapeutic diet is prescribed.

Diet and food selection

The complex therapy of the disease necessarily includes a therapeutic diet. Adjustment of the diet mainly depends on the type of stones found in the dog's body and should be carried out by the attending physician.

If urates, cystines are found in a pet, then the diet should be low in protein. Specially designed medicated feeds that alkalize urine, such as Royal Canin Urinary U/C Low Purine, help to limit the intake of protein components in the dog's body without compromising the functioning of other organs and systems.

Expert opinion

Lyubov Ilyina

Veterinarian

The formation of struvite in the bladder requires dietary adjustments aimed at reducing protein, calcium and phosphorus in it. Veterinarians recommend switching these pets to Hill`s C/D or Royal Canin Urinary S/O. Medicinal feeds effectively dissolve struvite crystals, are characterized by a low level of magnesium, which prevents the formation of new pathological formations.

Lifestyle in the presence of a disease

If an illness is detected, the owner must first of all take care of the strict implementation of the instructions of the veterinary specialist. As a rule, a therapeutic salt-free diet is prescribed to the dog for life. Based on the results of the analysis, special feeds are selected that dissolve and slow down the formation of certain uroliths in the excretory system.

A sick pet needs to be outdoors regularly. Moderate physical activity is recommended. The owner must ensure that the dog is impatient and empties the bladder as needed.

Regular (once every 3-4 months) examination of blood and urine will help control the development of the pathology and the condition of the pet.

Prevention of KSD in dogs

The following tips and recommendations from veterinary therapists will help prevent the development of urolithiasis in dogs:

• Timely treat inflammatory processes in the urogenital area.
• Balance a diet low in phosphorus.
• The moisture content of the feed should not be below 60-70%.
• When feeding dry industrial mixes, the owner must control the intake of fresh water.
• Filtered water should be used to feed the dog.
• Do not allow the animal to become obese.
• Observe the mode of walking, avoiding the overflow of the bladder.
• Regular urinalysis for early diagnosis of the disease.
• Pets at risk should be fed medicated diets to prevent struvite formation.

Urolithiasis in dogs develops, as a rule, due to inflammatory processes, as well as with unbalanced feeding and violation of the drinking regimen. Given that symptoms are detected already at a late stage of the disease, a visit to a veterinarian should not be delayed. Therapy for the disease includes medications, a therapeutic diet, and surgical removal of stones.

Useful video

About the types of stones, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of urolithiasis, see this video:

Lower urinary tract infections are not uncommon in dogs. Approximately 15 individuals out of 100 suffer from urolithiasis (urolithiasis or ICD abbreviation). It is enough for pet owners to remember the main signs of this disease and what to do in the first place to help them cope with the disease faster.

What you need to know about kidney stones in dogs

• With this pathology, salt stones can form in any of the organs of the urinary system. The bladder suffers most often, because. urine accumulates in it and sand settles most conveniently.
• The following types of stones are found in dogs: cystine, struvite, phosphate, and oxalate. The latter are considered the most unpleasant - they grow rapidly and are difficult to treat (more often than others they are removed surgically). One individual can form several varieties of stones at once.
• Most often, struvites are recorded in dogs, the cause of which is chronic inflammation in the bladder, and not nutritional errors, as is the case with cats.
• In dogs, the cause of urolithiasis is not always a metabolic disorder.
• The presence of sand and stones causes inflammation in the bladder, injury, bleeding and blockage.
• Most often, KSD is asymptomatic in dogs, so it is important to periodically take a routine urinalysis so as not to miss the disease and not aggravate the condition of the excretory system. The main symptom of the disease - a violation of urination, up to its termination - occurs even when the condition is critical, and the pathology is running.
• The risk group consists of representatives of predominantly small breeds: Yorkies, Schnauzers, Dalmatians, Shih Tsu, Pekingese, Miniature Poodles, English Bulldogs, etc.
• When making a diagnosis of KSD, the types of stones / sand must be determined, otherwise the treatment will be ineffective. For this, additional examinations are always carried out - X-ray, ultrasound, a detailed analysis of blood and urine.
• More often, middle-aged individuals and males get sick, because. they have a long urethra and are more likely to block it with a stone or excess sand.

Why does this pathology develop?

It is impossible to name an unambiguous reason, in order to say for sure that it was because of this that the pathology arose. But there are a number of predisposing factors:

1. Any long-term infections of the urogenital area, including the kidneys. Such diseases change the composition of blood and urine, shifting their acidity. Against this background, precipitation often begins to form in the form of sand and the formation of stones.
2. Violation of the balance of feeding the dog. Usually, cheap dry food and mixing ready-made industrial food with natural food are to blame. All this gives an increased load on the work of the gastrointestinal tract, which is constantly in a state of adjustment to a certain food, literally working for wear and tear.
3. Bad water or general lack of drinking. Often the tap water that is most often given to pets contains a high salt content. It is they who in the body provoke the accumulation of insoluble sediments in the bladder and / or in the kidneys. With insufficient intake of fluid in the body, the urine becomes more concentrated and may precipitate.
4. Inactivity. Dogs should actively move, run, play - this is the prevention of urinary stagnation. You also need to regularly walk your pet so that he does not endure and relieves his needs in a timely manner. With long-term patience, nature has laid the crystallization of urine, so that it would be easier for the animal to endure. These crystals are then transformed into sand and stones.
5. Obesity - an increased load on the cardiovascular system and excretory develops. Fluid in the body stagnates, and urine begins to deteriorate.
6. genetic predisposition. There are a number of pathologies that are inherited by offspring, which go inextricably with the ICD.
7. Metabolic disorders against the background of disorders of the liver, pancreas, etc.

The manifestation of the disease - what to look for

Depending on the neglect of the disease, clinical manifestations can be divided into several degrees of manifestation:

• Subclinical or asymptomatic. This is the period of the disease when there are no outward manifestations, and stones and sand can only be detected using an X-ray or ultrasound. And these studies are driven by urinalysis, where there is a change in the pH of the urine (in any direction) and the precipitation of crystals.

• mild form of the disease. Outwardly, it often manifests itself as a slight malaise and classic signs of general malaise:
  • the number of times the pet asks to go to the toilet increases;
  • slight hematuria - the appearance of droplets of blood in the urine, which slightly change its color to pink;
  • the dog pisses longer than usual, may whine in the process, take unnatural poses, stagnate in the process;
  • long and carefully licks the genitals;
  • a slight increase in body temperature is possible if an infectious inflammation develops.

• Severe manifestations follow mild:
  • the dog constantly has traces of urine droplets in the perineum, which indicates constant involuntary urination. Also, traces of urine are found throughout the housing where the pet lives;
  • there is obvious blood in the urine;
  • the pet constantly whines, especially when he tries to go “a little”, you can see how he strains for this;
  • you can feel an enlarged (overcrowded) bladder, tk. the outflow of urine is difficult;
  • the animal looks depressed, emaciated, there is no appetite, and even the favorite treat does not attract;
  • may be thirsty;
  • possible fever if there are signs of infections.

• Urgently see a doctor with the following signs (threatening symptoms):
  • urine does not pass at all;
  • signs of dehydration, general exhaustion;
  • weakness, coma (the animal almost constantly lies, reacts poorly to the nickname or does not react at all);
  • the bladder, when probing the abdominal wall, may be crowded, large, tense and painful, or may not be felt at all if it has ruptured;
  • general signs of intoxication from the entry of urinary substances into the blood (vomiting, nausea, convulsions);
  • the pet may fall into a coma in a particularly serious condition;
  • body temperature usually drops below 37.5°C.

Competent treatment directly depends on how correctly the veterinarian assesses the degree of manifestation of urolithiasis in a dog by symptoms.

Owner First Aid

• If signs of illness are found, the animal must be taken to the veterinarian to find out what is wrong.
• If critical signs of the disease are detected - lack of urination, blood in urine drops, coma - take the pet to a specialist immediately.
• Self-medication is prohibited! An exception is the removal of spasm and pain if it is not possible to deliver the pet to the clinic immediately (no-shpa, papaverine or baralgin intramuscularly at a dose of up to 0.5 ml of a solution intramuscularly into the thigh).

Treatment

It should be noted right away: there is no universal treatment for all dogs with KSD!!! There are certain schemes that are formed from generally accepted drugs, but strictly individually, depending on what type of stones the pathology was complicated by.

Important: the treatment is carried out until it is canceled by a specialist on the result of tests and examination. It is forbidden to stop treatment on your own against the background of a visible improvement in the condition!

The main treatment measures include:

1. Maintenance of cardiac activity in a critical state:
   • cordiamine: 1-3 drops per tongue (depending on the size of the animal) or intramuscularly 0.1 ml/kg;
   • sulfocamphocaine: 0.5-2 ml of a solution by any injection method up to 2 times a day. Do not exceed the dosage of 2 ml!
2. Catheterization, which restores the outflow of urine, pushing stones back into the bladder or retrograde washing of the urethral canal;
3. The use of antispasmodic drugs:
   • atropine: 0.5 ml twice a day at the withers subcutaneously;
   • no-shpa, papaverine hydrochloride: 0.5 ml 2-3 times a day intramuscularly.
4. Anesthesia:
   • baralgin: 0.75 ml / 10 kg intramuscularly to relieve pain at this particular point in time;
   • analgin: 0.1 ml of solution for each kg of body weight up to 2 times a day (not more often than after 10-12 hours) and not longer than 3 days;
   • pentalgin: ¼ tab. / 10 kg of body weight symptomatically;
   • novocaine blockade in the lumbar region to relieve pain from renal colic (performed only by a specialist).
5. Hemostatic therapy:
   • dicynone (etamsylate): for a dog weighing up to 5 kg is ¼ tab., if more, then ½ tab. for the same 5 kg of weight or intramuscularly 0.1 mg / kg of body weight twice a day.
6. Antibiotic therapy (it is forbidden to use Gentamicin!):
   • furagin: inside ½-1 tab. depending on the size of the pet, 2-3 times a day after feeding for 5-7 days;
   • furadonin: a daily dose of 5-10 mg of the active substance for each kg of weight, which is divided into 2-4 doses per day, the course is 7-10 days;
   • neopen (if pus is found in the urine): 1 ml / 10 kg of weight into the muscle or subcutaneously once a day for a course of 3-4 days.
7. Detoxification (infusion) therapy restores the state of the body against the background of dehydration and promotes the elimination of toxic substances against the background of urinary stagnation:
   • vetavit: the contents of 1 sachet are divided into two parts and given with milk or food in the morning and evening for 1.5-2 weeks;
   • a mixture of 100-200 ml of Ringer-Locke and 5-10 ml of 40% glucose subcutaneously or intravenously in the form of a dropper;
   • nelit: 50 ml of solution is taken per 1 kg of weight twice a day, in critical condition 8-10 ml / kg every 4 hours.
8. Elimination of the general inflammatory process with complex preparations for urolithiasis:
   • Urodan (about 460 rubles / 100 g bottle): 1 tsp. solution is dissolved in 100-125 ml of water and fed to the dog. Multiplicity - up to 3 times a day.
   • Stop cystitis (up to 165 rubles / pack): 1 tab. or 2 ml of solution inside with a dog weighing up to 5 kg, 2 tab. or 3 ml - if more. Give within a week. Then reduce to a single dacha also during the week.
   • Uro-ursi (up to 180 rubles/pack of 14 capsules): 1 capsule if the dog's weight does not exceed 10 kg and 2 capsules if the weight is more than 10 kg. The course is 14 days, one dose per day.
   • Tsistokur forte (up to 1000 rubles / 30 g): twice a day, 2 scoops / 10 kg of body weight for at least 15 days.
   • Urotropin (up to 35 rubles / vial): 2-5 ml orally diluted with water twice a day for 1-1.5 weeks.
   • Healthy kidneys "Fitoelita" (100 rubles / 50 tablets): for adult dogs 1 tablet / 10 kg of weight, for puppies - ½ tab. On the first day or two, give the indicated dose every 2 hours, then switch to a three-time dose and remain at this dosage until the symptoms disappear + 1 more week to consolidate the result.
   • Ipakitine (1250-1500 rubles): the duration of admission is from 3 to 6 months. 1 measuring spoon goes for every 5 kg of weight along with water or food twice a day.
   • Kantaren (150-180 rubles): the dosage depends on the size of the animal and varies between 1-3 tables. orally or 0.5-4 ml as an injection once a day for 2-4 weeks (but not longer). You can increase the frequency of reception up to 2-3 times a day in severe condition.
   • Urinari Tract Support (800 rubles): give a dog up to 10 kg 2 tablets, up to 30 kg - 3 tablets, more than 30 kg - 4 tablets. with your dog's favorite treat or food. Monitor symptoms - after a persistent disappearance, the reception is stopped (on average 1-2 weeks).
   • Renal-advance (1250 rubles / pack 40 g): for a month, carefully mix into the feed according to the scheme: up to 2.5 kg - 1 small measuring spoon, up to 5 kg - 2, up to 7.5 kg - 3, up to 10 kg - 4, up to 15 kg - 2 large measured portions, up to 25 kg - 3. In some cases, the duration of the intake may be increased by the veterinarian at his discretion.
   • Urolex (up to 260 rubles): three times a day, one hour before feeding, drip on the tongue, 3 drops / kg. Can be slightly diluted with water and poured. Apply no longer than 30 days.
9. Diet therapy, depending on the type of stones detected:
   • the most important rule of a natural diet for a dog with KSD is to reduce the content of protein, phosphorus and calcium in such a way as not to shift the acidity of the urine, not to give an increased burden on the kidneys, but at the same time, so that all this is enough for the dog to live normally.
10. With complete blockage of the urethra and the inability to restore the natural outflow of urine, surgical intervention is recommended. Surgical treatment of urolithiasis is also indicated when stones are detected on ultrasound or x-ray before blockage of the urethral canal. After any operation, the dog continues to be led by a veterinary therapist, because. removing stones is not a cure!

Kidney stones are extremely difficult to surgically remove. One of the ways out of the situation may be the removal of the affected kidney, provided that the remaining one can continue to cope with its functions for two. Otherwise, the animal is doomed to lifelong maintenance therapy and early death.

Question answer

Question:
If urolithiasis in a dog is not treated?

If the identified disease is not treated, then in addition to the formation of urinary stones that can clog the urethra, a chronic inflammatory process, the formation of adhesions and, worst of all, rupture of the bladder can be provoked. The animal may die.

Question:
What and how to feed the dog during the treatment of KSD and after?

Balancing the diet on your own is very difficult, but you can try. Everything will depend on the general condition of the pet, the stage of development of the disease and the type of stones detected.

1. Do not mix natural feed with industrial feed.
2. Try to make the diet as diverse as possible, do not give the same food set for a long time.
3. With oxalates, offal is completely excluded from the diet, because. they contain derivatives of oxalic acid.
4. In the process of natural feeding, the animal can be drunk with the healing water "Borjomi" and "Essentuki". There should also always be access to clean, purified drinking water.
5. With urates, rich meat and fish broths are excluded (but boiled fish and meat are left), sausages, offal. Increase the amount of vegetables, dairy products, eggs and cereals.
6. In dogs, a lack of calcium in the diet with natural feeding will stimulate the formation of phosphate stones, so it is impossible to completely exclude dairy products from the diet (as well as overdo it).
7. It is important to dose portions of food and not to feed often (4-6 times is a lot) so as not to provoke constant urine alkalization. Water should stand constantly, food - no.
8. With any diet, it is important to add vitamin A to the diet - it improves the condition of the internal mucous membrane of the bladder.
9. With the oxalate type of ICD, it is imperative to add vitamin B6 and magnesium to food (wheat bran does this well).
10. Salty, fatty, sweet and fried foods are completely excluded from the diet.

Question:
Therapeutic food for dogs with urolithiasis

It is important to note that with the correct selection of special food, nothing else can be given to a pet - even as a reward or a treat, otherwise the effect of the diet will be reduced to zero. An appropriate mark is required, which type of animal is intended for food (for example, Royal Canin for dogs). The class must be premium or super-premium. Economy class should be excluded from the diet.

For general prevention and treatment of urolithiasis, it is recommended:

• Royal Cannin Urinary S/O;
• Royal Cannin Urinary;
• Club 4 paws Ph control;
• Pet Time Dog Perfection;
• Urinary S/O Small Dog USD
• Eucanuba Oxalat Urinary Formula
• Hills Prescription Diet™ Canine k/d™

When oxalates are detected:

• Urinary S/O LP18;
• Eucanuba Oxalat Urinary Formula;
• Hills Prescription Diet™ Canine c/d™ Multicare$
• Farmina vet life ossalati

Urate urolithiasis:

• Hill's Prescription Diet U/D/

Cystine urolithiasis:

• Farmina vet life ossalati

For struvite stones:

• Urinary S/O LP18;
• Hill Prescription Diet™ Canine w/d™;
• Hill's Prescription Diet C/D;
• Eukanuba Struvite Urinary Formula;
• Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR.

Question:
Surgical treatment of KSD

Surgical treatment of urolithiasis includes the following methods:

• urethrotomy - dissection of the urethra and removal of the stones that clogged it;
• urethrostomy - the formation of a new urethra with frequent inflammatory processes and relapses of pathology;
• cystostomy - opening the bladder, removing stones, washing the cavity from sand, followed by therapeutic therapy;
• removal of stones by laser - crushing stones into smaller fragments in order to remove them naturally by increasing diuresis (the method is rarely used in veterinary medicine due to lack of equipment and the high cost of the procedure);
• the introduction of drugs that dissolve stones in the bladder.

Question:
Is the prevention of urolithiasis effective?

It is possible and necessary to prevent this disease! Necessary:

• monitor the weight of the pet, avoiding obesity;
• choose the right diet (especially if there were cases of the disease in the anamnesis);
• regularly show the pet to the veterinarian and take a urine test, because. urolithiasis in dogs is often asymptomatic;
• always give free access to clean drinking water (especially if the pet is fed dry food);
• monitor an excess of protein products when feeding adults;
• monitor the timely emptying of the bladder, not allowing the pet to endure and wait a long time for a walk;
• walking should include at least 3 walks, two of which should be at least 30 minutes, one up to 1 hour;
• do not mix natural food with prepared food. Also, do not alternate feeding dry food and wet food;
• give the dog regular, but moderate physical activity - running, active games while walking.

Question:
Is it acceptable to treat ICD with herbs (folk recipes)

It is permissible to use traditional medicine recipes, but strictly according to the testimony of a veterinarian. It is possible that some herbs are not compatible with the main treatment drugs - it is important not to make the pet worse.

1. Visible pain when trying to urinate is removed with freshly squeezed parsley juice - from 1 tsp. up to 1 tablespoon, depending on the size of the dog, up to 4 times a day.
2. Take 1 g of dry herbs of bearberry, cudweed, immortelle, dandelion, kidney tea, corn stigmas and flax seeds, mix, take 5 g of the mixture, pour 250 ml of boiling water, insist wrapped up to 30 minutes. Give twice a day 30 minutes before or after feeding 1-3 tablespoons, depending on the weight of the dog.
3. Mix 1 tsp. licorice root, dandelions and burdock, chamomile flowers, golden rod and echinacea, horsetail and sage herbs, hop cones. 1 tbsp mixture, pour 500 ml of boiling water and simmer in a water bath for up to 20 minutes. Give 5-10 ml in the morning and evening throughout the treatment of urolithiasis + 2 weeks on top to consolidate the result. With this tool, you need to give the dog a lot to drink - sand is washed out of the bladder well.

Canine urolithiasis (UCD) occurs when sand or stones block the urinary tract in the kidneys and bladder. The process of crystallization leads to a violation of diuresis, the animal suffers from pain with every attempt to defecate. Excessive accumulation of urine leads to intoxication of the animal's body.

What's this?

If the owner of the dog notices that his pupil is making puddles on the sofa or carpet, it is urgent to contact the veterinary clinic. Timely diagnosis and proper treatment with drugs can eliminate the disease and prolong the life of the animal.

According to statistics, 15% dogs of different ages suffer from urolithiasis, of which:

• 10% of young individuals under the age of 3 years;
• 20% of animals up to 6 years old inclusive;
• the remaining 70% are pets of respectable age (over 6 years old).

The reasons

Deposits in the organs of the urinary system of animals are formed against the background of changes in the chemical composition of urine. The liquid can become alkalized or oxidized, which affects the composition of the stones. About the factors contributing to the formation of stones, further.

• Infections caused by bacteria or viruses.

In females, stones most often occur precisely because of infection of the urinary tract. Improper treatment or lack of it leads to the accumulation of bacteria, deterioration of urination due to inflammation.

Bacterial infection is accompanied by the formation of struvite, consisting of ammonium phosphate, calcium carbonate and magnesium.

• Rare pet walking.

Short and infrequent walks on the street lead to the fact that the dog empties the bladder less often. Low physical activity of the animal contributes to the development of hypodynamia, which causes a deterioration in blood circulation in the organs. Stagnant processes provoke the formation of stones in the bladder.

• Violation feeding.

An improperly formulated diet with a high percentage of protein and mineral salts contributes to the development of KSD. Bran, soy products, and fiber also increase the risk of stone formation in dogs.

Dry food and natural nutrition it is unacceptable to combine. A mixed diet contributes to the appearance of calculi. Additionally, we recommend reading about

• Restriction of water consumption.

Some dog and cat owners do not leave water available to their pets. Animals get used to rarely drink, but at the same time their urine becomes more concentrated. This is quite dangerous for the health of dogs, as stones begin to form in the bladder or ducts.

• genetic predisposition.

Some breeds of dogs are much more likely than others to visit the veterinarian for difficulty urinating. For example, cystines are diagnosed in bulldogs, dachshunds. It is believed that the disease is inherited from them.

Small dog breeds are also more likely to develop urolithiasis. Their small bladder requires frequent emptying, but time-pressed owners do not provide them with proper walking.

• Features of the structure of the urinary tract.

In females and males, there are significant differences in the structure of the urethra. The long urinary canal in males leads to the fact that stones from the bladder that have fallen into it cannot fall out on their own. Their progress is accompanied by trauma to the mucous membranes and inflammation. Males are more likely than females to suffer from complete ureteral obstruction.

IMPORTANT!The risk of KSD in a pet increases if several items from the above list are present at once.

Symptoms

What signs should alert the dog owner? Symptoms of ICD are different and depend on the stage of the process.

ATTENTION! Anuria (lack of discharge) can lead to rupture of the bladder in an animal, which is also fatal.

The owner, noticing the symptoms , must ensure timely treatment of his dog. To do this, contact a veterinarian and undergo the necessary examinations.

Diagnostics

When the first symptoms appear, you should show your pet to a doctor. In addition to visual inspection and palpation, additional procedures will be required.

• X-ray or ultrasound dogs are needed to identify the location of the calculus, its shape and dimensions.
• Analysis of urine helps to determine the type of stones and the presence of infectious processes in the animal. You should not collect urine for research in advance. Adequate results are obtained from analyzes of fresh urine.
• Blood analysis will show the general condition of the dog's body.
• Cystoscopy prescribed in emergencies. The intervention is performed under general anesthesia. First, with the help of a catheter, the bladder is released, washed, and then a cystoscope is inserted into the urethra. The device transmits an image of the internal surface to the monitor. The operation is often performed on bitches. The anatomical features of males make intervention difficult. The cystoscope has to be inserted through a puncture in the wall of the bladder.

Treatment

In the presence of stones, an integrated approach to therapy will be required. Only a specialist knows how to treat an animal. He will determine the severity of the pathology and choose the necessary tactics.

Preparations

1. If the dog is in critical condition, funds are needed to maintain the working capacity of the heart (Cordiamin, Sulfocamphocaine).
2. To relieve spasms, antispasmodics are prescribed ("Atropine", "No-shpa", "Papaverine hydrochloride").
3. Analgesics will help reduce pain ("Baralgin", "Pentalgin", "Analgin"). In the clinic for renal colic, novocaine blockade can be performed.
4. To stop bleeding in animals, "Etamzilat" is used.
5. Accession of infection requires the appointment of antibiotics ("Furagin", "Furadonin"). In the presence of pus - "Neopen".
6. Special preparations for the treatment of inflammation: "Stop-cystitis", "Urotropin", "Urodan", "Kantaren", "Urolex".
7. To support the dog's body, infusion therapy is prescribed ("Nelite", "Ringer-Locka" and glucose).
8. Probiotics ("Vetavit") will help support the animal's immunity.

Operation

Complete blockage of the canal requires surgical intervention. Dogs undergo several types of operations:

• Urethrostomy, when stones are removed through the opening in the urethra.
• Cystotomy - removal of stones is performed after opening the bladder.
• Urohydropropulsion - pushing stones from the urethra into the bladder.

Power correction

When compiling the menu, the type of stones found should be taken into account.

• For struvite stones It is necessary to reduce the amount of magnesium in the diet. The phosphorus content must comply with the NRC standard. When acidic urine dissolves struvite, the diet should lead to an increase in pH. Meat products and cereals can increase acidity, which will help eliminate stones. It is impossible to overfeed, so as not to increase the phosphorus content.

The use of an acidifying diet should not be long-term. With the complete dissolution of the stones, the nutrition is adjusted. Excessive acidification is dangerous by the formation of another type of stones - oxalate. But alkalization is also dangerous: a relapse is possible when returning to the original diet.

IMPORTANT! Prolonged acidification is dangerous by demineralization of the dog's bones.

• With urate stones it is necessary to reduce the amount of purines and protein in the diet. Dairy products, eggs, vegetables and cereals can be included in the diet. Offal, lean meats, fish, legumes, asparagus are excluded from nutrition. Be sure to improve water supply.
• When identifying cystine stones dairy products are removed from the diet. Eggs should also be excluded from the menu.
• There are cases when a dog is diagnosed mixed stones. In this situation, an individual development of a diet by a nutritionist is necessary. Medicinal feeds are produced only for diet correction with common types of uroliths. With a mixed type of stones, it is difficult to pick up ready-made food. Therefore, without consulting a nutritionist is indispensable.

Possible Complications

Lack of urination for more than a day in an animal threatens death from rupture of the bladder and peritonitis that has developed against it. If the animal does not defecate, acute renal failure may develop. In this case, the body suffers from poisoning by decay products. Prolonged accumulation of urine leads to irreversible processes in the body and increases the likelihood of death.

Prevention

To prevent the risk of recurrence and for prevention in dogs at risk, it is necessary to observe the following recommendations.

1. Give your dog plenty of clean, distilled or filtered water to drink.
2. Provide a pet living in an apartment with good physical activity, often taking them for walks.

What to feed?

Depending on the identified type of stones, the doctor will recommend dietary nutrition for the animal. If store-bought food is prescribed, the dog should not be fed with goodies from your table. Do not mix natural food and industrial canned or dry food.

Some animals are reluctant to accept a change in diet. It takes persistence and patience. The first days you can feed your pet from your hand. If the dog does not want canned food, they need to be slightly warmed up; if he refuses dry food, the balls are slightly soaked in warm water.

REFERENCE! If the dog does not drink enough, a few drops of milk, kefir or meat broth are added to the water.

How to choose a therapeutic food for prevention

When choosing a ready-made feed for an animal, the following principles should be followed.

1. The feed is of high quality. The animal should eat in small portions. For this, easily digestible high-calorie premium or super-premium class feeds are suitable. If the food is low in calories, the pet will need a large portion to get enough, and this threatens with an overabundance of minerals and contributes to the development of KSD.
2. When buying dog food pay attention to the phosphorus content. Its reduced content reduces the risk of stone formation.
3. Calcium necessary for young puppies, and for adult animals, its high content in the feed is fraught with severe acidification of urine.
4. Protein should be of high quality, but contained in the feed in small quantities. This will reduce the load on the liver of the animal.

Useful video

Urolithiasis in dogs occurs in fifteen cases out of a hundred, is a common problem in many breeds. The essence of the disease is simple: the dog's bladder is filled with stones of different sizes, which block the urinary tract, causing monstrous pain. Symptoms of KSD begin with difficulty urinating, then progressing. The treatment is positive, brings significant relief to the condition. Most importantly, do not start the disease so much that the dog painfully tries to survive.

Useful information

With urolithiasis, stones can form in any part of the excretory system: kidneys, bladder, canals. Stones are formed as a result of the accumulation of certain substances, subsequent hardening, crystallization. Normal urine is about neutral. The disease shifts the pH to the acidic, alkaline side. Slight chemical displacement results in the formation of fine sand, which is usually carried out on its own. Discomfort is sometimes noted during the passage of solid particles, but in general the condition of the dog remains satisfactory.

The formation of the following types of stones is possible:

• Cystins: Passed down through generations of certain breeds. Dachshunds, bulldogs, corgis usually suffer. Other breeds of dogs rarely develop this type of urolithiasis.
• Oxalates are the nastiest stones, they grow quickly, have a variety of shapes, and are difficult to treat.
• Phosphate pebbles are also characterized by intensive growth, they are successfully eliminated by strict adherence to the dosage regimen proposed by the doctor.
• Struvites are the result of exposure to various bacterial diseases.

One animal may have several types of stones. Therapeutic procedures are complicated by the selection of different treatment regimens for the elimination of each type of urolith. urolith- urinary stone. The danger of finding stones inside the organ cavity is as follows. Stones, passing through the urinary canals, scratch the walls of blood vessels, the animal feels severe pain. Especially large stones can get stuck, clog the channel lumen. Then urine will accumulate in the dog's body, poisoning the body with toxins. Blockage may result in rupture of the walls of the canal, the outflow of fluid into the abdominal cavity. It is unrealistic to remove the formed stones with folk remedies on your own. It is acceptable to use non-drugs in the early stages, for the speedy removal of sand. But the stones pose too serious a threat to the health of the dog to joke, to self-medicate.

Causes of urolithiasis

A serious disease requires a serious approach, many veterinarians have been studying the causes and factors leading to KSD for years. It was possible to establish the following regularities:

• Various infections, especially those that change the structure of the blood, can cause a change in the composition of urine. The balance of the content of certain urinary elements determines the neutrality of the fluid reaction. Any excess, decrease in concentration inevitably leads to excessive hardening of the components. Particularly dangerous are diseases of the genital area, the excretory system. Pancreatitis can cause a complication of this kind.
• Improper feeding leads to the development of the disease. The combination of ordinary (natural) food with canned, dry food puts a lot of pressure on the digestive organs. The body of the dog is forced to adapt for years, to work for wear and tear. An excess amount of protein puts a strain on the liver, kidneys, shifts PH to the acid side. The opposite effect has an excess of the proportion of carbohydrates in the diet. In feeding the dog, you need to adhere to a certain regimen, then the risk factor will go away.
• Often sand is formed due to the use of poor quality water. Giving water directly from the tap is possible if the exact salt content is known. Otherwise, it is recommended to pre-purify the liquid. Using commonplace filters is great to help deal with the situation. Also, irregular access to clean drinking water can cause the accumulation of sparingly soluble substances.
• Lack of regular regular exercise. Walking the dog twice a day, the owners unwittingly cause stagnation of urine. Prolonged fluid retention provokes absorption. The components of the urine crystallize to hold the animal's natural urge. Older dogs cannot endure for a long time, so urolithiasis is often diagnosed at a similar age.
• The next factor follows from the previous point - insufficient physical activity causes obesity. Problematic weight is a threat to the heart of the animal, to all body systems. Increased body weight needs a lot of work of the excretory system, which simply cannot cope, stagnation occurs, urine deteriorates.
• The genetic characteristics of a particular dog have a great influence. Also, congenital changes significantly complicate the life of the animal. Degenerative changes in blood vessels and excretory canals can lead to urolithiasis. Improper functioning of the liver, kidneys due to abnormal structure, metabolic disorders.

Usually a combination of several causes leads to urolithiasis. Such a combined effect is especially dangerous in predisposed individuals. Although other breeds also have certain problems, the risk of the disease increases dramatically if there are problems in keeping, walking the dog. Minor trifles, shoals of owners inevitably lead to the development of various ailments. Most of these diseases lie in wait for pets at the end of their lives.

Symptoms of urolithiasis in dogs

The initial change in urine structure usually goes unnoticed. The dog changes when the formation of stones has already occurred. It is possible to prevent the dangerous development of the disease if the owners regularly undergo preventive examinations at the veterinary clinic. An ultrasound scan will help to identify the beginnings of a future problem in a timely manner. Do not neglect a visit to the doctor if the dog is at risk!

The following irrefutable evidence of stone formation is observed:

• The dog often goes to the toilet. The animal is simply unable to keep the urge, watering carpets, shoes, corners.
• The amount of urine varies, often the volume is too small.
• The color of the liquid becomes darker, blood impurities are possible.
• The animal experiences pain, trembles, can take strange, unusual, uncharacteristic poses.
• If there is a blockage of the urinary tract with a stone, the dog experiences severe pain. The abdomen becomes painful, tight, the animal avoids touching. The body temperature rises rapidly, there is a strong thirst, the dog refuses to eat.

Channel blockage poses a threat to the life of the dog, so the observation of such symptoms is a signal to the owner that urgent action is needed. The primary changes in the urine should alert the attentive owner: the liquid begins to smell unpleasant, there is a periodic decrease in the volume of urine excreted. In general, urolithiasis is characterized by a long course. Animals live for years, experiencing temporary difficulties in the excretory sphere, the manifestation of symptoms is secretive.

Diagnosis

It is based on carrying out three consecutive steps: a urine test for biochemistry, an ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity, and radiography. Then, according to the available laboratory data, the type of urolithiasis is determined. It is important to establish the nature of the stones in order to prescribe effective treatment. The thoughtless use of drugs will cause significant damage to the health of the dog. Therefore, always try to get, see the full picture of the ongoing processes.

It is also mandatory to conduct a comprehensive examination to exclude the presence of bacterial infections, assess the condition of the dog.

Treatment of urolithiasis

The urgent condition of blockage of the urinary canal is eliminated by the introduction of a catheter, the removal of urine. Then the veterinarian uses anti-spasm drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs. If the x-ray shows too much stone filling of the lumen of the bladder, channels, surgical removal of accumulated stones may be required.

The goal of therapy is to dissolve formations, remove crystals in a natural way.

The first months of treatment regularly testing of urine for concentration of substances is required. Such an action will allow you to notice the deterioration in time, to avoid possible complications. If the classic treatment does not work, the method of removing part of the dog's excretory tract is used. Permanent obstruction of the channels is cured by dilating part of the urinary tubules.

It is important to follow the treatment regimen prescribed by the doctor. Believe me, a short-term improvement in the condition will return a hundredfold if you follow these recommendations. Preventive medicines should be used if there is a risk of urolithiasis. It is also important to follow the general rules for keeping dogs in order to avoid even a possible hint of the development of the disease.

Prevention of ICD

Includes following the simple rules of a healthy dog:

• Water your dog with clean, filtered water.
• You should feed either natural food, or adhere to a dry regime, periodically diluting with canned food. It is not recommended to mix different types of feeding.
• Walks should be long, at least half an hour, preferably three times a day.
• Ensuring regular adequate physical activity.
• Periodic preventive urinalysis. Especially important for predisposed individuals.

Following these rules will keep your dog healthy for years to come. Health to your pets!