http://www.kingmananimalhospital.com/bladderstones.html
Similiar to humans, some dogs and cats are prone to forming urinary stones, which can be very painful when the pet urinates. These patients are also more prone to having recurrent urinary tract infections. Owners typically notice these pets urinating more often, straining to urinate as well as urinating in the house, which are all symptoms of urinary tract infections as well as urinary stones.
Patients with large stones typically require surgical removal but expensive surgery can be avoided in pets with smaller stones and crystals thanks to prescription urinary diets. Urinary diets work by creating an unfavorable environment for the formation of crystals, which are the precursors of stones.
Fluffy, a six year old Shi Tzu presented to Keystone Animal Hospital for inappropriate urination. On exam, stones could be palpated in the bladder and on x-ray 11 stones ranging in sizes were identified. Due to the severity of the disease, surgery was necessary to remove all the large stones but there was no guarantee that all of the small stones were completely eliminated. After surgery, Fluffy was immediately started on Royal Canin Urinary SO to prevent more stones from forming and to dissolve the remaining small stones. The owner was thrilled that Fluffy loved the food and as their veterinarian, I was thrilled that after 3-4 weeks, Fluffy’s urinalysis was completely clear of all crystals. A year later, Fluffy is still on the food with no further urinary tract problems and no longer urinating on her mom's favorite rug!
So if your pet is prone to urinary tract stones, talk to your veterinarian about starting one of the prescription urinary diets available at their hospital! Also, make sure to have your pet's urine tested yearly because checking for urinary stones early will save time and money.
