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Stones in Dogs |
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Stones in Dogs and Treatment Options in Naples | ||
Dogs can be susceptible to stones through genetic components, infrequent walks for elimination, improper hydration, excess mineral salts in water, and infectious processes, and metabolic diseases. Diagnosis and treatment will determine the severity of the problem. Symptoms may include frequent urination, inability to void the bladder, dribbling urine, fever, lethargy. | ||
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Causes for bladder or kidney stones may include Genetic predisposition, which causes excess uric acid to accumulate in the urine. Infrequent allowances for elimination will also concentrate the urine predisposing the dog to crystals and stones. Dogs should be well hydrated and allowed outside to eliminate several times a day. Dogs with predisposition or previous urinary tract infections may benefit from purified water and special diets and medications. | ||
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Certain breeds including Dalmatians, Bichon Frise, Beagles, English Cockers, Russian terriers and Bulldogs. may have a higher instance of developing varying kinds of stones. This predisposition is dependent on metabolic function or disfunction, Sometimes related to genetic mutation or liver shunt abnormality where a fetal duct remains open instead of closing after birth, depriving the liver of blood. Dogs may also exhibit formation of stones if they have chronic untreated urinary tract infections. | ||
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Any dogs exhibiting symptoms of frequent urination, prolonged posturing to urinate, licking the genitalia, dribbling of urine or inability to pass urine could be faced with the potential to develop stones. Complete blockage of the urinary tract will not allow your pet to urinate and is a medical emergency. A dog with previous history of Urinary tract infections should be monitored with a periodic urinalysis to check for crystal content and the presence of bacteria. | ||
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Detection of bladder or kidney stones may be accomplished with radiographs. Urinalysis, urine culture and ultrasound may also be helpful in fully diagnosing the problem, and cause of stones. Physical examination may in some cases give an initial indication of problems but is not definitive. | ||
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Treatment for bladder stones may include surgical removal of large stones, special diets. Medications and purified water may also help to reduce the risk of recurrence and treat any infections present. Keeping your pet well hydrated and allowing several trips outdoors to relieve itself will also benefit your pet. | ||
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Regular veterinary visits including wellness exams other than the annual vaccine visits, including bloodwork and urinalysis will help with early detection of crystals and metabolic disfunction that can lead to the formation of stones. Any curious symptoms involving the urogenital tract should be immediately investigated by a veterinarian. Keeping you pet well hydrated preferably with purified water and allowing several trips outside per day for the pet to relieve itself will help in the prevention of bladder stones. Exercise and a good diet are also important for the health of you pet and prevention of stones. Any pet previously diagnosed and treated for stones should be on a special diet for the dissolution of the crystals to prevent the formation of stones. | ||
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More information on Bladder and Kidney stones may be obtained from All Animal Clinic. Call today for your pets appointment. |
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