Royal Canin Veterinary Urinary So Dry Dog Food 4kg Pet: Dog Category: Dog Supplies Size: 4kg
Rich Description: Bladder stones are formed when mineral crystals in the urine combine to form stonelike structures that sit in the bladder. They can come in many different mineral compositions the most common two are struvite and oxalate.
Struvite
Struvite crystals are composed of magnesium ammonium and phosphate and it is not uncommon for them to be present in the urine of healthy animals. Struvite stones form most commonly as a consequence of a urinary tract infection with certain types of bacteria that produce an enzyme called urease. Urease reacts with urea a normal waste product excreted in urine to create ammonia which raises the urine pH to create an alkaline environment. As well as changing the pH of the urine the ammonia is also toxic to the cells of the bladder wall which results in inflammation and the release of proteins. These proteins provide the struvite crystals that are normally in the bladder with a scaffolding to create bladder stones. This reaction can only occur in the alkaline environment created by the ammonia. Struvite stones are most common in female dogs particularly Miniature Schnauzers Miniature Poodles Bichon Frises and Cocker Spaniels.
Oxalate
Oxalate crystals are composed of calcium oxalate and can form for a number of reasons. Some dogs may have a hereditary predisposition to forming stones due to the absence of a substance called nephrocalcin in their urine. Another risk factor for oxalate stone formation in dogs is an excess of calcium or oxalate in the diet generally from feeding human foods. Some metabolic conditions may also result in the formation of calcium oxalate stones for example Cushings Disease which causes increased amounts of calcium to be excreted in the urine. Breeds predisposed to calcium oxalate stones include Schnauzers Lhasa Apsos Yorkshire Terriers Miniature Poodles Shih Tzus and Bichon Frises. Male dogs represent over 70 of dogs affected.
Signs of bladder stones in dogs include
