One of the more common bladder stones found in dogs is composed of magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate also known as struvite stones.
Struvite crystals in dogs symptoms.
Being composed of magnesium ammonium phosphate struvite stones require a different treatment compared to other types of bladder stones in dogs.
A large part of therapy for struvite crystals in dogs is the diet.
Struvite is a mineral that s produced by bacteria in your urinary tract.
However according to veterinarians at the marva vista animal clinic in los angeles struvite crystals require an alkaline ph in order to form.
This type of stone is more common in women than in men.
In some cases this requires adjusting the ph of your dog s urine.
Struvite stones are quite unique in their composition.
For instance struvite crystals are managed by making the urine more acidic.
Crystals in dog urine symptoms.
However crystals can form blockages and lead to stones.
They typically form because of urinary changes that happen when bladder infections occur.
The affected dog may urinate every now and then.
Some will however exhibit symptoms of bladder stones such as.
Struvite crystals do not require a change in diet.
Due to the fact that struvite crystals do not position an issue unless the dog has a urinary tract infection there is no required treatment for crystals including dietary modifications.
Struvite bladder stones usually form as a complication of a bladder infection caused by bacteria and if the urine becomes exceptionally concentrated and acidic.
Let s learn more about how struvite stones form the symptoms they cause and available treatments so you ll be aware of what to be on the lookout for in your dog.
Struvite crystals can form in your dog s bladder or kidneys after he suffers a urinary tract infection caused by one of two types of bacteria.
If your dog was diagnosed with struvite stones you may be wondering what dietary foods for dogs with struvite crystals and stones are out there.
Crystals in dog s urine are a normal part of your dog s metabolism.
The veterinarian will determine if your dog needs medical treatment.
If your dog is suffering from this urinary tract stones condtion this article explains in detail the basics of diet for dogs.
Struvite stones in dogs sometimes occur without creating symptoms but they usually cause a few symptoms that observant owners should notice quickly.
In the majority of the cases dogs with crystals in urine will show no signs or symptoms.
Struvite crystals in dog urine.
The most common signs that a dog has bladder stones are hematuria and dysuria.
About 10 to 15 percent of all kidney stones are made from struvite.
If the dog does have a urinary tract infection a prescription dog food will not treat it.
