Canine Urine Crystals

These crystals can be found in the urine of an estimated 40 to 44 percent of all healthy dogs and are not a cause for issue unless accompanied by signs of a urinary tract infection.

Canine urine crystals.

They are less common in urine of other species. The crystals are painful and uncomfortable dangerously blocking the flow of urine. Depending on the mineral makeup of the stones a calculoytic diet is recommended by veterinarians to dissolve and or prevent recurrence of certain types of crystals and bladder stones. The cause of crystals in cats and dogs depend on the kind of crystal your veterinarian finds.

Crystals in dog urine can also be an indication of bladder or kidney infection. This can include any foul or fishy urine smell or even your dog smelling like urine. Now you know what causes crystals in dog urine. Canine urolithiasis is a condition in which crystals develop in the urine often leading to the formation of bladder stones.

For instance a sample taken after a meal may have higher concentrations than a sample taken during fasting. According to the whole dog journal crystals in dog s urine are a common finding affecting as much as 40 44 percent of all health pooches. Treatment for dog urine crystals. You will be asked to feed the dog a special diet that will assist in dissolving the crystals.

Dogs of any age size and breed can suffer from urinary crystals. In general crystals are found when an abundance of certain compounds are excreted by the kidneys. In dogs they often are of no clinical significance healthy dogs can have low but detectable bilirubin levels in urine. If enough crystals build up in your dog s bladder they form a bladder stone which may.

Certain kinds of crystals in cat urine or dog urine may eventually lead to stone formation. Inning accordance with the merck veterinary manual 2005 struvite crystals are commonly observed in canine and feline urine. Bilirubin crystals are seen most commonly in canine urine especially in highly concentrated specimens. After the vet has determined the type and number of stones or crystals that are present treatment will commence.

Timing of sample collection. Urine crystals and stones aren t always related. Crystals in dog s urine may be caused by one of the following. If the stones can be easily dissolved the vet will prescribe certain medications.

Crystalluria in individuals with anatomically and functionally normal urinary tracts may be harmless because the crystals are eliminated before they grow large enough to interfere with normal urinary function. A diet of highly processed dog food and or foods high in grains and other fillers. Urinary crystals form slowly as mineral deposits build up in the bladder.