Kidney Stones in Dogs
Can be every bit as painful as they are in people but there is one major difference
Kidney stones in dogs is known by another name; Nehprolithiasis. And yes, just like humans, your dog can and does get stones in their kidneys.
For anyone that has ever had one of these stones, the pain is absolutely horrible, and it is no different for your dog when it becomes severe.
The only difference is that your dog can not vocalize this pain.
WHAT ARE KIDNEY STONES IN DOGS ?
Kidney stones in dogs are also referred to as Nehprolithiasis and are the presence of renal calculi that are located in the kidney pelvis.
They can cause extreme, bloody urination, and if they become severe, it will also cause your dog to vomit.
However, they can also cause infections in the kidney, and if these infections become severe enough, it can very easily cause the death of your dog.
For this reason, they should never be ignored and should be treated as quickly as possible.
One of the major functions of your dog’s urinary tract is to remove the body wastes in the form of fluid.
Some of these wastes are not always soluble in form, and as a result they may form crystals.
If these crystals remain in your dog’s urinary tract for any length of time, they interact and grow into stones.
THE SYMPTOMS TO WATCH FOR
Kidney stones in dogs can be just as painful in your pet as they are with humans, but there is one major difference, they may or may not show initial symptoms.
The actual signs of this potentially deadly condition will all depend on the exact location of the stones, as well as their size and the shape.
The number of stones that are present will also determine many of the actual symptoms.
Urinary tract infections that cause an increase in the frequency of urination as well as a lot of pain while urinating is usually the first symptom to surface.
The next symptom of kidney stones in dogs that you may see is small amounts of blood in the urine, and it will grow in intensity in some cases as the stones become larger.
Kidney stones in dogs treatments will center on the dietAbdominal pains may be the next symptom, depending on the size of the stones and vomiting may also occur as the stones grow and intensify.
All of the symptoms may or may not occur, which makes this condition very difficult to spot by most owners.
However, even without these symptoms, if you suspect a urinary tract infection, treat it very seriously and have your dog checked as quickly as possible.
If the stones become severe enough and cause blockage, it can easily lead to kidney failure in your dog, or what is referred to as sepsis.
Sepsis is extremely dangerous as it is a situation where infection develops and then rapidly spreads into your dog’s entire bloodstream.
Once this occurs, your pet’s chances of surviving are not very good.
THE POTENTIAL CAUSES
Kidney stones in dogs have several potential causes and the exact type of stone will have its own potential underlying cause.
There are five different types of kidney stones that can affect your dog, but by far and away the most common is called calcium oxalate stones.
They account for over 80 percent of all stones in dogs and are needle shaped crystals that have formed in the kidney.
The next most common type of kidney stones in dogs is called a calcium phosphate stone, and can be the result of a disease in your dog’s metabolic system such as thyroid condition.
Urinary tract infections can cause either form to develop as well as a genetic problem.
Kidney stones in dogs of any type are slightly more common in females than in males, and there are some breeds that are more at risk than other breeds.
Miniature schnauzers, Miniature poodles, Yorkshire terriers, Lhasa apso, and Cocker spaniels all seem to be more genetically inclined to developing stones than other breeds.
Dietary factors and well as supplements may also be the cause, as well as certain medications.
THE TREATMENTS CAN BE VERY DIFFERENT
Treatment for kidney stones in dogs can vary dramatically, depending on the stone, its size, as well as the number.
If your dog is showing no clinical signs at all but it has been determined that your dog does have stones, they should not be left untreated.
Inactive stones may lay dormant for your dog’s entire life span, but they could also become active with without any warning.
The two most common forms of treatment are surgical or dietary.
Any type of surgery for stones is not without risk, and you should always seek a second opinion and then choose the most experienced veterinarian you can find.
If the stones have caused your dog’s kidney to start to fail, they will have to be surgically removed as quickly as possible.
This will involve cutting into your pets kidney and again should only be done by a very experienced professional.
If it is not life threatening, there is a procedure called ESWL, or Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.
It is quite safe and very effective but can only be done in very specific locations where the medical equipment is utilized.
It basically crushes the stones with shock waves and then they are flushed out of your dog’s system. Antibiotic therapy may also be the treatment if the stones are not life threatening.
Fluid therapy is used in dogs that have become dehydrated or have severe forms of infections. Dietary treatments can also be very effective if the exact cause of stone has been established.
Excessive calcium in your dog’s diet can be the cause as well as phosphate, but limiting either of these in your dog’s diet can have huge ramifications on their overall health.
The calcium phosphorus balance in your dog is a very fine line and you should never attempt to adjust this balance without the specific guidance of your veterinarian.
There are several home remedies for kidney stones and dietary adjustments but they can cause a lot more harm than good.
It is worth repeating again, the calcium and phosphorus balance is critical for your dog’s overall health and should only be discussed with a professional.
Summary
Kidney stones in dogs can and does occur, and if it does happen, home care and follow up visits are critical to prevent re-occurrence.
However, there are a few things you can do to help prevent urinary tract infections which are the single largest cause.
If your dog is prone to these infections, moist food is much better than dry dog food for the obvious reason of more fluids.
Making sure your dog has plenty of water at all times as well a supplementing them with a urinary tract formula may prevent these stones from ever forming.
Pet Meds for Kidney Stones in Dogs
More About Bladder & Kidney Disorders in Dogs:
Anal Gland Impactions
Is a very common problem especially smaller breeds of dogs.
Is also known by two other names; benign prostatic hypertrophy or cystic hyperplasia.
Can infect your pet even though they have been vaccinated for it.
When dealing incontinence it is very important not to scold
them and get angry although that will be your first temptation.
Is caused as the result of a decreased production of insulin or a decreasing function of the insulin.
Is a condition where there is too little thyroid hormone in the bloodstream.
Is the sliding of your pets intestine within
itself and it most commonly will affect the small intestines, but it can
also affect the large intestine.
Is also known by another name, Icterus, and it is
perhaps best known for yellowish color that it undertakes in several of
your dog’s tissues.
Is contracted primarily through the contact of an
infected animal, but it can also be transmitted by bites or by
ingesting infected material.
Also referred to as PSS or a portosystemic shunt,
is a serious condition where the normal flow of blood to your
dog’s liver is challenged.
Is a combination of several factors that seem to attack your dog all at the same time.
Is an inflammation of the pancreas and the best way to describe this disease is the activation of pancreatic enzymes.
Is most common among large breeds and will usually
occur at a young age, generally between the ages of 6 to 18 months.
Are chronic and extremely progressive lesions that develop around their anus area.
Is a situation where there is a very high amount of protein in your pet’s urine.
Dog’s prostate disease starts to affect male dogs after the age of seven or eight.
Polydipsia is a situation where your pet starts to drink an
excessive amount of water and as a result, will also develop polyuria.
Also known as salivary cysts, is a condition
where your dog’s salvia starts to leak as the result of a damaged
salivary gland or duct.
The major objective with pancreatic insufficiency is to save as many nutrients in your dog’s body as you possibly can.
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