Just like people, dogs can also have crystals in their urine. The main problem is that crystals are formed so large that it is difficult to expel them or that some end up forming calculations, popularly known as stones.
In this article on our site we talk about crystals in dog urine, we explain why they form, what they are the most common, what symptoms they cause, as well as the most appropriate treatment to combat them, which usually includes the consumption of a specific diet.
Causes of crystals in dog urine
One of the most common causes of crystal formation in the urine in dogs is cystitis Cytitis is a bacterial infection of the bladder. Bacteria group in colonies on which minerals are more likely to precipitate, forming crystals.
In addition, there are metabolic diseases that increase the excretion of minerals and must also be taken into account diet If the diet is very rich in minerals and protein and low in fiber, the risk of crystal formation increases.
Some pathologies, such as excess calcium in the blood, are also a risk factor. On the other hand, it is more rare for dogs to appear crystals due to inadequate hydration. Finally, it has been determined that some breeds have a greater genetic predispositionThey are as follows:
- Dalmatian
- Standard and Miniature Schnauzer
- mini poodle
- bichon frize
- Cocker spaniel
- lhasa apso
- yorkshire terrier
- Shih Tzu
- German shepherd
- dachshund
- bulldog
- golden
- Labrador
Symptoms of crystals in dog's urine
Crystals lodge mainly in the bladder or, to a lesser extent, in the urethra. Regardless of their type, they can cause hematuria, which is the presence of blood in the urine, since the crystals cause damage to the area of the urinary tract in the stay.
Also, if the crystals form stones they can cause an blockage, which will make it difficult or even completely prevent urination. It is a more frequent complication in males. Worrying symptoms are difficulty urinating, urinating in small amounts and very often, adopting the position to urinate but not doing so, abdominal pain or leakage urine. The kidneys can also be affected. In these cases, in addition, the dog will vomit, will be listless and will not eat. These symptoms require immediate veterinary attention.
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian can detect crystals in dog urine by taking a sample and examining it under a microscope. You can request this urine sample from us, so we will use a sterile glass sold in pharmacies to collect it. But it is also possible for the professional to withdraw the urine directly from the bladder. Your test can detect bleeding or infection. Likewise, during the analysis, determining the pH helps to know what crystal it is, since there are different types of crystals that are going to be distinguished by their shape, size and color. If crystals are found, your vet will likely do a more thorough checkup to see if stones have also formed. X-rays, ultrasound, or both may then be needed.
Types of crystals in dog urine
Most urine crystals in dogs are struvite, which contains phosphate, ammonia and magnesium. They are associated with alkaline urine and have a characteristic rectangle or coffin shape. Another type of crystal that is detected with relative frequency are those of calcium oxalate A third type is ammonium urate crystals, which derive from uric acid and appear in acidic or neutral urine. Also found are cystins , hexagonal in shape and transparent and associated with acidic or neutral urine. In a smaller percentage of cases, crystals of silicon or calcium phosphate can be detected. type or another depending on the conditions of the urine, its temperature, its pH and the degree of solubility of each crystal.
Treatment for crystals in urine in dogs
The treatment will depend on the type of crystal that is causing the discomfort, which is why a good diagnosis is so important. In the case of struvite crystals, it is recommended to use drugs to dissolve them, as well as establish a specific dietBut when the crystals are, for example, calcium oxalate, they cannot dissolve. Therefore, if they are causing problems, a surgical intervention is used to eliminate them. This operation is also performed when there are stones that cannot be expelled, for example when they remain in the bladder. The technique will depend on the location. At the same time, a preventive diet is also prescribed and water consumption is increased.
On the other hand, give the dog plenty of opportunities to urinate. The longer urine spends in the bladder, the more likely it is that crystals will precipitate. In addition, other symptoms will be treated. For example, if the dog has an infection, the vet will prescribe antibiotics. As a follow-up, it is advisable to check the dog's urine from time to time to detect the presence of crystals early.
Diet for dogs with crystals in urine
Some crystals, such as struvite, ammonium urate or cystine, can be dissolved by changing the dog's diet. In these cases food is like a drug. There are specially formulated veterinary diets to treat this problem. For example, if the dog has struvite crystals, this diet acidifies the urine, so that the crystals dissolve and, at the same time, their formation is prevented. Normally, feeding the dog for a few weeks with the diet prescribed by the vet already solves the problem. In addition, when ammonium urate or cystine crystals are diagnosed the dog must be prevented from ingesting viscera On the contrary, and if you want to establish a homemade diet for dogs with crystals in the urine, egg and vegetable proteins are recommended. Of course, we always recommend seeking the support of a veterinarian specialized in nutrition to establish an adequate homemade diet that covers all the nutritional needs of the animal.
On the other hand, good hydration can help reduce the formation of crystals in the urine of dogs. We must make sure that our dog always has clean and fresh water available to him, 24 hours a day. If for any reason it drinks little and feeds only on feed, it is a good idea to soak it or offer it wet food as well. In any case, the care of our dog's diet does not only have to be limited to the treatment of crystals. Offering him a quality diet throughout his life, balanced in the supply of minerals, is the best prevention.
Once he althy and without the presence of crystals, you can consult these articles depending on the type of diet your dog follows:
- Natural feed for dogs
- BARF diet for dogs
