Interesting Cases

"Accidents" in the house

Mutzi came in because she was having "accidents" in the house. Her medical history showed similar incidents in May and December of last year. In both instances a bladder infection was diagnosed and she responded well to antibiotic therapy. On physical examination an abnormality was felt (palpated) in her abdomen in the area of her urinary bladder. An X-ray was recommended and as you can see several white objects are located in the urinary bladder.

These are bladder stones or commonly referred to as urinary calculi. Further evaluation by ultrasound confirmed the location of the stones in the bladder and verified that her kidneys were normal in size and structure.

Urinary calculi form in the urine of dogs for a variety of reasons. These include:

1. Dogs with a urinary tract infection caused by a group of bacteria that produce alkaline urine predispose the pet to the formation of urinary crystals and eventually Struvite stones.

2. Genetically some breeds of dogs (Schnauzer) have a higher incidence.

3. Dogs that excrete higher urinary calcium are prone to developing Oxalate stones.

4. Dogs that excrete high amounts of uric acid in the urine due to their breed (Dalmatians, Bull dog) or have a liver shunt may develop Urate stones.

5. A variety of biochemical factors in conjunction with the concentration of the dogs urine may contribute to the formation of urinary calculi.

Urinary calculi can be removed from the urinary bladder either medically or surgically. In most instances surgery is the treatment of choice in that it allows the quickest resolution of the problem. Furthermore, an analysis of the recovered stone(s) allows a preventative plan to be developed aimed a preventing future formation of stones. In select cases a special diet may be used for one type of stone (Struvite), however there are many factors to consider when attempting dietary dissolution (risk of urinary tract blockage as the stone(s) become smaller, the cost of the diet, use of long term antibiotics, and cost of repeat X-rays).

Mutzi had surgery to remove the stones. She recovered quickly and went home the next day on antibiotics and pain medication. The stone analysis confirmed the type of stone as a Struvite stone. Follow up urinalysis showed no sign of infection and a preventative diet Hills C/D is being used to prevent future stone formation.

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