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Terrier toilet trouble test

Document Cited in Related
Vincent
Published date02 April 2024
Publication titleEvening Chronicle
A

THESE crystals are uroliths - or bladder stones - and I have indeed seen the various types that are occasionally found in dogs.

It is very likely your dog has struvite crystals, as these are among the most common. They are often diagnosed in small breeds, in animals usually around three years of age. Curiously, 85% of cases are female.

In contrast, another common bladder stone is calcium oxalate, mainly seen in older (9.3 years on average), male dogs. These tend to be bigger and can cause obstruction to urinary outflow, requiring emergency surgery. There are several other types that I have seen less often.

Risk factors for uroliths include breed and urinary infections, with a presumed imbalance of minerals in the urine. This leads to clumping of precipitated crystals and the formation of stones.

Struvite crystals are sand-like and cause bladder irritation, with signs very similar to cystitis, including painful, frequent straining to urinate and the presence of blood in the urine.

Diagnosis is straightforward, as uroliths can often be palpated by the vet and confirmed by ultrasound or X-rays.

There are well-researched, effective prescription diets designed specifically to dissolve struvite over a period of weeks to a few months, which therefore avoids surgery.

Plentiful water should always be available to your dog.

Q

Our four-year-old male domestic shorthair cat recently had dental treatment. He had gingivitis and apparently teeth brushing can help prevent the problem. We have found this fiendishly difficult and would like to know if you have come across this problem.

A

Every vet in small animal practice has treated cats with dental disease. This is not surprising since, according to the International Cat Care charity, 85% of...

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