Why are Dalmatians prone to urate stones?

The Dalmatian is uniquely predisposed to stone formation because of an equally unique liver and kidney biochemistry. The gene that causes some Dalmatians to form stones seems to also be in the English Bulldog, though not nearly to the same extent.

How do you treat urate stones in dogs?

There are two primary treatment strategies for treating urate bladder stones in dogs: non-surgical removal by urohydropropulsion, and surgical removal. In some cases, small stones may be removed non-surgically by urohydropropulsion.

Can urate stones in dogs be dissolved?

A medication called “Allopurinol” must be given twice a day at a special dose appropriate for dissolving uric acid stones. Allopurinol at lower doses is used in prevention of stone formation after the stones have been removed.

Are Dalmatians prone to kidney stones?

Kidney stones can block the urinary tract, causing discomfort and infections and possibly more serious complications. In Dalmatians, the condition is more prevalent amongst males; possibly because they have a narrower urinary tract then females and are therefore less likely to pass stones unaided.

What can I feed my dog with urate bladder stones?

Diets that may help include Royal Canin® Urinary SO, Purina® ProPlan® Veterinary Diet UR Ox™/St™, Hill’s Prescription Diet® w/d® Multi-Benefit, or Rayne Clinical Nutrition Adult Health-RSS™. Table food may be a problem for these dogs.

Which breed of dog has the most problems with uric acid stones?

Dalmatians
Eighty percent of dogs with urate stones are Dalmatians because this breed is genetically inclined to develop them. Bulldogs and Russian Terriers can also be genetically predisposed to the condition.

What causes dog urolithiasis?

In dogs, struvite stones are almost universally caused by urinary tract infection (UTI) with urease-producing bacteria; hence these stones are commonly called infection stones. Urease-producing bacteria include Staphylococcus, Proteus, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Corynebacterium, and Ureaplasma species.

What foods cause crystals in dog urine?

Foods high in magnesium, phosphorus, protein and calcium have been linked to stone formation. Veterinarians believe feeding your dog a food with restricted amounts of these minerals can assist in the dissolution of some types of stones that have formed in his urinary tract.

What causes kidney stones in Dalmatians?

Dalmatians carry a genetic mutation that alters the way in which they metabolize and excrete substances called purines, which are found in many foods, especially meats. Normally, excess purine is broken down via the following pathway: Purines are converted to hypoxanthine. Hypoxanthine is converted to xanthine.

Is chicken and rice good for dogs with bladder stones?

To decrease the chances of your dog developing bladder stones, you should avoid feeding foods that contain high levels of oxalate such as spinach, sweet potatoes, organ meat and brown rice. Instead, include foods with lower oxalate levels like apples (peeled), white rice and meats and fish in their diet.

What ingredient in dog food causes bladder stones?

Foods high in protein, particularly red meats and animal fats, increase risk of bladder stones in dogs. Foods high in oxalates, which contribute to stone formation, such as wheat germ, sweet potatoes, beans and soy products, should also be avoided.

Are Dalmatians prone to kidney failure?

Some breeds (e.g. Dalmatians) are predisposed to developing kidney disease. Two different hereditary diseases of the urinary system have been reported in Dalmatians: urinary stone formation (urolithiasis) and a defect in the glomerulus, which is the filter of the kidney.