Dog Kidney Stones

Dogs also suffer with many of the similar diseases as we humans do. One of the most common of them being the canine kidney stones. Kidney and bladder stones in dogs are somewhat similar to that of the human beings. These stones are mostly composed of the same substances as the human kidney stones, that are - calcium, ammonia, magnesium, carbonates and phosphorus. As a matter of fact, kidney stone composition is similar to the composition of the limestone!

Dog kidney stones, also known as Nephrolithiasis, is nothing but presence of stones or renal calculi in the kidneys. As we know, the prime function of the kidneys is to remove the waste materials from the body in fluid form. Sometimes it happens so, that this fluid gets turned into crystals and prolonged transit time of these urine crystals get formed into kidney stones or renal calculi.

Causes
Causes of kidney stone in dogs can be different as per its size, position and number. Yet, there are several general causes of kidney stones, that are kidney infections, urinary tract infections, urine retention, wrong /dog food and vitamin supplements, congenital factors, several medications that lead to saturation of the substances that can cause stones, concurrent dog illnesses and dog health problems that are often overlooked as being ordinary.

As a matter of fact, kidney stones are observed in middle aged female dogs more often than not. One interesting fact is that several dog breeds are more prone to fall for canine kidney stones amongst all the dog breeds. Several types of dogs like miniature schnauzer, miniature poodle, Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Cocker Spaniel, Bichon, etc., are more prone to the kidney stones.

Symptoms
Symptoms in dogs basically vary as per the position of the stones. Still some of the prominent symptoms of the canine kidney stones are blood in urine and pain while urination. There are several other signs and symptoms of dog kidney stone, that are abdominal pain in dogs, vomiting and diarrhea in dogs, upset stomach in dogs, urinary tract infections in dogs and recurrent urinary tract infections in dogs.

Red colored urine or color of the urine turned the port wine shade, can also be one of the warning signs of the stones. Constant restlessness, walking with the loins down (somewhat in a crouched position) and frequent urination are also some of the signs of kidney stones in dog. There are chances that the kidney stones are associated with kidney failure or kidney disease as well.

Diagnosis and Treatment
On observing some of the above mentioned symptoms, it is always best to visit the nearest veterinary doctor and get proper evaluation of the cause. There are several medical interventions and tests that will be performed by the vet, in order to get to diagnose kidney stones. These medical tests include, complete blood count, urinalysis, determining the biochemical profile of the dog, x-rays, abdominal ultrasound, bacterial urine culture, etc.

As per the size and position of the stones, the treatment will be advised by the vet, which can again vary as per each individual dog. Periodic monitoring for the inactive kidney stones, dissolution of the kidney stones by physical, medicinal or dietary changes can be done. If the dog is on the verge of kidney failure then there are chances that the stones could be surgically removed. Preventing dog health problems that are causing kidney stones also comes under the course of treating the stones. These treatments include antibiotic therapy and fluid therapy, etc.

Following all the precautions that are suggested by the vet, avoiding harmful or indigestible dog treats and keeping a proper follow-up are some of the things that one can do as a loving dog owner. Proper medical intervention will help to prevent recurrent kidney stones. Take proper dog care and have a nice time!