Struvite Crystals In Dogs Symptoms

They typically form because of urinary changes that happen when bladder infections occur.

Struvite crystals in dogs symptoms.

If left untreated struvite crystals can form stones that can make it impossible for your dog to urinate which can become a life threatening condition. Struvite crystals can form in your dog s bladder or kidneys after he suffers a urinary tract infection caused by one of two types of bacteria. Crystals in dog urine symptoms. Struvite crystals do not require a change in diet.

The veterinarian will determine if your dog needs medical treatment. If the dog does have a urinary tract infection a prescription dog food will not treat it. Let s learn more about how struvite stones form the symptoms they cause and available treatments so you ll be aware of what to be on the lookout for in your dog. In the majority of the cases dogs with crystals in urine will show no signs or symptoms.

Crystals in dog s urine are a normal part of your dog s metabolism. Struvite stones are quite unique in their composition. Struvite stones are one of the most common bladder stones in dogs and cats. Struvite bladder stones usually form as a complication of a bladder infection caused by bacteria and if the urine becomes exceptionally concentrated and acidic.

The most common signs that a dog has bladder stones are hematuria and dysuria. About 10 to 15 percent of all kidney stones are made from struvite. Struvite stones in dogs sometimes occur without creating symptoms but they usually cause a few symptoms that observant owners should notice quickly. However according to veterinarians at the marva vista animal clinic in los angeles struvite crystals require an alkaline ph in order to form.

One of the more common bladder stones found in dogs is composed of magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate also known as struvite stones. This type of stone is more common in women than in men. Some will however exhibit symptoms of bladder stones such as. Due to the fact that struvite crystals do not position an issue unless the dog has a urinary tract infection there is no required treatment for crystals including dietary modifications.

Being composed of magnesium ammonium phosphate struvite stones require a different treatment compared to other types of bladder stones in dogs. A large part of therapy for struvite crystals in dogs is the diet. For instance struvite crystals are managed by making the urine more acidic. If your dog was diagnosed with struvite stones you may be wondering what dietary foods for dogs with struvite crystals and stones are out there.

They cannot form in acidic urine. The affected dog may urinate every now and then. Struvite is a mineral that s produced by bacteria in your urinary tract. In some cases this requires adjusting the ph of your dog s urine.