Struvite Crystals In Dogs Urine

Struvite is a natural constituent of dog s urine.

Struvite crystals in dogs urine.

Incontinence in a dog caused by crystals in urine. In general crystals are found when an abundance of certain compounds are excreted by the kidneys. For instance struvite crystals are managed by making the urine more acidic and calcium oxalate crystals are managed by making the urine more alkaline. They are comprised of magnesium ammonium phosphate and are more likely to appear when the urine gets too alkaline.

They typically form because of urinary changes that happen when bladder infections occur. One way to get your dog to drink more water is to increase his sodium. The crystals composed of magnesium ammonium and phosphate become a problem only if your dog contracts a urinary tract infection. 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 is a normal component of dog s urine and will remain dissolved as long as the urine is acidic and is not too concentrated. Certain kinds of crystals in cat urine or dog urine may eventually lead to stone formation. Struvite crystals in dog urine. In some cases this requires adjusting the ph of your dog s urine.

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. Struvite crystals are formed in the alkaline urine thus drinking more water will help his urine get more diluted and acidic. However crystals can form blockages and lead to stones. Struvite crystals irritate the urinary tract and trigger frequent urination.

Struvite stones are one of the most common bladder stones in dogs and cats. The veterinarian will determine if your dog needs medical treatment. The cause of crystals in cats and dogs depend on the kind of crystal your veterinarian finds. Acute dog urinary incontinence concern can be brought on by struvite crystals forming in the dogs urine.

Urine crystals and stones aren t always related. They cannot form in acidic urine. The changes caused in the crystals by a staphylococcal or proteus infection from. Crystals can become bladder stones and a chronic issue if not dealt with.

Struvite crystals are the first of the two main types of crystals seen in dog s urine. Many dogs have struvite crystals in their urine which does not necessarily indicate a medical condition.