Dog Bladder Stones
In Brief
Contents -
Subject
History of Subject
Case History
Diet Change
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Subject - Cairn Terrier, female
Kennel Club pedigree name; Davmar Rainsong, U3581002U03
Born 11/07/94
Pet name; Hannah
Owner; Winifred M. Rushton
History of Subject
Purchased as a companion pet by Winifred Rushton on 19.08.94 at six weeks of age from local breeder. Condition good but had one large roundworm.
Fed on ‘dried’ processed foods with occasional tinned food and dog biscuits.
Flea treatment by Advantage and Frontline in summer months only. De-wormed when consider necessary only.
Had two litters, 1996 and 1998; four pups in first, seven in second. No losses or problems.
General health very good, given considerable exercise and very fit and muscular.
Case History
Acute Retention of Urine - During Jan 2000 Hannah suffered an acute retention of urine, possibly due to a walnut sized bladder stone surrounded by smaller stones.
Removal of Stones - After further problems in spring 2000 Hannah was spayed and a walnut sized stone and smaller ones removed from her bladder.
Diet Change - Stopped her previous diet of processed foods and gave her one that reflected the natural food that dogs evolved with.
Long Term Monitoring - Monitored her urinary processes and checked for bladder stones for the rest of her life - eight years. This included x-rays and scans, with an autopsy upon her decease.
Outcome - Hannah remained completely clear of stones after the removal of her existing ones in May 2000 for the rest of her life. She deceased at the age of 13 years and 7 months. Her breed life time is regarded as from 12 to 14 years.
Possible factors for the prevention of stones include;
1. diet change - possibly acidifying the urine.
2. large volume of urinary flow.
3. high rate of urinary flow
4. spaying - change of hormonal balance.
5. acute retention trauma - alteration of metabolism and urinary processes
6. factors x - the unknown factors
Diet Change
Hannah’s diet was changed to the following after the acute retention of urine :
45% cheap non-lean mince, raw and low temperature cooking to preserve the vitamin C. This gives the 20% protein and 20% fat. Plus a pinch of salt added to the mince to increase urinary flow.
50% hard plain biscuits, to give 47% carbohydrates and 3% fibre.
5% eggs, cheese, milk, fish, and bland healthy off-the-plate tit bits (non-spicy).
Semi-fast on Sunday to rest the digestion system - one very light meal such as scrambled eggs or poached fish (for both pet and owner!).
Source: based on the Royal Army Veterinary Corp, British Army, diet for dogs, 1961.
The inclusion of two tots (approximately 20 ml of Cranberry Juice per day, especially after meals, to be highly recommended for a clean mouth and urinary tract ( for both pet and owner! )
Note - all figures are approximations.