Bladder Crystals In Dogs

Detection of urine crystals in dogs is not irrefutable evidence of a stone forming tendency.

Bladder crystals in dogs. Bladder stones in dogs are rock like formations that form in the bladder which can lead to a host of issues like chronic urinary tract infections pain and other bladder issues. Crystals in dog urine can also be an indication of bladder or kidney. Additionally crystals are a risk factor for kidney stones. 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. These symptoms would include abdominal pain firm and distended bladder vomiting dehydration lethargy and. The presence of crystals in dog s urine does not necessarily mean that the dog has or will develop kidney stones. If the crystals unite they form small grains of sand like material.

They can occur for a number of reasons including genetics diet environment and long term medication 1. When bladder stones form their minerals precipitate out in the urine as microscopic crystals. Dog urine crystals vs. Some stones measure up to 3 or 4 inches in diameter.

It also doesn t necessarily call for medical treatment interventions such as medications. How are bladder stones formed and treated. Urinary obstruction caused by calculi would cause much more severe clinical signs. Once grains establish additional rainfall can lead the crystals to adhere together producing stones.

Bladder stones urolithiasis are clumps of mineral crystals that form in the urine. Bladder stones are a collection of minerals and other materials. However there is some association of an increased risk for bladder or kidney stones for animals that are afflicted with crystalluria. One of the more common bladder stones found in dogs is composed of magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate also known as struvite stones.

In many cases the specific type of crystal involved can be seen in a sample of urine viewed under the microscope. Bladder or kidney stones. Some dogs with bladder stones may show no signs at all and the stones are discovered while palpating the abdomen during a routine physical exam. Still the crystals can be an indication of kidney stones or bladder stones or a urinary tract infection.

Bladder stones are common problems for many pets including cats guinea pigs and dogs these stones can cause bladder issues such as pain inflammation bleeding infection trouble urinating and in severe cases a complete inability to urinate which is a life threatening emergency. Crystals are the building blocks of bladder stones.