Struvite Crystals In Dogs Bladder

The most common signs that a dog has bladder stones are hematuria and dysuria.

Struvite crystals in dogs bladder.

Struvite stones are one of the most common bladder stones in dogs and cats. Certain kinds of crystals in cat urine or dog urine may eventually lead to stone formation. Urine crystals and stones aren t always related. Being composed of magnesium ammonium phosphate struvite stones require a different treatment compared to other types of bladder stones in dogs.

They typically form because of urinary changes that happen when bladder infections occur. Struvite bladder stones usually form as a complication of a bladder infection caused by bacteria and if the urine becomes exceptionally concentrated and acidic. 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. The cause of crystals in cats and dogs depend on the kind of crystal your veterinarian finds.

They are formed from struvite crystals which are a normal. However according to veterinarians at the marva vista animal clinic in los angeles struvite crystals require an alkaline ph in order to form. Most bladder stones in dogs are made from struvite calcium oxalate urate or cystine crystals. How are bladder stones formed and treated.

Bladder stones are a collection of minerals and other materials. In many cases the specific type of crystal involved can be seen in a sample of urine viewed under the microscope. They cannot form in acidic urine. One of the more common bladder stones found in dogs is composed of magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate also known as struvite stones.

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 stones are quite unique in their composition.