Struvite Crystals In Dogs Urine

Crystals can become bladder stones and a chronic issue if not dealt with.

Struvite crystals in dogs urine.

Struvite is a natural constituent of dog s urine. In some cases this requires adjusting the ph of your dog s urine. 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 cannot form in acidic urine.

Struvite crystals irritate the urinary tract and trigger frequent urination. 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. 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. In general crystals are found when an abundance of certain compounds are excreted by the kidneys. 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. Certain kinds of crystals in cat urine or dog urine may eventually lead to stone formation.

However according to veterinarians at the marva vista animal clinic in los angeles struvite crystals require an alkaline ph in order to form. The veterinarian will determine if your dog needs medical treatment. 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. The changes caused in the crystals by a staphylococcal or proteus infection from.

Struvite crystals in dog urine. The crystals composed of magnesium ammonium and phosphate become a problem only if your dog contracts a urinary tract infection. Incontinence in a dog caused by crystals in urine. Acute dog urinary incontinence concern can be brought on by struvite crystals forming in the dogs urine.

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. The cause of crystals in cats and dogs depend on the kind of crystal your veterinarian finds. If the urine becomes exceptionally concentrated or if it becomes alkaline opposite to acidic struvite crystals will precipitate or fall out of solution. Urine crystals and stones aren t always related.

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.