Leashes to Litterboxes

Yes it’s true, dogs can get urinary stones too.  Some can cause major problems like a complete blockage of the urethra while others can be small enough for a dog to pass but cause painful urination. 

Certain breeds of dogs are more prone to getting stones because of their inability to process certain minerals found in diets.  Dalmations are predisposed to having uric acid stones.  These stones are a result of a dalmation’s inability to transform uric acid into allantoin.  The liver is unable to make the transformation leading to an overabundance of uric acid which is then excreted in their urine and the problem is that the stuff just is not that water soluble and uric acid stones form.  The average age of a dalmation is first found to having these stones is about 4.5 years with the risk declining as the dog ages.

How do you know when your dog may have stones?

Look for the following telltale signs:

• Bloody urine
   
• Straining to urinate
   
• Urinating small amounts frequently
   
• Seeing gritty material in the dog’s urine

Uric acid stones may or may not be visible on plain radiographs. Often ultrasound or contrast radiography (use of special urinary dyes to create a “double contrast cystogram”) are needed to see the stones.  These are tests that can be run at your pet’s veterinary clinic as a day procedure.

Getting rid of the stones:

There are two options to get rid of the stones.  Both options should be discussed with your veterinarian as your dog’s health may warrant one or the other.

Surgery is the first option.  The advantages of surgery are immediate relief and removal of the stones.  The bladder is surgically opened and the stones flushed from the bladder and urethra.  The bladder is then closed, tested for leaks and the pet is usually sent home within a couple of days depending on its ability to urinate and eat.  The disadvantages include anesthesia, costs, the inablilty to remove all of the stones (it is not uncommon to have multiple tiny little stones throughout the urinary tract) and healing time.

Dissolution of the stones is the second option.  First any infection must be controlled as bacterial infections can cause the urine pH to be too basic leading to the formation of a different type of stone called a struvite.  Secondly the dog must be fed a strict diet made by Hill’s Pet Food called u/d diet.  It is only available through your veterinarian.  The dog is then given a medication to dissolve the stones called allopurinol.  After a month of this protocol another round of xrays are done to check for progress in the dissolution of the stones.  The disadvantages of this option are the length of time that takes to dissolve the stones (average time is 3-4 months), the increased incidence of blockage (as the stones get smaller they are more likely to pass into the urethra and get stuck), the protocol may not work and the expense of follow up work like xrays may cost as much as a surgery.

Prevention is key

The diet of the stone-forming Dalmatian is the most important factor in preventing future stones episodes. The goal is to feed a diet low in purines and create an alkaline urine (which is best to keep uric acid in solution). Low salt, low purine diets such as Hill’s u/d or k/d and canned forms of these is best as they contain more water hence dilute urine.  Treats such as whole grain cereals (non yeast containing products), cheese, eggs, fruits can be added to the diet as well.

The inablity of your pet to be able to urinate is an emergency!!!  Take your dog to the vet immediately if this occurs, this goes for any breed of dog or cat!!!

Tags: dalmation, dog, uric acid, anuria

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Do you or someone you know have epilepsy?  Did you know that dogs can have epilepsy as well.  My parent’s dog (Locksley a cock-a-poo) was diagnosed with epilepsy when he was around 1 year old.  He is now 14 years old, off the medications and doing quite well for himself.  I know how scary seizures can be for owners and the following information may help to inform, give extra tips and hopefully you will share a story about your dog’s problems with epilepsy.

What is a seizure:

 A seizure is the uncontrolled firing of neurons spreading from the brain throughout the body causing convulsions.  Seizures are not always the same and may not be recognized but a typical seizure may go as this:

* Your dog may become agitated, looking for you for help and reassurance as they sense that something is going to happen.

* Your dog starts to tremble, he no longer is aware of his surroundings, and does not respond to stimulation.

* The trembling worsens, your dog stiffens and falls to one side.  His legs will then paddle and convulse.  This stage usually lasts less than a couple of minutes.

* The dog slowly recovers, may pant and seem out of touch for a while.  He may be quiet and tired abd sleep for a long period following the seizure.

Causes of seizures:

There are several causes of seizures in a dog.  For example low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), tumors, low calcium levels (hypocalcemia), liver diseases, toxic exposure (lead poisoning), lyme disease, distemper, head trauma and idiopathic epilepsy.

Diagnosing Epilepsy:

Diagnosing epilepsy is difficult.  First you have to rule out just about everything else.  Your veterinarian will want to perform a physical exam and get a good history of the seizures (if they happen more than once make sure to get the details like when, how long did it last).  The veterinarian will then do a blood screen to rule out other causes like the hypocalcemia.  If the blood screen comes back as being normal then your dog probably has idiopathic epilepsy.

Medications and Therapy:

There are basically 2 drugs used to control epileptic seizures.  Phenobarbitol and potassium bromide.  Once your dog is on these drugs your veterinarian will want to perform regular blood tests to measure the levels of the drug in your pet’s blood stream.  The dosages vary for both medications and you will want to make sure that your dog is safely within limits that are tested for.  Many dogs who are on phenobarbitol will gain weight so make sure that you exercise your dog regularily.

Some homeopathic treatments may also be warranted for controlling your dogs seizures.  Milk thistle, and other herbal remedies have been shown to help with seizures.  Discussing alternative medications with your veterinarian is always warranted.

Once your pet has started medications you must be willing to do the following:

1.  Give the medications regularily.  Your dog will become dependent on the levels of drug in his system at all times to control seizures.  If you miss a treatment do not double the dose the next time.

2.  Never change anything without consulting your veterinarian first.  Do not adjust the dose or stop treatment without first discussing it with your veterinarian.

3.  Have a diary of your pet’s life.  Record such things as when seizures happen, stress level ie.  did you have a dinner party, how long the seizure lasts, when you give medications etc.  When you take your dog to the vet take this diary with you as it is a valuable history.

What to do during a seizure:

- Some dogs are light or sound sensitive during seizure episodes. Try dimming the lights and keeping phones at a distance from the dog.

- Keep old towels or baby diapers handy to catch urine if your dog urinates during seizures.

- Some human epileptics say they have an easier time if the seizure is allowed to run its course. Calling the dog’s name to bring them out of the seizure may not be the best thing for your dog. Try it each way and see which is more comfortable for your particular dog’s seizure.

- Many dogs are confused and even blind right after a seizure. Keep the dog in a safe area where they cannot fall down stairs or hurt themselves.

- Be prepared to transport a dog that cannot stand up and walk, or is even in the middle of a seizure. Hard plastic children’s sleds can be used to carry or drag the dog to the car. A heavy blanket folded can also act as a stretcher. If you are alone with a very heavy/large seizing dog, call the vets office for instructions.

Dogs, just like humans, can live long and healthy lives with epilepsy.  You as an owner must commit to a lifetime of scary episodes like seizures, daily medications and regular trips to the veterinarian.  That commitment will pay off with a lifetime of unconditional love.

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