Pain is something that nobody would love to be in. But it is hard to diagnose the pain before the detection. Health is the biggest concerning factor for any living being.
Humans have the advantage of speaking up but animals, who can’t speak the language of humans, are the most to suffer.
Many of us pets or would love to pet a dog but are we sure of the responsibility?
Just like humans, they go through many health issues which they can’t even express. Owners try their best to protect the pup.
The risk of kidney stones in dogs is something every owner is afraid of. Identifying the problem and finding a way to cure it is very important.
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What Are Kidney Stones?
These are the formation of crystal-like stones due to certain minerals which contaminate the urine. The technical term added to it is known as Nephrolithiasis and the stones, Nephroliths.
Stones in them are of varied sizes and forms. The size and condition of the stone determine the treatment required for the dog.
The only way to treat kidney stones in dogs is either medication or surgery. In most cases, the stones come out by a medication. Consulting your vet can give you more information.
What Causes Kidney Stones In Dogs?
When the urine contains a high level of acids, it breaks down the minerals. These minerals further try to throw itself out of the body and when it fails to do so, it accumulates in the tract and can cause stones over time.
An excessive amount of minerals can also cause kidney stones in dogs.
It is advised to keep your dog in proper diet and health checkups so as to avoid the risk of Kidney stones. It is best to give them homemade food which will keep the puppy safe and healthy.
Dehydration is another reason for kidney stones which we generally overlook. Make sure to make him drink ample amount of water.
Symptoms Of Kidney Stones In Dogs
Kidney stones symptoms can sometimes be hard to understand because even though of having stones they do perfectly fine. In some dogs, the stones do not create a problem. Such stones need not be removed as they do not create many obstructions to the health. Regular checks should be made to ensure it does not grow.
Signs of kidney stones in dogs can be many. But to be on the safer side one should keep a track of these symptoms. If seen, it should be immediately addressed to the veterinarian.
Fever
Pain in the kidneys
Weight loss
Blood in urine
Vomiting
Excessive urination
Increased Volume of the urine.
Eating less food
Being lazy
How To Treat Kidney Stones In Dogs?
How to prevent kidney stones is the biggest question that comes into a owners mind as soon as they hear about the disease. Kidney stones in dogs can cause severe pain which they cannot tell you but can feel it inside.
Treatment for kidney stones in dogs depends upon the volume and the place where it happened. Some may need little medicines and get rid of it and in some, the stones do not even bother in any day to day activities.
The vet can add or deduct food that can help them to get out of the issue. Further, they can add medicines that either will reduce the PH level of acid or will weaken the minerals and release the stones if any.
As far as treating the urinary tract, vets can prescribe medicines like Painkiller, antibiotics. Vets can sometimes tell you to make the puppy drink an excessive amount of water so that the stones can roll down through urine.
If the urine tract is blocked then the need for catheter comes. The doctor would take out the stone with saline water pushing into the kidney; this is only possible if the kidney stone is small in size. For large stones, the surgery has to be done.
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy can be adopted sometimes. This includes sound frequency waves that travel through the kidney and break the stones into pieces. This can only be done to break the big stones into smaller forms so that it can be easily flushed out. This process can evade surgery.
The possibilities of a regular routine checkup are very high. Your pup may recover from the pain but to ensure the complete eradication of the stone is very much wiser and important. You may need to take the dog frequently to the vet.
The diet and lifestyle can be changed because of the risk they had earlier. If any further, symptoms are noticed then should not be left unattended.
How To Prevent Kidney Stones In Dogs?
Prevention is always better than cure. So as to prevent the chances of such a mishap, it is important to keep the pup in regular check. Follow the procedure below to understand how to prevent kidney stones.
One should keep the urine in check specifically. Checking the pH level of urine can be effective in cutting the risk. Dogs tend to have a PH level of 5.5 to 7.0. The urine is acidic if the PH level goes below 5.0. Going above 5.0 is considered to be alkaline.
The pH level among them changes throughout the day so it important to measure the level of pH is the same time every day. It will be amazing if tested in the morning before feeding them. You can take some sample in a paper cup or hold the pH tester directly under the stream.
If the pH level jumps to 8 or so then you should probably consult your vet immediately.
Other than these, the symptoms like Fever, increase in the volume of urine, increased frequency of urine, etc, should also be kept on a track.
Breeds Prone To Kidney Stones
There are certain dogs that are more prone to kidney stones. Hence, they should be kept in a medical zone by keeping a check of any health risk.
The breed list includes-
Lhasa Apsos
Hey readers!
You are all caught up with the Kidney Symptoms among dogs. Have the experience to share about your darling?. Feel free to let us know by commenting below.
Happy Petting to you guys!
