Kidney Stones in DogsWhat exactly are kidney stones? How are they formed? How do you treat them? And what does it all mean for your Miniature Schnauzer's health? Kidney stones are mineral deposits that form overtime and although less common than bladder stones, if fragments of stones interfere with fluid flow, it can cause serious complications. To understand why these deposits form, we must first understand how the kidneys work. Here is a simple explanation of how the kidneys work: The job of the kidneys is to maintain the balance of chemicals in your Miniature Schnauzer's blood. They do this by filtering out the excess minerals and toxins as urine.
When the kidneys lose their ability to keep out the excess minerals, crystals begin to form. Although small at first, once a stone begins to grow in size, it can block your Miniature Schnauzer's ability to eliminate urine from the kidneys. This blockage will cause your Miniature Schnauzer severe pain and you need to seek medical attention for your Schnauzer right away. Warning Signs of Kidney Stones
Your Vet will do a complete blood count, urinalysis, as well as, take x-rays and preform ultrasounds on your Miniature Schnauzer to identify the mineral content of the stones as well as, determine the size, shape and location of the stones. Treatment for kidney stones will vary but it will probably include putting your Miniature Schnauzer on antibiotics, fluid therapy, and/or a special diet (which must be adhered to explicitly). After a few weeks of treatment the stones should begin to dissolve. If not, surgery may be necessary. There are a number of causes and risk factors that may contribute to the formation of stones in the kidneys. If your Vet can determine the underlying cause(s), (genetics, diet, medications, urinary tract infection, etc…) treating and controlling these factors may help prevent your Miniature Schnauzer from suffering any re-occurrences.
About Kidney Stones and Bladder StonesUrolithiasis is the condition where stones form in the urinary system (stones of the kidney and bladder). The most common types of stones found in dogs are the struvite and calcium oxalate. Struvite stones are comprised of magnesium, ammonium and phosphate and account for more than one-third of all stones found in the urinary tracts of dogs. They are almost always accompanied by bacteria that create a high alkaline pH. Avoiding alkaline foods may help prevent such stones from forming. A more acidic diet would include foods like chicken, beef, eggs, fish, yogurt, cottage cheese, brown rice and beans. Calcium oxalate stones are primarily caused by high levels of calcium in the urine. The most common sign or symptom is trouble urinating. In order to prevent such stones from forming adjustments should be made in your dog's diet to maintain normal calcium levels. Miniature Schnauzer Health Series
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