Dog Bladder Stones Treatment & Nutrition

by Dawn
(New York, USA)

My shih tzu is on a special low protein diet for ammonium phosphate dog bladder stones she had a year or two ago, and I'd like to transition her to a more holistic and organic diet. I'm willing to make it myself, if there's no simpler option.

First, what is your experience with bladder stones in dogs and how have you treated them?

Regarding my dog's diet, I know there are grain-free prepared foods, but I'm not sure if I should worry about her getting too much protein or not (if I add meat). Maybe grains were the problem, and not the protein?

There's a lot of conflicting nutritional info out there, for people and pets!!!

Thanks,

Dawn

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Dog Bladder Stones Treatment & Nutrition

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My Online Vet Response for Dog Bladder Stones Treatment & Nutrition
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Hi Dawn,

In answer to your question on what is the best treatment for 'triple phosphate' crystals/stones in the urinary bladder, it depends on the size of the stones. For stones that are 2" or more in diameter, it may best to have them surgically removed. Trying to dissolve them may take 6 months to one year, and she would be in moderate discomfort for that length of time.

On the other hand, if the stones are smaller than one inch in diameter, then diet is the best option along with treating her holistically to dissolve the stones and prevent a recurrence.

To dissolve this type of dog bladder stone, the urine must be maintained at a pH of 6-6.5 (in the acid range). It is not necessarily important to have her on a low protein diet to create an acid urine. But a grain-free diet would be best, since grains will tend to produce a more alkaline urine, pH 8-8.5.

The diet that will help her produce an acid urine is a meat-based diet. It must be balanced for the proper ratio of calcium to phosphorus. Too much phosphorus will add to the stone size, since they are composed of phosphorus, magnesium, and ammonium.

Therefore, just adding meat to the diet will not be the answer, since meat by itself is very high in phosphorus. The meat must contain bone (bone is high in calcium). Feeding a raw diet that is already balanced with the correct ration of calcium to phosphorus would be ideal.

Solid Gold PH Test Strips 50 Count for Dogs and Cats

The way to make sure that the diet you have chosen for her is working, it is easy to use Litmus paper from a pool supply store (cheap) or dog urine pH test strips (more expensive), and when she goes outside to urinate, hold the strip of the paper in her stream of urine.

The paper will change color according to the pH. If her urine is consistently alkaline, you may need to adjust her diet even more with the addition of 1/4 tsp of apple cider vinegar into each meal.

TO BE CONTINUED IN PART TWO

My Online Vet Response for Dog Bladder Stones Treatment & Nutrition PART TWO
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Hi Dawn,
Here is the continuation of my response:

Shih tzus can be picky eaters, so you may need to look for a good quality canned dog food that she likes, and then add a small amount of the raw diet into it, and gradually transition her.

If you are in the New York area, a holistic veterinarian that I would recommend is Dr. Stacey Hershman.

If her clinic is too far away, you can try the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy, to find a holistic veterinarian closer to you.

Or you can click here for a broader holistic vet search.

Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the 'click here to add your own comments' link below.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

P.S. If you've found this service or our web site helpful, please "Like" us by clicking the like button at the top of the left margin. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the picture you submitted. The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

Related Pages:
- Dog Urination Problems & Dog Incontinence Products,
- Ask a Vet Online Library - Dog Urination Problems Section

Calcium Oxalate bladder stones NEW
by: Anonymous

Is there any options for helping my small dog with these type of stones? He has already had 1 surgery to remove them, but I know they are prone to coming back. He is on a vet prescribed diet, but I am sure there is more I can do for him.

Thanks!
Jill

My Online Vet Response for: Dog Bladder Stones Treatment & Nutrition NEW
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Hi Jill,
Thanks for your question.

I'm happy to help, but we only accept new questions from subscribers (the original question above was from a subscriber).
Please click here to sign up and submit your question and photos. I'll then get back to you right away at the bottom of your newly created web page.
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

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