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Calcium Oxalate Uroliths

By Leslie Bean • December 2004 Newsletter
We have a guest author for the newsletter this month writing on the topic of diet and Oxalate stones. I first met Leslie Bean many years ago when she was looking for a diet to help dissolve oxalate stones for her beloved Fuzzer. At that time there was very little information on formulating diets for dogs with this problem. There were some prescription diets whose effectiveness were less than satisfactory.

Leslie contacted me for some information and I shared the very small amount I had at the time. Through her own determination, love and research she came up with a success story that she is graciously willing to share. If more information is needed on this subject, Leslie is a moderator and active participate of the K9Kidneydiet and membership can be gained through this link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/K9KidneyDiet/

FUZZERFOOD™
The Fresh Approach to Resolving and Preventing Calcium Oxalate uroliths in Canines
Calcium Oxalate kidney and bladder stones are appearing more frequently in our animal companions. Commercial food products, even prescription diets are ineffective in dissolving them and in preventing their return. Veterinarians and human companions alike have been frustrated in their ability to effect change for these pets.
Breeds which have a high incidence of calcium oxalate stones are Lhasa Apsos, ShihTzus, Yorkies, Poodles, Bichons, and Miniature Schnauzers. Additionally, dogs diagnosed with Hyperadrenocorticism (CushingÕs disease) are at higher risk for these stones. There may be many reasons for this problem. It may be linked to a substance in urine called Nephrocalcin. This substance helps to prevent oxalates from forming, and if it is defective, stones are more likely. Through dietary restriction of oxalic acid, certain supplements, and combining foods which are highly bioavailable and which are complementary to canine nutrition, these stones can be successfully resolved and maintained.
I formulated this diet in 1998 when my own dogs, all Lhasa Apsos, were diagnosed with severe, inoperable calcium oxalate stones which affected their kidneys, bilaterally. We were told that because the stones were so severe, their kidneys were nearly calcified and they were given only months to live. My intention in changing to a homemade diet was to make their last months as happy and satisfying as possible. The result was both thrilling and astounding. Within only a few weeks they each appeared younger and more vital. This continued such that it was quite noticeable to everyone, especially their long-time veterinarians. In less than a year, the stones were gone, without surgery. They all remained on the diet for the rest of their lives, which were very long, indeed. They all lived to be 18-19 years of age, and without recurrent stones, even though the stones had left them with kidney damage.
We still feed the basic diet today to our dogs who have never experienced stones.
Before You Begin
This is not a one-size-fits-all diet. Each dog is an individual. You will learn how to make adjustments to this diet which will customize it for your own dog. Before you begin, ask your veterinarian to run a complete blood panel for your dog, and get a urinalysis. I refer to this as a Well-Dog Check-Up, and it is combined with an examination by your vet. It is a good idea to do this yearly, or bi-annually. A little planning in the beginning will allow you to adjust this diet to the individual needs of your dog.
Calcium oxalate stones can cause damage to the kidneys and bladder. The blood panel and urinalysis will tell you if any of that has occurred. In case it has, you will make a few minor adjustments to this diet which will support any damage already there, and can help your dog live a longer and more quality life. (K9 Kidney Diet at Yahoo.com contains information & assistance. I am a Moderator on this list, which has helped countless dogs with renal disease.)
My own dogs were all seniors when they were diagnosed, ages 15, 14, 13 and 11. The severity of their inoperable stones left them with kidney damage. The diet not only eliminated their kidney stones, it also rejuvenated them and it gave us many more quality years with them. My 15 year old went on to live to the age of 19, and all the others lived to 18, so do not be discouraged. Be proactive. Feeding a fresh diet is the very best thing you can do for the life of your dog. Partner with your veterinarian in keeping track of the levels in his/her blood, especially BUN, creatinine, phosphorus, and calcium.
If your vet indicates that your dog should be fed a low fat diet, you are in luck, because the diet as formulated is also low in fat. Some of my dogs had also suffered with pancreatitis, and the diet was designed for dogs who cannot handle a lot of dietary fat. If you or your veterinarian would like your dog to have more fat in the diet, it is very easy to accomplish simply by using fattier cuts of meat.
The Guidelines
- Avoid high oxalate / high acidic foods. Use the food charts included.
- PUSH FLUIDS: an additional 1/2 to 1 oz per pound of body weight per day in addition to the water contained in the food. Fluid consumption can be encouraged by making chicken broth, (fat and sodium free) at home. It is very easy and well worth it. You can simply pour this into the food bowl at the time of feeding.
- Use steam distilled water only
- Do not starve calcium, and use calcium citrate as the only form of calcium. This is fed with meals, used to balance the dogÕs dietary phosphorus.
- Allow no supplements which contain Vitamins C or D.
- Add no salt
What is Oxalate?
Oxalate has no known function in animals. In humans it is a waste product of metabolism which is excreted in the urine. When excess oxalates are consumed, calcium and oxalate accumulate in urine, calcium oxalate crystals can be the result. In turn, they may become calcium oxalate stones. Primary sources of oxalate in urine are: excess vitamin C, general metabolic waste, and foods with high oxalate content, such as spinach, sweet potatoes, nuts, etc.
ÒOxalic acid (chemical formula HOOC-COOH) is a strong organic acid which is widely distributed in nature in both plants and animals. However, plants contain more than animals. The name comes from the plant Oxalis (wood sorrel) from which it was first isolated. Oxalic acid has the ability to form a strong bond with various minerals, such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. When this occurs, the compounds formed are usually referred to as oxalate salts. Thus, "oxalate" usually refers to a salt of oxalic acid, one of which is calcium oxalate. Although both sodium and potassium oxalate salts are water soluble, calcium oxalate is practically insoluble, which is why calcium oxalate, when present in high enough levels, has the propensity to precipitate (or solidify) in the kidneys or in the urinary tract to form calcium oxalate crystals. Calcium oxalate crystals, in turn, contribute to the formation of kidney stonesÓ.
Michael Liebman, Ph.D. From The Vulvar Pain Newsletter, Number 22, Summer/Fall 2002
Oxalate Content of Foods
(see charts)
You will soon become acquainted with the foods which are high in oxalic acid, and also those which are safe to feed your oxalate dog. There are certain foods you will want to avoid completely. They just are not worth the risk. In addition to high oxalate foods, you will omit foods which are highly acidic. The urine pH in these dogs is already quite acidic (low), so we do not want to add to that problem.
Protein
Meat, fish, and eggs do not contain oxalates. The exception to that is bacon, sardines, cured hams, and organ meats, especially liver.
In the past, dietary guidelines for those with oxalate stones, whether human or animal, have usually recommended lowered animal protein. Dogs are carnivores, and as such, cannot thrive on a low protein diet. Further, contrary to popular belief, older dogs actually require more protein than do adult dogs.
ÒThere is a myth that older dogs do not need high levels of protein. Research indicates that the exact opposite is true: older dogs may actually need more protein than younger dogs. If an elderly dog is healthy, higher levels of protein will help maintain lean body mass and support immune functions," Dottie Laflamme, DVM, PhD, www.superk9.com/articles/feed13.asp
I initially made the mistake of reducing the protein levels for my own dogs too much. They began to loose muscle mass. After much research and analysis and discussions with my veterinarians, I increased their protein levels to 33-40%, (proportionally) of their total daily diet. They quickly regained the muscle and weight, and there were no further problems.
One pound of meat, fish, and/or eggs do not contain one pound of (100%) protein. They also contain fat, fiber, water, and ash. Protein at 33-40% of the total diet will actually net protein levels of closer to 25 -33% after fat, fiber, and water are considered. Be careful about reducing protein below the recommended amounts.
Vegetables
According to USDA studies on oxalates, vegetables should be boiled for the lowest possible oxalate content. If you prefer to steam them, realize that more oxalate may survive.
DogsÕ saliva does not contain the enzyme humanÕs saliva contains which breaks down cellulose. If you wish to feed your dog raw vegetables, they must be pureed in a food processor or a juicer for them to assimilate the nutrients.Be sure to note which vegetables may be used and which ones may not.
Grains
Grains in the canine diet are controversial. It is true that many dogs have difficulty digesting grains. They can cause allergies, digestive problems, and sometimes, weight gain. For dogs who cannot tolerate diets with much fat, grains are relied upon for extra calories in the diet. You may choose to feed grains or not, as they are not an essential part of the canineÕs nutritional requirements. If your dog has been plagued by skin allergies or has experienced frequent digestive upsets, try this diet with meat and vegetables only, or with a minimum of grains (no more than 20%). If you do feed grains, cook them well. Be sure to note which grains are appropriate to feed your calcium oxalate dog, and which ones are not.
Salt and Sodium Restriction
Salt (sodium) itself will not cause these stones. Sodium exchanges for calcium in the kidneys. Increases in dietary salt cause urinary calcium elevations, regardless of the calcium intake. Because salt (sodium) encourages the kidneys to excrete more calcium, added salt is something to omit from the diet.
If you use canned vegetables, be sure to choose those with labels which expressly indicate, ÒNo Salt AddedÓ. Many foods naturally contain sodium and some contain more than others. If you feed processed foods, caned or frozen, be sure to read labels and choose wisely.
Hydration & Urination
A chief problem for those who form stones is dehydration. To prevent any extra mineral intake, use only steam distilled water. Other water sources contain minerals which can easily combine with excess oxalic acid to form stones.
Push fluids. Feeding a fresh, whole food diet is a good first step, since its water content is high. In addition, be sure that your dog consumes at least 1/2 to 1 oz of water (and/or dilute broth) per pound of body weight per day over and above what is naturally contained in the food. Fluid consumption can be encouraged by making fat and sodium free chicken broth at home. This can be diluted 1 to 4, or an even greater dilution and poured over the food at feeding time to increase fluid consumption. Store-bought broths usually contain high amounts of sodium, and are not appropriate.
Calcium oxalate stones form quickly and easily in highly concentrated urine. Holding urine for a prolonged time is conducive to the creation of these stones. If your dog is confined for several hours with no way to relieve herself/himself, find a way to create an indoor area with plastic and newspapers and/or towels where he may relieve himself in a reasonable time. And always have a supply of fresh water to drink.
Acid/Alkaline - Urine pH
Calcium oxalate stones and crystals form in low pH, or acidic urine. Some dogs are inclined to this low pH, and even the addition of potassium citrate medications and alkalizing foods are ineffective to alkalize their urine. Ideally, the right foods should cause the urine to become less acidic, but many find that to not be the case. Although I kept accurate measure of my dogsÕ urinary pH, it was often a source of discouragement. I thought that unless we could bring the pH higher, their stones would return. To the contrary, not only did they not return, their stones dissolved. The key is to monitor and know where you are, but to not panic if the urine stubbornly remains more acidic than you would like. Just stick to the guidelines overall, and you will get where you want to go for your friend.

Supplements
(see chart)
Certain supplements are important in the resolution of these stones. These need to be added at meal time. I recommend human grade supplements. Although it may be convenient to use combination multi-vitamin and mineral supplements, it is not something we can do with calcium oxalate dogs. They contain vitamins C and D and often contain calcium. Use no supplements containing vitamin C or vitamin D. Excess amounts of vitamin C have been found in urine, and it is inclined to acidify the urine. Vitamin D helps to bind minerals in the body.
Supplement daily with the following vitamins. A dosing guide is provided based on weight.
Essential:
MULTI- B vitamins are essential for correct urinary pH. Best to give twice daily with meals
VITAMIN E is a very effective anti-aging substance. Give once daily. Dry forms of Vitamin E are said to be more easily assimilated by canines.
OMEGA 3 FISH OIL or SALMON OIL is an important anti-inflammatory which supports and is said to regenerate renal function. Choose one with the highest EPA/DHA content you can find. Use Gel caps only, as the liquid oxidizes with exposure to air, and looses its effectiveness.
Optional:
CoQ10 is a wonderful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory; studies have shown it to be effective in reducing and maintaining levels of serum creatinine, in supporting the renal system as well as being helpful for periodontal, heart, and cancer issues.
LYSMACHIA-3 is a Chinese herb which will assist in softening stones. It is made by Seven Forests, and can be ordered by your veterinarian.
MAGNESIUM may act as a calcium oxalate stone inhibitor. It binds oxalate in the large intestine to reduce oxalate absorption. It also binds with oxalate in the urine to form a more easily dissolved compound. Magnesium supplementation is contraindicated for dogs in renal failure, so use this only as long as there are stones, then discontinue. It can have a laxative effect, so begin at the low end of the range. 3-5 mg per pound of body weight divided A.M. & P.M., with meals.
The Kidney Stone Handbook, Savitz/Leslie,M.D.
GLUCOSAMINE may help with calcium oxalate kidney stones according to recent studies. This is a supplement which has been traditionally used to relieve osteoarthritis pain, rehabilitating cartilage, renewing synovial fluid, and repairing joints that have been damaged from osteoarthritis. My own dogs had been on this supplement for many years when their stones were diagnosed, so it did not have beneficial effect on them in regard to stones. However, they clearly had stones which had a familial/genetic association. So, perhaps for dogs whose stones are connected more to diet, Glucosamine may be effective. In either case, it cannot hurt the dog, and in case it might be effective for your dog, my advice is to add this supplement.
All of the supplements can be mixed with the food AT FEEDING TIME. Do not add supplements to pre-mixed foods which are to be stored, frozen, or fed later in the day. The only exception to that is calcium, which can be added at anytime Ð before or after cooking, freezing, or storing.
Lysmachia-3 is in tablet form and can be crushed and mixed with food, or you can put the tablet in a dollop of low fat cream cheese, or ÔpillÕ them by putting it down their throat. If you do not know how to do this, your veterinarian can demonstrate. My own dogs had no objection to having these crushed and mixed with their food, and I have Lhasas, who are notoriously picky.
Digestive enzymes are very helpful to dogs (and people) who are going through a dietary change, for older dogs and for dogs who have been ill. They make digestion easier, and help the body assimilate nutrients.
Probiotics are important to give if your dog has been on antibiotics. They will help to reestablish a normal balance of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract. Whereas all the other supplements will be mixed into the food at the time of serving, probiotics are sprinkled on top of the food just before it is served. This is called Ôtop dressingÕ.
Supplements in capsules are easiest because the capsule can be opened and poured into the food and mixed. It can be also be more economical to buy some vitamins in capsules which contain higher strengths than you will need for single doses. It is easy to open them, pour out 1/4 or 1/2 to use for one meal, and then close the capsule and save the remainder for next time.
B vitamins can sometimes have a strong odor and if you find your dog objects to their food with the B vitamins mixed in, simple hide the capsule in some low fat cream cheese or ÔpillÕ him. B vitamins are very important for dogs with calcium oxalate stones.
Fish or Salmon Oil gel caps are often something they will love handed to them as a treat. If not, simply open the gelcap and mix into the food, or as above.
If you wish to use Flax Seed Oil for the Essential Fatty Acids in the diet, I would recommend that you alternate between Flax Seed Oil and Omega-3 Fish or Salmon Oil. There are two reasons for this; (1) Many dogs have allergies to Flax Seed Oil, and (2) Calcium Oxalate stones can cause renal irritation or even renal damage, as it did in my dogs. Omega-3 Fish or Salmon Oil is renal protective and studies have indicated it may even regenerate renal cells. Additionally, the Omega-3 fatty acids which come from plants, as Flax Seed Oil are not easily converted to the active form of Omega-3 by dogs, and when dogs are older or ill, this may be even more difficult.
Supplement Chart
weighs at bottom of chart
MULTI-B VITAMINS
Small: 25 mg twice/day
Medium: 50 mg twice/day
Large: 75 mg twice/day
Giant: 75-10 mg twice/day
VITAMIN E
Small: 50-100 IU
Medium: 100-200 IU
Large: 200-400 IU
Giant: 400-800 IU
OMEGA 3 FISH OIL
All: 1000 mg/20#
CoQ10
All: 1 mg per pound
MAGNESIUM
All: 3/5 mg/pound
(Use Magnesium with care. It can have a laxative effect. Use Mg only until there are no more stones. If your vet says your dog is in CRF, use this with care for short periods only to dissolve stones)
LYSMACHIA-3
Small: 1/2 to 1 tablet twice daily
Medium: 2 tablets twice daily
Large: 2-3 tablets twice daily
Giant: 3 tablets twice daily
(Lysmachia-3, a Chinese Herb by Seven Forests, is an important addition for help dissolving these stones)
DIGESTIVE ENZYMES
Small: 1/4 human dose
Medium: 1/2 human dose
Large: 3/4 human dose
Giant: Human dose
PROBIOTIC
Small: 1/4 human dose
Medium: 1/2 human dose
Large: 3/4 human dose
Giant: Human dose
GLUCOSAMINE
Small: 200-500 mg
Medium: 500-750 mg
Large: 1000-1500 mg
Giant: 1000-1500 mg
Small = 5 to 25 lbs
Medium = 25 to 50 lbs
Large = 50 to 75 lbs
Giant = over 75 lbs
Note that most animal supplements are combination supplements and usually contain vitamins C and D, and some also contain Calcium. These products are not for dogs with oxalate problems. This dietÕs success involves using individual, human grade supplements in the amounts listed in the chart. There are supplement suppliers which are quite reasonable and which are also very reliable. I will list some options for you, although there are many other sources. I do not have a vested interest in any of them, & provide these only as a convenience.
B-Naturals
www.b-naturals.com
1-866-368-2728
(Canine supplier of human grade supplements - the only canine source of supplements I can recommend. Do not use combination supplements for calcium oxalate dogs)
Puritan Pride
www.Puritan.com
1-800-645-1030
Vitamin Shoppe
www.VitaminShoppe.com
1-800-223-1216
How Much To Feed?
One size does not fit all dogs in terms of diet, any more than it does in humans. Factors such as activity, age, metabolism, existing disease, and breed type may impact the amount of food, the amount of protein and fat you include, and whether you feed grains. This diet for dogs with Calcium Oxalate Uroliths is intended to provide guidelines which will allow you to customize it for your dog. Larger dogs require less food and fewer calories pound for pound than smaller dogs. That is why we do not feed a 60 pound dog 6 times more than we feed a 10 pound dog. My own small dogs, who are not highly active, maintain their 12 pound body weight nicely with 10-12 ounces of food per day.
This is intended as a guideline only. Take stock of your dogÕs weight. If he is overweight, feed more vegetables than grains. If he is underweight, and has no issues with fat (pancreatitis, liver issues), you may use fattier meats, such as medium ground beef and lamb as choices during the week. Varying the meat sources (red meat, poultry, eggs, and fish) will prevent allergies, and boredom, and provide him with a wider range of essential amino acids. If he is underweight and should not consume fattier meats, feed lean meat, drain any excess fat, and use higher calorie grains, such as Sushi rice (also called Sticky rice) which has more calories than other grains.
How Much to Feed Daily Based on Weight of Dog
2 lb.: Feed 2-4 oz (1/4 to 1/2 cup)
5 lb.: Feed 4-6 oz (1/2 to 3/4 cup)
10 lb.: Feed 6-10 oz (3/4 to 1-1/4 cups)
15 lb.: Feed 10-12 oz (1-1/4 to 1-1/2 cups)
25 lb.: Feed 12-16 oz (1-1/2 to 2 cups)
35 lb.: Feed 16-20 oz (2 to 2-1/2 cups)
45 lb.: Feed 20-24 oz (2-1/2 to 3 cups)
55 lb.: Feed 24-28 oz (3 to 3-1/2 cups)
65 lb.: Feed 28-32oz (3-1/2 to 4 cups)
75 lb.: Feed 32-36 oz (4 to 4-1/2 cups)
85 lb.: Feed 36-40 oz (4-1/2 to 5 cups)
Foods to Use
From Oxalate Content of Selected Foods, The General Clinical Research Center University of California San Diego Medical Center
*Medium oxalate content, feed less often
VEGETABLES
Avocado
Broccoli, boiled
Brussels Spouts, boiled
Cabbage, boiled
Cucumber, raw
Cauliflower, boiled
Peas, green boiled
Potato white boiled
Zucchini Squash
Turnips boiled
Asparagus, boiled*
Carrots, boiled*
Lima Beans*
Yellow crookneck Squash*
Green Beans, frozen, boiled*
Mustard Greens, boiled*
Savoy Cabbage, boiled*
GRAINS
Oatmeal
Quinoa
Rice white, boiled
Wild rice, cooked
Barley, cooked*
Macaroni, cooked*
Egg Noodles, boiled*
Spaghetti, cooked*
PROTEIN
Beef
Buffalo
Chicken
Lamb
Pork
Rabbit
Turkey
Venison
Fish-
Cod, Salmon,
Haddock,Plaice
Eggs
Bacon*
Liver*
Sardines*
FRUIT
Avocado
Banana
Cherries, Bing or sour
Cranberries, canned
Mangoes
Melons
Nectarines
Papaya
Apples, raw*
Apricots*
Peaches*
Pears*

MISCELLANEOUS
Apple Cider Vinegar
Corn Syrup
Jelly, Preserves, allowed fruits
Sugar
Vanilla Extract
DAIRY
Butter
Cheddar
Cheese
Yogurt
Foods to Avoid
From Oxalate Content of Selected Foods, The General Clinical Research Center University of California San Diego Medical Center
VEGETABLES
Beets
Beetroot
Celery
Chard, swiss
Chicory
Collards
Dandelion greens
Eggplant
Escarole
Leek
Kale
Okra
Parsnips
Pepper, green, sweet, chilies
Pokeweed
Potato, sweet
Rutabagas
Spinach
Watercress
FRUITS
Berries (Black, Blue, Green, Goose, Dew)
Currants
Grapes
Lemon peel
Lime/orange peel
Plums
Raspberries
Rhubarb
Strawberries
Tangerine
GRAINS
Grits, corn
Wheat
Wheat germ
Whole wheat
Rice,brown
Popcorn
Corn
Soybean crackers
MISCELLANEOUS
Fig Newtons
Fruit cake
Graham Crackers
Nuts in general
Peanuts
Peanut Butter
Pepper
Calcium
Note that Calcium was not included in the section on supplements. This is because in canine nutrition it is used as a balance to the phosphorus in the diet. When you purchase calcium citrate for your dog be certain you choose one that contains no other ingredients (such as magnesium).
Calcium Citrate is the form of calcium to use for calcium oxalate dogs. Citrate is an important natural inhibitor of calcium oxalate stones. When calcium citrate is combined with food at mealtime it helps to absorb and to bind excess oxalic acid in the gut. This bound oxalate cannot be absorbed and is excreted through the feces. This means that it does not get into the bloodstream or the kidneys to cause stones. Current research shows that calcium restriction in the diet actually encourages stone formation.
Both humans and dogs have a requirement for a certain amount of nutrients, and both species need more calcium in their diets than phosphorus. In dogs, the balance between phosphorus and calcium, and most especially in dogs with calcium oxalate and renal issues, is very important. All foods contain phosphorus in varying amounts. The canineÕs original diet contained a combination of meat and bones, which comprised the phosphorus and calcium balance.
There are two ways to determine the amount of calcium to add to your dogÕs diet.
Option A
For diets with less than 10% grains, add 1000 mg of calcium citrate to each pound of food (2 cups / 16 oz)
For diets with more than 10% grains, add 1500 - 2000 mg of calcium citrate to each pound of food. The variance is because grains contain phytates, which block calcium absorption.
Option B
You can apply a ratio based on the amount of phosphorus mg. contained in the food. The latter tends to necessitate one on one instruction in class, or you may join the K9Kidney Diet Group located in Yahoogroups.com where you will have access to files and online assistance. The NRC guidelines for calcium to phosphorus ratio for dogs is 1.3 Calcium: 1.0 Phosphorus.
Should you wish to calculate this independently, the USDA Data Base, at www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/Data/SR14/sr14.html has the data.
Helpful hint: The easiest calcium I have found to work with is powdered, with no capsules to open, and it contains only 100% calcium citrate. One teaspoon equals 700 mg of calcium citrate. It comes in a small container with a bright orange label, and it is NOW brand calcium citrate. It is very inexpensive and can be ordered online or purchased at HEB stores or at Whole Foods. (I have no connection to the company whatsoever. I simply use and rely upon this product myself).
Glossary
acidosis when the pH of the blood is low and urine is chronically acidic
bioavailability when food is found in a form readily absorbable by the intestines
bladder the portion of the urinary system composed of muscles where urine
is stored until excreted
BUN also referred to as Urea. BUN is produced in the liver and excreted by the kidneys. Increased levels can indicate dehydration and a reduction in the kidneyÕs ability to filter.
calculi plural of calculus. Latin for stone or pebble
citrate an important natural inhibitor of calcium oxalate stones. It can bind calcium in the urine to make it more soluble. Low citrate is common in stone formers

creatinine a product of muscle metabolism. This is an indicator of overall kidney function
cystinuria a genetic disorder which causes the kidneys to excrete too much cystine (an amino acid) in the urine. Cystine can form stones
cystocentesis a procedure in which your veterinarian can obtain an uncontaminated ( sterile) urine sample directly from the bladder of your dog
hyperparathyroidism when the amount of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates calcium metabolism in the body is secreted at an inappropriately high rate. The calcium in the bloodstream (serum calcium) stays too high and spills into the urine, causing stone formation
hypercalciuria too much calcium in the urine
hyperuricosuria increased urinary excretion of uric acid
jackstones another name for calcium oxalate stones. Word is derived from the resemblance of their sharp spikes to those on a childÕs toy jacks
parathyroid hormone (PTH) this regulates the metabolism of calcium in the body. This is excreted by the parathyroid gland, responding to the amount of calcium in the bloodstream
phosphate a mineral found in some kidney stones and also in bones
potassium citrate a medication used to alkalize the urine, in an attempt to reduce stones
pyelonenephritis recurrent and frequent episodes of kidney infections
radiolucent a stone such as a uric acid stone is radiolucent, meaning it does not cast a shadow on plain x-rays
radiopaque something that is visible on plain x-rays, such as calcium stones
reflux a condition in which urine in the bladder goes back into the kidney pelvis. Creates an environment for frequent infections and also kidney stones
renal (kidney) pelvis the final collection point for urine in the kidney. From here it enters the ureter for elimination through the bladder
struvite stones triple phosphate stones. Associated with urinary tract infections and alkaline urine. When the infection is resolved, these stones usually resolve as well
trigone a muscle structure, triangular in shape, at the head of the bladder that seals the ureters during urination so that urine will not reenter the kidneys. Problems of this area can cause reflux of urine from the bladder back into the kidneys and can cause urinary infection
triple phosphate stones Struvite stones. Called triple phosphate due to the elements of magnesium, ammonium, and calcium which are found in these stones. These stones are associated with UTI (urinary tract infection)
ureter the tube and funnel that connect each of the kidneys to the bladder
ureterolithotomy a procedure in which an incision is made in the lower abdomen into the ureter and a stone is removed
urethra structure through which urine is eliminated from the bladder. In the male, the urethra passes through the prostate gland and the penis
urinalysis an evaluation of the urine for color, transparency, pH level (measure of acid or alkaline level of the urine), sediment, protein, bacteria, & concentration. The Specific Gravity of urine (concentration) is the earliest indication of renal dysfunction in the canine
UTI the abbreviation for urinary tract infection
Friday, May 9, 2008
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