Kidney Stone Symptoms in Dogs

Kidney stone symptoms in dogs vary from frequent urination, dribbling urine to more severe symptoms such as blood in the urine, severe abdominal pain, agitation, weakness and vomiting. So, if your dog starts urinating in unusual places, make an appointment with your veterinarian.

Kidney Stone Symptoms in Dogs

A dog suffering from kidney stones might not present visible symptoms for as long as the stones are localized in the kidney. However, more severe symptoms are displayed when the stones migrate into the urethra. If your dog suffers from this condition, he will manifest symptoms such as:

  • Frequent urination in small amounts
  • Dribbling urine
  • Sudden colic
  • Blood in the urine
  • Abnormal urine color and smell
  • Vomiting and loss of appetite
  • Thirst due to dehydration
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Straining to urinate
  • Agitation or weakness and depression

If the condition is serious, the dog might not be able to urinate.

The above mentioned symptoms persist until the stone is gone. It can be eliminated naturally, or it may need to be removed surgically.

For as long as the stones stay in the kidney, they do not pose such a high threat, but when they migrate through the urinary tract they can cause a urinary blockage, which is severe. This second stage is the most painful and causes high risks of complications. Kidney stones are a serious medical condition, so it is strongly recommended that you take your pet for a checkup as soon as you detect the first symptoms.

Causes of Canine Kidney Stones

A dog’s body, just like the human body, needs minerals to keep healthy. These minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, iron and phosphorus, are carried in blood and are filtered through the kidneys.

The causes of kidney stones may include:

  • The high amount of minerals caused by diet
  • Certain drugs that cause the formation of minerals
  • Excess of supplements
  • Frequent urinary infections
  • Old age
  • Dehydration

Treatment and Prevention of Dog Kidney Stones

Depending on the type and size of the kidney stone, different types of treatments can be recommended.

In some cases, kidney stones can be eliminated through the urine. The stone can be dissolved with a special diet. When the stone is large enough and does not pose any risk of migration, the veterinarian might choose to recommend a diet for dissolving it. There are diets available on the market designed precisely for this problem.

In some more severe cases, when the kidneys are strongly affected, the stones might need removal and the kidney itself may also be removed. However, the dog can live just fine with only one functional kidney.

After eliminating the kidney stones, serious care should be provided to prevent the recurrence of the stones. Respect the diet prescribed by the veterinarian, give your dog plenty of water, take him out to urinate often and take him for periodic veterinarian checkups. 

 

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