shitzu and stones

Question
WE HAVE A MALE SHITZU WHO IS 9 YEARS OLD AND LAST AUG.07 DEVELOPED STONES. NEEDLESS TO SAY HE HAS HAD XRAYS BLOOD WORK AND WAS GIVEN MEDICINE AND A NEW FOOD. WE ALSO HAVE ANOTHER SHITZU SHE IS 7 AND AT THIS TIME SEEMS FINE. THE VET WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE STONES REMOVED, BUT I HEAR THAT IN MOST CASES THEY JUST KEEP COMING BACK!! THE SURGERY IS ABOUT 1200.00  AND THE DISTRESS IT WILL PUT HIM THROUGH. WE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS A GOOD DOG FOOD YOU CAN RECOMMEND, (METACAL) THAT WOULD HELP DISSOLVE THE STONES OR THAT BOTH DOGS COULD SHARE. ALSO IS THERE A NATURAL MEDICINE WE COULD GIVE HIM. THANKS FOR ANY INFORMATION YOU PASS ON.
CARMEN

Answer
Dear Carmen,
The only dog food I can recommend is all natural, preferably raw, meat, bones, fruits and veggies.  I truly believe that most kidney problems in pets are the cause of commercial dog foods, so to keep your dogs healthy I can recommend either something similar to the B.A.R.F. diet, or make up some food at home.  Add to this a natural canine supplement and your dogs will be healthier and happier.
As for the kidney (bladder) stones - there is a fabulous canine herbal product called Kidney Stone Mix available at: www.herbal-treatments.com
Two 100ml bottles will last both your dogs for several months (approx. 4).  This product has had brilliant results and is easy to administer as you simply add it to their daily food.
The herbs in this mix to treat the problem include Uva Ursi, Rosehips, Dandelion, Echinacea, Garlic, Pellitory of the Wall and Equisetum along with the Bach Flowers Agrimony, Willow, Mimulus, Rescue Remedy.
Depending on the severity of the condition, you may need to go through two bottles before the stones are dissolved.
Take care,
Silva.