Speckles

Question
Hi, I sure hope you can help me, I'm at wits end. About a yr. ago, I got 2 puppies(Sisters/Mutles) they have both been spayed.  About 1 mo. ago., Speckles was having problems holding her urine, and when she did, you wouldn't believe how much came out of a 20# dog!!!.  I took her to our vet, whom I've been dealing with ever since I got them and told him the problem I was having.  He thought it might be a affection, and for 2 wks. she was on pills.  After that, she still was having problems, took her back to the vet and he said she might have bladder or kidney stones, after getting a good urine, he said it was crystals.  We gave her meds again for 2 wks., this time with pain pills.  It went away, I thought, well it's back again, I called my vet, and he told me that there was just so much he could do, so I called ANOTHER vet, and they told me it could be the food she was eating.  HELP.  The girls are as different as night and day, 1 short hair, 1 long, 1 blue eyes, 1 brown.  You wouldn't know they were sisters, and have no problem with Swizzle, just her sister.  Got any suggestions,  Please!!  Thank you,  Linda

Answer
Hi Linda,

Even though your dogs are sisters, they're still individuals. There are several possible causes to bladder stones (struvite crystals), genetics being one of them.

Your dog might not be getting infected over and over again; she might have one infection that is never fully eradicated. Doing a culture and sensitivity, then repeating the culture after treatment is finished, should clarify that situation. However, some dogs have structural defects or other medical problems that cause them to suffer recurrent bladder infections. Other dogs have had surgical procedures such as a urethrostomy, which can make them more susceptible to bladder infections.

Antibiotics and a change of diet and habits may be prescribed if the stones have been caused by an infection. A special diet designed to lower the pH level of the urine, antibacterial medication, and increased water intake may be all that is needed, once the type of bladder stone has been determined. You need to find out the exact kind of crystals your dog has, there are three different kinds:

* Struvite
* Urate (un-common)
* Oxalate

A change of regular diet can prevent stones from forming, and in some cases, eliminate stones that have already formed in the bladder or kidneys.

Swizzle would not need to be on this special diet, just Speckles.

Please let your veterinarian advise you on selecting the correct diet, as there may be some adverse reactions if your dog is currently on additional medication.

Because the rate of recurrence is relatively high even after a successful treatment, preventive measures should be taken to help lower the odds, including special diets. To help prevent bladder infections, make sure your dog is given an opportunity to urinate at least every 6 to 8 hours. The longer urine is retained in the bladder, the more likely it is to become alkaline and to develop infection.

Provide plenty of clean drinking water to keep the bladder flushed of bacteria and to encourage frequent urination. Cranberry juice (either mixed in with your dog's food or administered to the mouth) stops certain bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall; ascorbic acid is also helpful for acidifying urine, as well as building up the immune system. Cranberry pills and capsules (available at many health food stores and pharmacies) might be a good alternative to Cranberry juice. Ask your vet for the correct dose.

Best of luck,
Patti