Struvite Crystals In Dogs Urine
They are comprised of magnesium ammonium phosphate and are more likely to appear when the urine gets too alkaline.
Struvite crystals in dogs urine. They cannot form in acidic urine. Struvite is a normal component of dog s urine and will remain dissolved as long as the urine is acidic and is not too concentrated. If the urine becomes exceptionally concentrated or if it becomes alkaline opposite to acidic struvite crystals will precipitate or fall out of solution. It remains dissolved and not precipitate for as long as.
One way to get your dog to drink more water is to increase his sodium. Incontinence in a dog caused by crystals in urine. For instance struvite crystals are managed by making the urine more acidic and calcium oxalate crystals are managed by making the urine more alkaline. Struvite crystals can form in your dog s bladder or kidneys after he suffers a urinary tract infection caused by one of two types of bacteria.
Urine crystals and stones aren t always related. They typically form because of urinary changes that happen when bladder infections occur. Struvite crystals irritate the urinary tract and trigger frequent urination. In general crystals are found when an abundance of certain compounds are excreted by the kidneys.
In some cases this requires adjusting the ph of your dog s urine. Crystals can become bladder stones and a chronic issue if not dealt with. If left untreated struvite crystals can form stones that can make it impossible for your dog to urinate which can become a life threatening condition. The crystals composed of magnesium ammonium and phosphate become a problem only if your dog contracts a urinary tract infection.
Certain kinds of crystals in cat urine or dog urine may eventually lead to stone formation. Struvite stones are one of the most common bladder stones in dogs and cats. However crystals can form blockages and lead to stones. The veterinarian will determine if your dog needs medical treatment.
Acute dog urinary incontinence concern can be brought on by struvite crystals forming in the dogs urine. Many dogs have struvite crystals in their urine which does not necessarily indicate a medical condition. Struvite crystals are formed in the alkaline urine thus drinking more water will help his urine get more diluted and acidic. Struvite is a natural constituent of dog s urine.
Struvite crystals are the first of the two main types of crystals seen in dog s urine. However according to veterinarians at the marva vista animal clinic in los angeles struvite crystals require an alkaline ph in order to form.