[Mark V]

My dog has recurring urinary tract infections. One possible treatment offered by my Vet is to switch to a food with no or low added minerals, to help avoid stones in the bladder if that is the cause (bladder ultrasound showed no stones). He suggested one of the Science Diet Vetiranary formulas. I don’t care for Science Diet. I found Acana Singles (USA) has only zinc added and Carna4 has no added vitamins and minerals. Can anyone recommend other dry dog foods with no added vitamins or minerals that are recommended by Dog Food Advisor??

[Gerritt A]

I joined looking for some advice on senior dog foods. Our senior is about 12 – 13 years young and is a 14 lbs poodle/bichon mix – or something thereabouts. She is used to walking 3 – 5 miles per day and is out in front, not being pulled along so she seems to be enjoying it. She was eating a dry Wellness adult dry and wet mixture. Vet suggested she get on a senior diet and we did this about six months ago – again Wellness. Since then she has had two UTI’s. Urine pH was 8.5 on the current one. Vet was concerned that we were perhaps not getting a good urine sample so we had some draw from he bladder and it was consistent with the “caught” urine. Also had her bladder ultrasound to check for stones or a tumor. Nothing (good news!) Granted this is my first day of looking around on the site but i see nothing specific about selecting a senior food. Did I miss it?

[marilyn s]

My 9 year old overweight mini poodle has re occuring bladder stones and the vet has recommended Royal Canin Urinary SO moderate calories and NOTHING else. She is also on Baytril 68mg 1.5 tabs once a day. Has anyone had sucess with this? She does not like this dog food. Her cultures came out fine.

[anonymous]

From a previous post:

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_canine_struvite_bladder_stones.html

“Struvite stones form in urine with a high pH (alkaline urine), diets should help to maintain a low pH (acidic urine). Diets with animal-based protein sources are most important in maintaining an acidic pH, while vegetarian or cereal-based diets are more likely to cause and alkaline urine”.

“With Calcium Oxalate stones, a high protein diet can cause stones by increasing calcium in the urine. It lowers urinary pH and can increase uric acid. High quantities of animal protein can contribute to stone formation by increasing urinary calcium and oxalic acid excreting and by decreasing urinary citric acid excretion”.

“Your should increase your dog’s water consumption to help dilute the urine. You can do this by adding water to your dog’s food, it should look like wet mush. Avoid table scraps when caring for an oxalate stone-forming dog”.
“Depending on the kind of stone, you either want more, or less protein, and lower in fat (3 -8%). Be sure to check with your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet”.

[anonymous]

Please use the search engine under sign in to look up “bladder stones”. and ” struvite” lots of information there that you may find helpful.

Has he had an x-ray/ultrasound to rule out bladder stones? Because, they can have more than one type of stones. This also. can result in recurrent urinary tract infections.

Add water to the kibble, and also presoak the kibble in water overnight in the fridge prior to serving.
Offer frequent bathroom breaks/opportunities to urinate, keep the bladder flushed. Stagnant conditions in the bladder are conductive to stone formation.

Don’t free feed, 2 or 3 small meals a day is better and always have fresh water available. Maybe add a little plain chicken broth (no onion) to the kibble.

A blocked urethra is a medical emergency and can result in surgery to save the dog’s life.
Did the vet talk to you about prescription meds for stubborn cases? Don’t confuse supplements with medication.

/forums/search/bladder+stones/

Work with your vet, prescription food and all, when the dog has been stable for 6 months to 1 year you can discuss diet changes.

[anonymous]

Have you tried the search engine? Example: /forums/search/calcium+oxalate+bladder+stones/

/forums/search/bladder+stones/

I would refer to your vet, but, ph fluctuates, I found it to be more accurate to have it checked at the vets office every few months. I add water to the presoaked kibble, but be prepared to offer the dog frequent bathroom breaks. Three small meals per day. Work with your vet, sounds like she may need prescription meds to get this under control. Once she’s stable I don’t think you will need to do the x-rays and all the testing so often. It appears you have a good vet that’s following him.

[anonymous]

Try the search engine here, under sign in, upper right, type in “calcium oxalate” or bladder stones”
From a previous post:
Increasing water intake helps with all types of bladder stones, frequent bathroom breaks, opportunities to urinate. Keep the bladder flushed. Stagnant conditions in the bladder are conducive to stone formation.
Maybe 3 small meals per day with water added, they just lap it up to get to the food. In fact, I would also pre-soak the kibble overnight in the fridg.
Increase activity, walks, reduce weight (if overweight).
For stubborn cases like your dogs, there are prescription medications the vet may recommend. I might consider consulting a Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist.

[anonymous]

/forums/search/calcium+oxalate/
From a previous post:
Increasing water intake helps with all types of bladder stones, frequent bathroom breaks, opportunities to urinate. Keep the bladder flushed. Stagnant conditions in the bladder are conducive to stone formation.
Maybe 3 small meals per day with water added, they just lap it up to get to the food. In fact, I would also pre-soak the kibble overnight in the fridg.
Increase activity, walks, reduce weight (if overweight).
For stubborn cases like your dogs, there are prescription medications the vet may recommend.

[anonymous]

Did you check the search engine ? /forums/search/calcium+oxalate/
I imagine your dog will have to be on a special diet for the rest of his life, I would go by whatever food your vet is recommending. I have used the Royal Canin SO in the past with good results.
Increasing water intake helps with all types of bladder stones, frequent bathroom breaks, opportunities to urinate. Keep the bladder flushed. Stagnant conditions in the bladder are conducive to stone formation.
Maybe 3 small meals per day with water added, they just lap it up to get to the food. In fact, I would also pre-soak the kibble overnight in the fridg.
Increase activity, walks, reduce weight (if overweight).
For stubborn cases like your dogs, there are prescription medications the vet may recommend. I might consider consulting a Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist.

[anonymous]

Check the search engine, example: /forums/search/calcium+oxalate/

Excerpts from previous posts:
As your vet will confirm, dogs that have a tendency to make bladder stones have to be on a special diet the rest of their lives, this is a serious condition and it just doesn’t go away.
I would comply with the prescription food for now.
And don’t forget, water, water, and more water added to the diet. Ask the vet ….but I believe this helps big time. And frequent bathroom breaks, opportunities to urinate.
“My dog had both (struvite and calcium oxalate), no symptoms till the age of 11, started with UTIs. He has had no recurrences in 4 years since his emergency surgery.
“There is a genetic component and some breeds are more prone to bladder stones”.
“Anyway, if you do nothing else, add water and take her out to urinate frequently”.
PS: Soak the kibble, even the prescription food in water overnight in the fridg, add more water prior to serving. Keep the bladder flushed. Maybe add a little canned prescription food as a topper.
Don’t add supplements unless recommended by a veterinarian that has examined the dog.
http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=cranberry

[m r]

Our 5 pound, 10 year old Papillon had 3 bladder stones removed last month. The analysis showed that they were Calcium Phosphate Carbonate. I was only able to find limited research matching the specificity of her condition, and have lots of questions. I would love guidance from someone who has experience with this specific type of stone? What have you done that’s worked? Our Vet told us there’s a 50/50 chance of recurrence, and even after surgery, there is still blood in her urine.

She goes on a wee wee pad – so can urinate freely, which she does, . . . frequently! The blood in her urine appears pinkish/red. She was on Carprofen immediately following surgery – but bloody urine persisted, so Vet switched her to a different anti-inflammatory – Meloxidyl. This seemed to work because we weren’t noticing blood in her urine 10 days after we started Meloxidyl, so we were told to stop. But shortly after stopping Meloxidyl, we noticed the blood in her urine resumed. The Vet took some additional X-Rays and did a Sonogram, and told us that she still has some clotting and debris from either the surgery or from ongoing cystitis (bladder inflammation); and that while she still may be creating some sediment, thankfully stones have not developed over the last 3+/- weeks since surgery. How long does it take for the sediment to form? Is it possible for sediment to form merely weeks after surgery?

Our Vet prescribed Hill’s C/D (stating she needs a diet lower in protein, phosphorus, and calcium). She was on a diet of Natural Balance – variety of flavors since we got her (only weeks old). We’ve been feeding her the Hill’s C/D food for one week now (she wouldn’t eat the canned, so we feed dry soaked in water . . . soupy consistency). Vet did a unrinalysis yesterday, which showed pH of 8.5. How long should it take for the food to alter her pH? He suggested we use a dipstick (which he said we can purchase online and touch it to the urine on the wee wee pad) to test her urine daily. But, if we determine that her pH is not where is should be, what else are we supposed to feed her to help manage the pH to around 6.5/7 (where the Vet would like it to be)?

Urine culture results are not yet back, but last time they didn’t show anything out of the ordinary.

In addition to suggesting Hill’s C/D prescription diet, and monitoring the urine pH at home daily, the Vet also recommends diagnostic testing at his office including urinalysis ( every 3 months), urine culture( every 3 months), radiographs/x-rays (every 6 months). We still aren’t clear what to do if pH doesn’t go down? i.e. how do we get it to decrease? I read somewhere that we’re supposed to be feeding a diet rich in animal-based protein to help increase acidic pH vs. alkaline, but based on the type of stones she had (CALCIUM PHOSPHATE CARBONATE UROLITHS), we’re supposed to feed her a diet low in animal protein. So what to do?

Also, how do we get her to drink more water? We already soak the dry kibble in hot water an hour +/- before serving. We also refresh her water throughout the day and night. I don’t want to add sodium to her diet, because I read somewhere that dogs with her type of stones are also supposed to stay away from salt.

Thank you in advance for any guidance you can provide!

[anonymous]

I have been doing it (adding water/presoaking kibble) for many years with my vet’s approval, excellent results. Especially if you want to avoid struvite and bladder stones.
I guess it depends on the dog, that’s why it is important to find a vet that you trust and go by his recommendations that are specific to your dog, the dog he has examined, checked annual labs, etc.

[anonymous]

I always add a tablespoon of something/protein, scrambled egg, cooked chopped up chicken breast, sandwich steak and a splash of water or plain chicken broth. Two feedings per day, measured amounts, pick up after 10 minutes if not consumed, store in the fridg and offer at the next mealtime. Even the best kibble is not enough on it’s own (imo)
I always add water to the kibble because some dogs just don’t drink enough water and that can result in problems, such as bladder stones down the road.
I stick with Nutrisca kibble (salmon and chickpea) as a base, I have had good results over 5 years.

[anonymous]

Whatever you decide to feed him, add water to the meals, don’t free feed.
I would go along with the prescription food for a few months, at least until the dog is stable. Don’t bother testing ph every day, it takes a few weeks for a change to show up, that’s what the vet told me. Instead, I would have it checked at the vet’s office every 2 or 3 months.
Have you checked the search engine? /forums/search/bladder+stones/

BTW: There is nothing wrong with prescription food http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=prescription+food

[anonymous]

From a previous post:

Increased water, add it to the food is a must, my dog laps it up to get to the food (4 small meals per day). Frequent bathroom breaks, keep things flowing.
Ask the vet if she has struvite or calcium oxalate stones? Or both? An ultrasound is a good idea.
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_canine_struvite_bladder_stones.html
“Struvite stones form in urine with a high pH (alkaline urine), diets should help to maintain a low pH (acidic urine). Diets with animal-based protein sources are most important in maintaining an acidic pH, while
vegetarian or cereal-based diets are more likely to cause and alkaline urine”.
“With Calcium Oxalate stones, a high protein diet can cause stones by increasing calcium in the urine. It lowers urinary pH and can increase uric acid. High quantities of animal protein can contribute to stone formation by increasing urinary calcium and oxalic acid excreting and by decreasing urinary citric acid excretion”.
“Your should increase your dog’s water consumption to help dilute the urine. You can do this by adding water to your dog’s food, it should look like wet mush. Avoid table scraps when caring for an oxalate stone-forming dog”.
“Depending on the kind of stone, you either want more, or less protein, and lower in fat (3 -8%). Be sure to check with your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet”.

[anonymous]

Did you check the search engine here? /forums/search/bladder+stones/
Excerpts from previous posts:
As your vet will confirm, dogs that have a tendency to make bladder stones have to be on a special diet the rest of their lives, this is a serious condition and it just doesn’t go away.
I would comply with the prescription food for now.
And don’t forget, water, water, and more water added to the diet. Ask the vet ….but I believe this helps big time. And frequent bathroom breaks, opportunities to urinate.
“My dog had both (struvite and calcium oxalate), no symptoms till the age of 11, started with UTIs. He has had no recurrences in 4 years since his emergency surgery.
“There is a genetic component and some breeds are more prone to bladder stones”.
“Anyway, if you do nothing else, add water and take her out to urinate frequently”.
PS: Soak the kibble, even the prescription food in water overnight in the fridg, add more water prior to serving. Keep the bladder flushed. Maybe add a little canned prescription food as a topper.
Don’t add supplements unless recommended by a veterinarian that has examined the dog.
http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=cranberry

[Matthew C]

My dog had a surgery last week to remove 4 struvite bladder stones. This is the first time she has had struvite stones or any other kind, but she did have a bladder infection about a year ago so we are not sure if that may have started the formation of the stones. She also had a urinary infection while she had the struvite stones. After the surgery the vet recommended to put her on Royal canine to moderate calorie intake, but honestly, I don’t want to put her on that food, so I would like to ask in this forum if you can please give me some advice. I plan on calling the vet again to ask for more advise, but in the mean time I would like see what other peoples opinions are. Thanks in advance.
(P.S- Would anyone recommend a homemade diet for this situation?)

[anonymous]

@ InkedMarie,
As long as the pre-op labs are within normal limits and the heart sounds good, I wouldn’t worry too much. I would be more concerned about infection/pain and all that jazz that can happen with untreated periodontal disease.
My small breed had 2 surgeries at age 11, one was for a late in life neuter due to a testicular tumor. I declined the labs and signed the waiver.
The other was for emergency surgery due to bladder stones, labs were slightly off but it wasn’t a concern as this is often the case with seniors. He also had an asymptomatic heart murmur. Both times he came through fine and lived 5 more years.
They have dental specialists and geriatric specialists for dogs now too, if it would make you feel better to seek one out.

[anonymous]

Below is an excerpt from: http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/calcium-oxalate-bladder-stones-in-dogs/5895

How can I prevent my dog from developing calcium oxalate bladder stones in the future?

Dogs that have developed calcium oxalate bladder stones in the past will often be fed a therapeutic diet for life. Diets that promote less-acidic and more dilute urine are recommended. Most dogs should be fed a canned or wet diet to encourage water consumption. Dilute urine with a low urine specific gravity (Urine Specific Gravity or USpG less than 1.020) is an important part of the prevention of calcium oxalate bladder stones. In certain cases, medications to lower the urinary pH such as potassium citrate may be required. If the dog is fed a home prepared diet, Vitamin B6 is often added as a supplement.  Dogs that repeatedly develop calcium oxalate bladder stones without high blood calcium levels may benefit from hydrochlorothiazide treatment.
Dogs diagnosed with calcium oxalate stones should avoid calcium supplements unless specifically advised by your veterinarian. They should not be fed high oxalate foods such as chocolate, nuts, rhubarb, beets, green beans, and spinach.
In addition, careful routine monitoring of the urine to detect any signs of bacterial infection is also recommended. Bladder x-rays and urinalysis will typically be performed one month after treatment and then every three to six months for the remainder of the dog’s life. Dogs displaying any clinical signs such as frequent urination, urinating in unusual places, painful urination or the presence of blood in the urine should be evaluated immediately. Unfortunately, calcium oxalate stones have a somewhat high rate of recurrence, despite careful attention to diet and lifestyle.
This client information sheet is based on material written by: Ernest Ward, DVM

[anonymous]

There are more than one prescription food that may work, I would ask the vet that is treating your dog. You may be able to add something to make it more appealing to him.
Or, he could refer you to a veterinary nutritionist.
Water and frequent bathroom breaks are important. Add water to meals, they drink up the water to get to the food.

From one of my prior posts:
Did you check the search engine here? /forums/search/bladder+stones/
Adding water, frequent bathroom breaks go a long way.
Listen to your veterinarian, or ask for a referral to a specialist. The dog needs to be stable for at least 6 months to 1 year before you even think about making diet changes.
Often there is a genetic component, bladder stones return (50% of the time)
This is not a do it yourself project. There is nothing wrong with prescription food.
PS: Most supplements are scams, but discuss with your veterinarian, there are prescription medications that may be more effective for prevention of bladder stones (stubborn cases).
Let the dog recover and see how the follow-up appointments go. Best of luck.

[Pam V]

I am looking for a low oxalate / low fat diet for my 6 lb Yorkie who recently had surgery to remove bladder stones that were calcium oxalate stones.

Initially the vet recommended Royal Canin SO, but this food appears to be too high in fat and it left her lethargic with runny stools. Prior to this she was on Royal Canin Low Fat GI and she stayed regular on this and seemed to have no problem although I think it left her hungry because she was always looking for treats. This was a reason why the vet had suggested vegetable treats like carrots, broccoli etc. Now I wonder if the carrots contributed to the stones.

If there was the perfect commercial canned food on the market one with no sweet potatoes, no soy, no carrots etc that is also low fat I would like to know. I am open to preparing a homemade diet also but so far I’m finding it quite a puzzle. Most of the recipes look complicated and many have high oxalate ingredients.

Thanks, Pam

[anonymous]

Did you check the search engine here? /forums/search/bladder+stones/
See my posts, adding water, frequent bathroom breaks go a long way.

Listen to your veterinarian, or ask for a referral to a specialist. The dog needs to be stable for at least 6 months to 1 year before you even think about making diet changes.

Often there is a genetic component, bladder stones return (50% of the time)
This is not a do it yourself project. There is nothing wrong with prescription food.

PS: Most supplements are scams, but discuss with your veterinarian, there are prescription medications that may be more effective for prevention of bladder stones (stubborn cases).
Let the dog recover and see how the follow-up appointments go. Best of luck.

[Pam C]

My 12 pound miniature dachshund had surgery yesterday to remove 3 large bladders stones. Vet says they were struvite. Put her on the Hill’s Prescription k/d – which I do not care to continue. Vet says to leave her on it for life. Is there any alternative? I would love a homemade recipe to cook for her and to add supplements instead. Help!!

[anonymous]

I feed twice a day, measured amounts with a splash of water added, for best results.
Not only is it better for health and weight management, but, you will be able to predict when they will have a bowel movement and need to urinate. In between scheduled feedings they should be walked , ideally for at least 20 minutes a couple of times a day. Offered bathroom breaks at least every 4 hours to prevent the development of bladder stones.

No, you can’t train a dog to eat only when it is hungry, some dogs will eat until they vomit.
Just my opinion, based on experience and knowledge.
PS: Consider getting a dome bowl designed to slow down her eating at mealtimes.
Consult a veterinarian that has examined your dog, if you have specific concerns, or your dog has been diagnosed with a medical condition or is a senior. A veterinarian that knows your dog’s history will be the best person to advise you.
I stick with one or two kibbles that agree with the dog, as a base, I do use a variety of toppers though.

[Andrew J]

My wife and I have a 8.5 year old female yorkie. She has had quite the past month. 4 weeks ago she was diagnosed with bladder stones and had them surgically removed 2 days later. Her recovery went well and we thought we were in the clear. The vet informed us that going forward that she would need to be on Royal canine Urinary SO. She seemed to take to the food and we moved forward. However, last Sunday night she started to vomit non-stop and could not control her bladder. We were back at the vet and the blood results came back showing she was having a case of pancreatitis. She was hospitalized for 2 days and was sent back home with us. They instructed to us that going forward that she would need to be on the Royal canine Gastrointestinal. During her 2 days at the vet for IV’s she did not eat. We have had her back now for 3 days and yesterday morning she had some of the Royal canine Gastro but since then she has not eaten. We have tried rice and her old old low fat food (not the Urinary SO) and we have had no luck. At this point we seem to have to administer water to her through a syringe as she is reluctant to drink by herself. Does anyone have any ideas on food that she would be interested in. She has always been a very picky eater. Secondly, has anyone’s pup gone through several days of just drinking water before finally coming back to food. Any insight would be appreciated.

[anonymous]

Maybe a more bland diet (boiled chicken and rice) and the prescription food would work the best for her right now, at least until you get this serious condition (bladder stones) stabilized. I would go by what the veterinarian that has examined the dog advises.

BTW: Antibiotics do tend to cause diarrhea (side effect for dogs and people). Talk to your vet, depending on the severity of the symptoms, he may choose to prescribe a different antibiotic.

[anonymous]

I think listening to a veterinarian that has examined and diagnosed your dog and knows the dog’s history would be wise. Bladder stones often have a genetic component.
Your dog has a serious condition that requires the expertise of a veterinary professional.
Prescription dog foods are specially formulated as part of the treatment for specific medical conditions. It’s not just about the ingredients, it’s about trying to prevent your dog from having continued problems.
Also, you may want to discuss with your veterinarian, about the possibility of medications that might help. I’m not talking about food supplements/scams.
Did you try the search engine here to look up “bladder stones”.

[anonymous]

Ask the vet if an x-ray is indicated to rule out bladder stones, they can have more than one type at the same time.
Supplements are not intended to cure, treat, or prevent any medical condition. In fact, they can sometimes cause harm.

[anonymous]

Did the vet do an x-ray to rule out bladder stones? Often when the antibiotics don’t solve the problem or the symptoms return….there is more going on. Also, there could be a genetic component at play.
Use the search engine here; /forums/search/bladder+stones/

Come back if you have more questions.

[anonymous]

I think listening to a veterinarian that has examined and diagnosed your dog and knows the dog’s history would be wise. Bladder stones often have a genetic component.
Your dog has a serious condition that requires the expertise of a veterinary professional.
Prescription dog foods are specially formulated as part of the treatment for specific medical conditions. It’s not just about the ingredients, it’s about trying to prevent your dog from having continued problems.
Also, you may want to discuss with your veterinarian, about the possibility of medications that might help. I’m not talking about food supplements/scams.
Did you try the search engine here to look up “bladder stones”.

Also, your dog may need further testing and diagnostic procedures to determine the cause of her gastrointestinal symptoms which may have nothing at all to do with her diet.
Call the vet, communicate your concerns. That is what I would do.

[Susan W]

I can’t imagine the misery involved in a dog w/bladder/kidney stones. My husband gets them frequently and he’s always miserable.
We haven’t ever had a dog that got UTIs/stones. My mom’s dog ended up with crystals last year and she had to improve the quality of her dog’s food (among other things). A great way to get some good advice and some free samples of a fantastic dog food is to contact VeRUS. The food is great – it’s 4 stars here, but they’ve never had a recall in almost 30 years – and when you contact them with questions, a live human will answer you with good info AND they’ll send you free samples. It won’t cost you anything to ask them for help. Depending on where you live, you might be able to get the food locally. If not, you can order (I use PetFlow.com). No prescription needed.

[anonymous]

PS: I would stick with the food that is working, often bladder stones return and emergency surgery will be more expensive than buying the prescription food now

[anonymous]

Did you check the search engine here for “bladder stones” Look at the information offered and come back if you have more questions.
/forums/search/bladder+stones/

[Lori J M]

My dog had a few UTIs, then had surgery for bladder stones. Even though he had no struvite crystals in his urine, the labs done on the stones came back as struvite.

So, after a struggle getting him to eat that nasty Royal Canin – he looked at me as if I were punishing him for no reason 🙁 and I refuse to feed him Science Diet, I went to another vet.

This one prescribed the new Blue Natural Veterinary Diet WU (a Blue Buffalo prescription) and both my dog LOVE it! It is protein based but low in the minerals that can cause stones. My little guy does get bored with one flavor, so when he begins to balk at his food again (he’s not very food motivated), with my vet’s blessing, I’ll give him some of my other dog’s Merrick which he goes bonkers for. He is also taking cranberry supplements and I have increased his water consumption dramatically. I also fill his bowl only with distilled water. He has had NO problem in almost 2 years now! With so many variables changing, it’s hard to know what is helping. Is it the food or the supplements or the water? Is it a combination of some or all?

So, my problem? We moved to another state and I’m trying to find a good vet who carries this product or one who will give me a prescription if I can find it sold somewhere. Blue Buffalo has no answered my email about how to find a distributor. I did find it on Amazon but the price is just STUPID. Almost $50 for a 6 lb. bag with Prime and over $50 for a case of canned (I feed both). While I was searching for this food, I came across some articles about the deceptive advertising in the past that Blue Buffalo was accused of. If it’s true that they use animal by-products but lie about it, I don’t want to use their food. However, if my dog is doing well on it now… maybe I should. I’m confused.

Since I’m not having luck finding a local vet who carries this, I’m considering keeping him on all Merrick again. Do I keep looking? Switch foods and keep him on supplements and maybe add vitamin C to be sure? Suck it up and pay the premium price on Amazon? Find a different food?

All opinions welcome.

[crazy4cats]

Yes, please listen to your vet. Don’t end up in an emergency situation like I did with a cat two years ago. Luckily we have a Blue Pearl Emergency Clinic in my area, but it cost thousands to save him. His bladder was totally blocked and he spent three days there. Otherwise, they recommended euthanasia because he would have died a terrible painful death.

I kept him totally on Rx food for six months after the episode and very slowly weaned him off of it after that. Now, I feed him mostly canned and add water to that. I also have a water fountain that my cats enjoy and encourage them to drink more. He’s on medication to help with his anxiety and bladder inflammation now.

I guess stones are caused by different reasons in cats and dogs. Dogs are typically caused by infection and cats are typically caused by stress. Of course, there are other reasons as well. Best to keep them at bay by adding moisture and an appropriate diet until the cause is known and fixed. Best of luck to you.

[anonymous]

I hope you will listen to the vet that examined and diagnosed your dog. Bladder stones are a potentially life threatening condition. A blocked urethra can result in emergency surgery.
Calcium oxalate stones don’t just go away. They won’t know for sure what type of stones he has till they get them out of there and analyze them.
In my opinion the vet is focused on trying to help the dog and prevent more pain and infection.
PS: They can have more than one type of stone, my dog had struvite and calcium oxalate, struvite cleared up with antibiotics but the calcium oxalates required surgery.

[Jackie F]

I have an 11 month male old pit bull, he started having problems urinating and there was blood. First low cost vet clinic gave him amoxicillian and it didn’t work so the next vet took xray and did a urinalysis and culture. His urine came back good, pH at 7, good concentration, no signs of bacteria, white blood cells slightly high but could be from inflammation of the bladder but said I had to wait for the culture results because the xray showed a cluster of stones in his bladder but they are not sure of the type. Vet gave him a different antibiotic and said Royal Canine food until culture comes back. He also said surgery is likely but I felt that he was focused on that and just trying to make money. I am reading that no point in the Rx dog food if we don’t know the type of stones yet, and his PH level is 7, so should I go ahead and put him on Royal Canine Rx or wait for the culture results?

[anonymous]

How long have you had him? He may be grieving his former owner and home, maybe there were other dogs there that he bonded with. It is very hard for some dogs, especially a senior.
The first month will be the worst. Just be extra nice to him but give him his space, hopefully he’ll come around.

You can presoak the kibble in water overnight in the fridg and then add a little plain homemade chicken broth (no onions) or mix with a soft topper. If you don’t see him drinking water, add a little to his food, senior small breeds are vulnerable to get bladder stones, struvite and urinary tract infections if they don’t drink enough water. Take him out frequently to urinate.

Keep his diet simple, maybe a limited ingredient food, I like Nutrisca. I wouldn’t add vegetables for now, they can cause loose stools in some dogs. I wouldn’t add any supplements unless advised to do so by a veterinarian that has examined him.

[Bullwrinkle]

Hi Susan.I agree completely and the idiot was a total pill pusher, I don’t think she knew any better. I went thru so many foods, too many to count. She had chronic UTIs, was on antibiotics on and off until I told the idiot enough, there’s clearly a problem and ABs are not the answer. Every food gave her loose stools, even with probiotics, referred to an allergist, did the blood serum allergy, tried allergy shots which almost killed her. Not long after increasing the allergens, she went into anaphylaxis, never driven so fast in my life. Scariest 48hrs ever. Allergist/dermatologist admitted nothing of course, idiot defended derm, I was so done. Good vet found the problem at first visit: bladder stones. Again, please remember I’m dealing with 5 special needs cats and a tortoise with a deformed shell (she passed in her sleep at 8 yrs old, 9 days after I had to let my 17 yr old cat go, and Speed Bump was supposed to live for at least 80 yrs. It was a genetic defect.)

So, vet, minimally invasive to almost holistic, flushes the bladder so we can find out what kind of stone. He is a Hills Pet Science Diet guy though. At the time, I was desperate. I also had never heard of a vegetarian diet for dogs. So, we go with prescription w/d as it also has high fiber. Her stool was the most perfect it had ever been and allergy was no worse. Skin got bad as she got a little older but i got a shampoo and conditioning regiment, and she was always bathed every 7-10 days (2-3x/week as a puppy, had demodex), and that helped big. So, since I had to consider the bigger health issue of the stones w/the secondary UTIs, I removed everything else to try and keep the allergies at the manageable threshold. Like I said, the prednisone was an absolute last resort. I’d give her a different allergy pill, an extra bath, I always wiped her down with a wet rag when she came inside, I’m an overprotective mom and I hated, hated giving those things to her. But sometimes, something would get set off and she would go bonkers. And when 1 roid gave her 2-3 days of relief? And then shes past it and any reaction in her body is also relieved. I couldn’t let her suffer through that.

Was that the best food? Probably not. But the other options for stones had really bad effects. And I still researched but never found, and was never told anything about vegetarian diets (saw a different idiot in a new state at this point).

I’d never heard of Messazzia yeast til this site. I’d be interested in your allergy group. I have a little boy now and his nose fold, aye, I cannot get it to heal. I’m pretty sure he does not get along with coconut oil, I know he has allergy to fish especially salmon, probably potato, def bison, very likely Venison. He’s on Hills DermDefense. Was doing great, except his nose fold, but all of a sudden, he’s getting bumps, his eye folds are bare, I’m about to lose it. DermDefense is chicken based so I’m thinking I have to stay away from chicken. But turkey should be OK, Right? I’m thinking of doing a freeze dried or something like the Farmers Dog, anyone hear of it? I’m not really in a position to cook his meals.

Honestly, for me, Apoquel scares me to death. Maybe because of my experience with Atopica. I just want people to be informed about drugs like that. I am open to any suggestions, the ones here are always so helpful. Thank you to all

[anonymous]

I suspect that urinating in the house has nothing to do with the dog’s diet. As a senior he is vulnerable to all sorts of things, such as UTIs, struvite (urinalysis will rule out), bladder stones (ultrasound will rule out).
So, I think a call/visit to the vet is in order. I wouldn’t change his food from what a veterinarian that has examined him has recommended. Pancreatitis is a serious condition.

PS: I would see if you can collect a urine sample to take to the vet. A empty prescription pill bottle (clean) will do. You only need a small amount.

[anonymous]

This is not a DIY project. Discuss with your veterinarian how much monitoring, testing, x-rays and how often performed are necessary, take into consideration the dog’s age and ability to tolerate aggressive treatment, financial concerns. See what the vet recommends.

Below is an excerpt from: http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/urate-bladder-stones-in-dogs/5841 (click on link for full article)

“How can I prevent my dog from developing urate bladder stones in the future”?

Dogs that have experienced urate bladder stones will often be fed a therapeutic diet for life. Dogs with liver disease will need to be treated appropriately prior to addressing urate bladder stone management. Diets lower in protein and therefore lower in purines, one of the building blocks of urate crystals, and promote slightly alkaline urine are recommended. Canned or wet diets are often preferred to help encourage water consumption. Dilute urine (urine specific gravity less than 1.020) helps decrease urate stone formation. In certain cases, medications such as allopurinol may be required. In addition, careful routine monitoring of the urine to detect any signs of bacterial infection is also recommended. Bladder x-rays and urinalysis will be performed one month after treatment and then every three to six months for life. Many dogs will need to have bladder ultrasound to detect early urate stones that are small and may not be visible on x-rays.

Dogs displaying any clinical signs of urinary tract infections such as frequent urination, urinating in unusual places, painful urination or the presence of blood in the urine should be evaluated immediately.

This client information sheet is based on material written by: Ernest Ward, DVM

[Mirae L]

My pure bred bichon frise began forming bladder stones at age 5yrs. He was fed an all organic, home cooked meal, mostly consisting of pasture raise chicken, beef or pork, white rice, and veggies. Duck, chicken, beef and fish treats.

I followed the vets advice and had the stones surgically removed, and the stones returned within a year. I was furious. The vet then told me they commonly recur, and I set out on a mission to find a non-invasive way to get rid of them.

Bladder stones cannot be treated with ultrasound because of all the liquid in the bladder. So I coupled WD Cusick’s breed specific diet with Chinese herbs, passwan (Mandarin for ‘break up stone’), and all 5 of his stones were gone in 3 weeks.

I love these breed specific diets!

[anonymously]

Did you check the search engine here? /forums/search/bladder+stones/

Excerpts from previous posts:

As your vet will confirm, dogs that have a tendency to make bladder stones have to be on a special diet the rest of their lives, this is a serious condition and it just doesn’t go away.

I would comply with the prescription food for now.
And don’t forget, water, water, and more water added to the diet. Ask the vet ….but I believe this helps big time. And frequent bathroom breaks, opportunities to urinate.

“My dog had both (struvite and calcium oxalate), no symptoms till the age of 11, started with UTIs. He has had no recurrences in 4 years since his emergency surgery.

“There is a genetic component and some breeds are more prone to bladder stones”.

“Anyway, if you do nothing else, add water and take her out to urinate frequently”.

PS: Soak the kibble, even the prescription food in water overnight in the fridg, add more water prior to serving. Keep the bladder flushed. Maybe add a little canned prescription food as a topper.

Don’t add supplements unless recommended by a veterinarian that has examined the dog.
http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=cranberry

PS: Start brushing the teeth once a day, see YouTube for how to videos, small breeds tend to have lousy teeth.

[anonymously]

The recipes were formulated by Rebecca L. Remillard, Ph.D., D.V.M., DACVN Veterinary Nutritionist.
I think they are good and it was quite generous of her to share them.

“It is recommended that you consult a Certified Veterinary Nutritionist concerning your pet’s diet if they have any pre-existing medical conditions or might require special dietary needs”

Regarding: http://support.mspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=latestnews_GenericPetFoodRecipes

@ Diane B, the poster whose dog was treated for oxalate stones, I would go by the prescription food that your veterinarian recommends, and add water, frequent bathroom breaks.
Some of the foods you mentioned were prohibited for my dog that had a history of bladder stones. Most veggies are high in oxalates.

[anonymously]

Hope this helps:
https://www.mspca.org/angell_services/choosing-the-right-diet-for-your-pet/

How about homemade? Click on link for complete article and recipes http://support.mspca.org/site/…

A Vet Takes a Skeptical & Science-Based Look at Veterinary Medicine
http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/nutrition/

PS: I hope you aren’t free feeding (leaving food down all day). Feed measured amounts twice a day, if they don’t eat within 10 minutes store it in fridg and offer at next meal time.
Always have fresh water available. If you don’t see them going to the water bowl, add a little water to their meals, some dogs don’t drink enough water and this can lead to bladder stones later on.
It’s okay if they skip a meal or two…they will eat when they are hungry.

[anonymously]

Some dogs have a genetic predisposition to develop calcium oxalate bladder stones.

“Foods that are high in oxalates usually include plant-based products, such as vegetables, advises Dr. Ron Hines of 2ndChance.info. Avoid feeding Fido foods high in oxalates if your dog has been diagnosed with calcium oxalate stones in the past because they can contribute to their formation.
These include beets, carrots, celery, kale, okra, spinach and collard greens, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Organ meats like liver and sardines are also high in oxalates, as are foods that are naturally dangerous to dogs like chocolate, nuts and grapes. Other high-oxalate ingredients include corn and soy, along with the ingredients derived from them, according to Dr. Hines.”
Above is an excerpt from: http://dogcare.dailypuppy.com/foods-cause-oxalate-stones-6238.html

[anonymously]

Have you checked the search engine here? /forums/search/bladder+stones/

I imagine your dog will have to be on a special diet for the rest of his life, I would go by whatever food your vet is recommending. I have used the Royal Canin SO in the past with good results.

Increasing water intake helps with all types of bladder stones, frequent bathroom breaks, opportunities to urinate. Keep the bladder flushed. Stagnant conditions in the bladder are conducive to stone formation.

Maybe 3 small meals per day with water added, they just lap it up to get to the food. In fact, I would also pre-soak the kibble overnight in the fridg.
Increase activity, walks, reduce weight (if overweight).

For stubborn cases like your dogs, there are prescription medications the vet may recommend. I might consider consulting a Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist.

[anonymously]

If you reread my post you will see that is not what I said at all. No biggie, we all misinterpret things from time to time. Hope this helps.

From the link to my post that you referenced: /forums/topic/food-for-dog-with-silica-stones/#post-83704
“Check out Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea at Chewy.com”
“My dog has a history of struvite and calcium oxalate stones and does well on it, no reoccurrence in bladder stones in almost 5 years now. I add water and offer frequent bathroom breaks/opportunities to urinate. Keep the bladder flushed”

“I have also used prescription food recommended by the vet with good results”.

PS: I think we are all offering opinions, no one is here in a professional capacity. I see a lot of opinions I don’t agree with, but, I don’t say a word. Unless I think the advice may cause harm…but even then, I try not to respond, as I assume the pet owner will consult a professional for any serious issues.

[anonymously]

I would go by whatever prescription food your vet recommends, I would get the vet’s approval for anything otherwise.

http://www.vetbook.org/wiki/dog/index.php/Silica_uroliths

Silica is a rare urolith which may cause urolithiasis and cystitis.

The role of diet in spontaneously occurring silica urolithiasis has not been determined, although plants are often an abundant source of silica.

These uroliths have been reported in many breeds, mainly purebred dogs[1].

Urolithiasis in middle-aged male dogs is the most common presenting problem[2]. The stones are usually multiple and develop in the bladder and urethra. Silica uroliths are radio-opaque. They frequently, but not always, have a characteristic ‘jack-stone’ appearance.

Identification requires spectrographic analysis and cannot be made with kits for qualitative stone analysis.

When present, urinary tract infections should be eliminated. Diets high in plant proteins should be avoided.

[Terry K]

this was happening to my dog and he had bladder stones and 4 stuck in his uretha.
Get him to the vet and get XRAYS