[mudpud]

Just about 2 years ago, our 11yr old Bichon/Shihtzu had emergency surgery to removed bladder stones. Not long after, in the same year, the 10yr old Bichon/Shihtzu had the same surgery. They were both put on Royal Canin Urinary SO diets, at considerable cost to us, but they are our children now, so who wouldn’t take this on. We were told this would prevent this happening again.
NOT – today, because a couple of things like frequent doggy runs to the yard to pee, and the other dog presented blood in his urine. YUP, both have almost as many bladder stones that took 10/11 years to form, as these ones in 2.5yrs, while on this WONDER FOOD.
WE’VE been HAD! We are waiting on a date and time for surgery for both dogs, this week.
I feel lied to; by the company that produces product that has done nothing to prevent the repeat of the stones, and the Vet Profession who appear blindsided on this matter. Our vet is a caring, capable and well informed individual, who was also floored by the rapid growth of these stones.
DON’T trust the Veterinary Diet line when it comes to your pet. Had I read the comments I have since found on this sight, I would have worked much harder at searching out a better option. We messed up, and put blind faith in a company making millions off the product that does nothing.

[anonymous]

It depends on the type of stones, you may want to consider consulting with a specialist for follow up care. There are prescription meds for stubborn cases, talk to your vet.

Below copied from a previous post:

More Nonsense from Holistic Vets about Commercial Therapeutic Diets

Also, if the dog is overweight, get the extra weight off, increase walks/exercise/activity.

“Dogs that get urinary tract infections and bladder stones tend to have a genetic predisposition, combine that with not enough water intake, not enough opportunities to urinate and you have a problem”.

“Whatever you decide to feed, add water to the kibble or canned food, even presoak and add water. Take out to urinate at least every 4 hours (every 2 hours is ideal) stagnant conditions in the bladder are conducive to bladder stone formation”.
“Always have fresh water available for the dog 24/7”.
“Regarding supplements, I would check with your vet first. He may recommend something specific for your dog”. Otherwise, I would be careful, not all supplements are benign.

Good luck

[anonymous]

Also, diet is just part of the treatment.

https://bichonhealth.org/kidneysbladder/management-of-bichons-with-urinary-stones/

excerpts below, click on link for full article

It has long been recognized that some Bichons Frises have a predisposition to formation of urinary stones (uroliths). This condition is known as urolithiasis. There are several types of stones that can form in the bladder, with struvite (also called magnesium triple phosphate or “infection” stones) and calcium oxalate being the most common in Bichons. The most important preventative for stone formation is free access to fresh water. For a dog predisposed to stone formation, there are other considerations as well. This article is intended to provide the pet owner with a better understanding of the prevention and treatment of urinary stones. Good veterinary treatment is the most reliable resource for the ongoing care of your dog. You may wish to copy this article for your veterinarian.

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