Kidney Stones In Golden Retriever Dogs

Kidney stones in golden retriever dogs can be very painful and can lead to serious health issues if not treated. Fortunately, they aren't as common as they are in people. Kidney stones in dogs tend to appear more frequently in females than in males.

The average age for dogs with kidney stones is six to seven

years of age. Any dog breed c

an be affected, even Golden Retrievers. But there are some breeds that ar

e naturally predisposed to develop canine kidney stones.

These include the Dalmatian, Yorkshire Terrier, English Bulldog, Lhasa Apso, Minia

ture Schnauzer, Miniature Po

odle, Shih Tzu, Bichon Frise, and Cocker Spaniel.

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What Are Kidney Stones In Golden Retriever Dogs?

Most canine kidney stones are made of mineral salts commonly found in the body. These include calcium, magnesium, ammonia, and phosphorus.

If the concentration of mineral salts is too high in the urine, they precipitate out. Then what?

Well, canine kidney stones are formed much the same way pearls are formed inside an oyster. It all starts with a single irritating particle of something. In this case, the culprit is often a bit of debris from urinary tract infections.

Soon other minerals are deposited on its surface, layer upon layer. Over time, it grows larger and forms a kidney stone (technically called anephrolith) with a composition and consistency similar to that of limestone.

While there are no harmful effects of kidney stones in golden retriever dogs as long as they stay in the kidneys, the problems start when they migrate into the urinary tract to head for the outside world.

Passing a kidney stone is probably just as painful for

golden retriever dogs as for people (ouch!). But if they're too big to slide all the way out, they'll plug up your dog's waterworks--instant emergency.

Causes For Kidney Stones In Golden Retriever Dogs

While there are several types of canine kidney stones, each type is often associated with its own specific cause.
Some of these kidney stone causes might be:

•  Urinary tract infections
•  Kidney infections
•  Genetic tendency
•  Congenital abnormalities
•  Dietary factors or supplements
•  Certain medications
•  Metabolic disorders
•  Underlying conditions or illnesses

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Signs of Kidney Stones In Golden Retriever Dogs

The severity of symptoms actually depends on the location, number, shape and size of kidney stones in golden retriever  dogs.
A few dogs never display any discomfort or anything else out of the ordinary. Those are the courageous pups who never complain.

For all the others, here are some general kidney stone symptoms you can watch for:

•  Blood in the urine
•  Painful urination
•  Frequent urination
•  Straining to urinate
•  Dribbling urine
•  Bad-smelling urine
•  Cloudy or dark urine
•  Abdominal pain
•  Weakness
•  Depression
•  Increased thirst
•  Loss of appetite
•  Vomiting

Diagnosing Kidney Stones In Golden Retriever Dogs

Because there are different types of kidney stones in golden retriever  dogs, your veterinarian will need to perform several tests in order to arrive at the diagnosis that will help him treat your buddy. These tests may include:

•  Physical examination
•  Complete blood count (CBC)
•  Biochemical profile
•  Urinalysis--looking for blood, bacteria, and other things that shouldn't be there
•  Bacterial urine culture--looking for a urinary tract infection
•  Radiographs (X-rays)
•  Abdominal ultrasound--to find the stones that don't show up on X-rays
•  Excretory urography--using an intravenous dye to "light up" the upper urinary tract (kidneys and ureters) to help find stones and other abnormalities

Treating Kidney Stones In Golden Retriever Dogs

Treatment options actually vary according to what type of stone is involved.

•  You may be fortunate enough to experience "the case of the dissolving kidney stone," through the use of a special diet and/or medication.
•  For the type of stones in dogs that don't dissolve, surgery is usually recommended. Your vet (or a vet hospital) will know how to remove kidney stones with as little trauma to your dog as possible.
•  Although lithotripsy (disintegration by shock waves) will also work, even on multiple kidney stones in dogs, it's not available everywhere, and is much more expensive than kidney stone surgery.
•  Antibiotics will be necessary for dogs who also have urinary tract infections.
•  Fluid therapy may be recommended for those dogs who are dehydrated, have severe infections, or also have kidney failure.

If you'd like to check into natural cures for kidney stones in dogs, I'd suggest you contact a holistic veterinarian for advice. Just use the Internet to find one in your area, or ask your own vet if he knows one. There may be an herbal remedy for kidney stones in golden retriever dogs that will help your pup.

If your pet is on a stone dissolving diet, that's all she gets to eat. Absolutely NO snacks or other foods are permitted--if you want this to work. Your vet has done his part, now you have to do your part!

Give your dog all her medicine in the right dosages and at the right times, and keep your follow-up appointments with your vet. This is one of those "it takes a village" things. Everybody has to work together!

Maybe your dog has a kidney stone but it's not causing her any problems at the moment. Even your vet told you there's no need to do anything about it right now.

That doesn't mean your vet is ignoring the situation. He'll still monitor your dog periodically by urinalysis, urine culture, radiographs and/or ultrasound to keep track of the stone.

Although some inactive stones may remain quietly tucked away in the kidneys for the rest of a dog's life, you should know that inactive stonescan become active as they head for the outside world.

It's those complications of kidney stones in dogs--like blockages and urinary tract infections--that can cause problems with very little warning. You need to stay alert for any symptoms so you can get your golden retriever dog to the vet without delay.

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Prevention - How to Avoid Kidney Stones In Golden Retriever Dogs?

If your Golden Retriever has a chronic kidney stone problem, your vet may want to put her on a special diet for kidney stones, at least for awhile.

Some of these special foods are designed to naturally dissolve kidney stones as well as discourage the formation of new ones. Such a deal!

All stone-prone dogs should have plenty of fresh water to drink, to keep their urine diluted.

Make sure they also have a chance to potty frequently, so the minerals in the urine don't have time to cause trouble.
If your dog doesn't drink as much water as she should, you can add warm water to her kibble and let it sit for a couple of minutes.

It makes a yummy-smelling stew that probably tastes pretty great, too. At least, my dogs think so!
General blood work, urinalysis and urine culture will need to be done periodically. Abdominal X-rays or ultrasound (depending on the stone type) should be done every few months at first, and once or twice yearly thereafter.

Keep in touch with your vet and follow his recommendations to the letter, if you want to keep your precious pup stone-free.

Knowing how to prevent kidney stones in golden retriever dogs is a lot easier than dealing with a painful problem further down the road.

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