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Ask the Expert on Urine Crystals

June 8th, 2009

The Question:

Name: Susan
Pets species and breed: Yorkshire Terrier
Pets age and weight: 3yr. 7lb.3oz
Pets health status: good
Are they spayed or neutered? Yes
Brand of food: Caesars
Animal owned for: 3yrs

“At present my dog is being treated for crystals in the urine with a strong antibiotic twice a day. She is selective with eating, sometimes not at all. I worry about her. She needs to eat something healthy that she likes!”

Thank you

Susan

The Answer:

“There has been much learned about urinary crystals in the last few years.  Research has taught us that THE MOST IMPORTANT part of management of crystals (to prevent the development of sand and stones) is to increase water intake.

Increasing water intake can be done by:
1.  Feeding canned food (this was the most effective way at increasing water intake)
2.  Increasing the frequency of feeding (for example, dogs fed several times each day drank more than dogs fed only one meal)
3.  Adding additional water or broth to food (dry or canned)
4.  Ice cubes as “treats”
5.  Using unique water bowls or providing free flowing water fountains
6.  Adding lite salt to the diet (you must ask your vet about this–some dogs are unable to have additional salt)

Increasing water intake was more effective than changing urine pH or other manipulations commonly used to dissolve crystals.

When your veterinarian is rechecking your dog for crystals, remember that only fresh urine can be tested for crystals.  Urine must be voided and then analyzed for crystals (in the vet’s office) within 15 minutes.  Crystals can form in urine that is sitting or has been refrigerated.  Many dogs are falsely diagnosed with crystal problems because of the timing of urine evaluation.”

Hope this helps.
Dr. Donna Spector

Tags: urine crystals
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