Urinary Tract Stones

Question:

Our 13 year old Dalmation has a urinary tract stone, that our vet says seems quite large.  He wants us to do surgery which will cost $2,000.  Is there any way to dissolve this stone quickly.  She is bleeding quiet heavily so getting rid of this quickly is paramount.  The vet says she isn't in any danger and is mildly uncomfortable.

Thank you,
Dan B.

Answer:

Thank you for your inquiry to Holistic Pet Info. Unfortunately, a bladder stone is a serious condition. Dalmatians particularly have a genetic disposition which they cannot properly metabolize purines. Purines are processed from the diet and Dalmatians are unable to break them down into urea. Instead, they only get as far as making uric acid which become crystals in the bladder, later becoming stones. (In humans the crystals form in joints and is known as gout.) These stones cannot be dissolved with diet; they regrettably must be removed with surgery.

This is difficult decision to make; at her age the surgery has a bit more risk. In this case her comfort level will get worse as the stone gets larger. I have attached a food list to guide you to decrease the purines in her diet if you are giving her a home cooked diet. (See Below) There are prescription diets made specifically for dogs to decrease urate crystal production. Check to see if there is a Veterinary University near you, which may do the surgery at a lower cost. Best of luck.

Sincerely,
Colleen Smith DVM, CVA

Purine-Yielding Foods

FOODS HIGHEST IN PURINES
anchovies
brains
kidney, beef
game meats (venison, etc.)
gravies
herring (including roe)
liver (calf or beef)
mackerel
meat extracts
mussels
sardines
scallops
yeast

FOODS MODERATELY HIGH
IN PURINES
asparagus
bacon
breads & cereals, whole grain
cauliflower
eel
fish (fresh & saltwater)
legumes (kidney beans, navy & lima beans, lentils, peas)
meat (beef, lamb, pork, veal)
meat soups & broths
mushrooms
oatmeal
peas, green
pork (including ham)
poultry (chicken, duck, turkey)
shellfish (crab, lobster, oysters)
spinach
tongue
tripe
wheat germ & bran

FOODS LOWEST IN PURINES
beverages (coffee, tea, sodas, cocoa)
butter
bread & cereal (except whole grain)
cheese
eggs
fats
fish roe (including caviar)
fruits & fruit juices
gelatin
milk (including butter, condensed, malted)
nuts (including peanut butter)
pasta (evaluate sauce ingredients separately)
sugars, syrups, sweets
vegetables (except those above)
vegetable & cream soups
(made with acceptable vegetables. but not with beef stock)

Adapted from nutrition texts by Carroll Weiss
Study Group on Urinary Stones
Research Committee
Dalmatian Club of America