stonessupplements

chloelogoa

CANINE CALCULI/STONES

Supplements

talalogoa

Species affected: Cats, Dogs

Background: The male domestic cat is particularly prone to an obstruction consisting of crystallized mineral embedded within a proteinaceous matrix; this is often considered to be an immune-mediated phenomenon. Obstructions are considered an emergency requiring sedation and unblocking with a catheter.

Symptoms: Hematuria, pain, possible obstruction or frequent urination.

Diagnostics: Urinalysis, blood tests.

Special Notes: Struvite (Magnesium Ammonium Phosphate) and oxalate are the most common urinary calculi seen in small animals. In dogs, struvite crystals and stones are associated almost exclusively with bacterial infections and excessively alkaline urine. Oxalate stones are more commonly found in certain breeds including Bichons, Schnauzers, Yorkies, Shihtzu; these are seen with excessively acidic urine or administration of excessive doses of calcium. Small struvite stones can often be dissolved using diet modifications and supplements alone; oxalate cannot be dissolved. Stones may have a struvite covering
but an oxalate core. In cats, struvite and oxalate stones are both common; their incidence increasing as the majority of cat owners began feeding commercial foods, especially dry foods. There are foods to help manage/prevent both types of stones in dogs and cats, and these are usually necessary even with supplements.

Principles for Supplementation: Natural treatment can help break up struvite stones and prevent them from reforming, if they are not too large. Bacteria can be controlled with herbs if needed. Urinary pH should be repeatedly checked, to make sure the urine is not excessively alkaline or acidic.

CANINE AND FELINE PRODUCTS—CALCULI/STONES
Formulas	Dosage	Mechanism/Purpose
Chinese Herbal Lithogen	Cats: 1 - 2 pills, bid Dogs: 1 pill/10 lbs, bid	Dissolve urinary tract stones.
With Bacteria, add:
Chinese Herbal Cystegen	Cats: 1 - 2 pills, bid Dogs: 1 pill/10 lbs, bid	Clears heat, reduces UT inflammation.
With Oxalate Stones add:
Renaplex	Cats: ½ capsule, sid Dogs: 1 capsule/25 lbs, sid	Relaxes ureters, inhibits oxalate formation.
With Struvite Stones add:
Chinese Herbal Bactolyte	Cats: 1 - 2 pills, bid Dogs: 1 pill/10 lbs, bid	Antibacterial.
Chinese Herbal Cystegen	Cats: 1 - 2 pills, bid Dogs: 1 pill/10 lbs, bid	Clears heat, reduces UT inflammation.
CranGuard	Cats: ¼ - ½ capsule, tid Dogs: ½ - 2 capsules, tid	Antibacterial, blocks attachment of bacteria to bladder wall, acidifies urine.
For Chronic and Recurrent Stones:
Small Animal Antioxidant	Cats: ½ capsule, sid Dogs: 1 capsule/25 lbs, sid	Antioxidant.

Source
Veterinarian’s Desk Reference of Natural Medicines
This guide is intended for use by licensed veterinarians only. While pet owners may find this information useful, they should not attempt to self-diagnose their animal friends. The Veterinary Institute of Integrative Medicine always recommends that your animal’s healthcare be directed under the guidance of a veterinarian.
http://www.viim.org/therapeutics/VDR_2004a_final.pdf