Doxie with Bladder stones

[redstatebluegirl]

Has anyone here had a dog with a bladder stone problem? They have determined they are struvite. I have changed her food and now use filtered water for her but I am wondering if they might return at some point?

I was ready to leave DU but thought I would come back here where everyone is so kind...

[Curmudgeoness]

1. Sorry to hear about your baby.

I do not have any experience with bladder stones, but it looks like this is not uncommon in Doxies. You might have this problem in the future, but probably can do things to help. I found a decent article with some suggestions.

http://www.2ndchance.info/struvitestones.htm

One of the things that I saw was that most dogs do not drink enough water, and drinking a lot of water is important with stones. I wonder if there is something that can be put in the water to encourage your dog to want to drink more. I had a cat with kidney disease, and I would add a bit of tuna juice to the water to tempt her into drinking more. I don't know what to do for a dog. Maybe you can think of something to tempt your pup.

What kind of food are you going to use now? Canned or dry? I read that canned might be better since dogs usually do not drink enough to make up for the water needed to process dry food.

As to leaving DU, I am sorry that you must have bumped into some of the petty people who show up here. I usually stick with the groups that I enjoy unless I am in a particularly tough mood and want to rough it up. And I often keep opinions that I know will flame to myself.....or I know what I will have to deal with if I do. I no longer admit to being a smoker or stand up for smoker rights...not worth it. Just choose your battles or stay away from the controversies. I very much enjoy DU, for the groups as well as how well-informed it keeps me. Just leave the battles to the people who get a kick out of it. You aren't the first person who didn't always have a good experience here. And BTW, if I have computer problems or a household disaster, there is no place else on the internet that I can get a response as fast as I can here in Computer Help or DIY groups.

[ScreamingMeemie]

2. Yes... My Sheltie Jessie had them when she was a little over 1 year.

They removed 27 (struvite) stones from her bladder and placed her on SD CD Dry. They never returned. She is now 12, and there's never been a recurrence. Hope your little one has just as much luck.

[redstatebluegirl]

3. That is the food they put her on.

I am glad to hear it worked for your baby. We see the doctor tomorrow!

Thanks!!!!

[ScreamingMeemie]

4. Let us know how it goes!

[redstatebluegirl]

5. Dr. says to keep her on the special food and make sure we filter her water.

The did another xray, no stones showing in her bladder. He saw a little "residue" but no formed stones. Good news I think! She is 7 years old and sweet as she can be. We got her last year in August, she was a retired champion living in a kennel. Granted a good kennel, great care but not a lot of love. She has plenty now! My baby lap dog!

[ScreamingMeemie]

6. That is good news! So glad to hear.

I am so glad she found a loving forever home with you.

[redstatebluegirl]

7. Another stone passed today.

Thankfully, the vet was once again able to get her to pass it naturally instead of using surgical methods. We are taking her to a specialist tomorrow...