Two-Year-Old Dog With Repeated Urinary Crystals
by Daniel
(Wilson, NC)
Sitting pretty
Can you help please? Thanks
Prescription urinary diets are the best-studied way to dissolve struvite and prevent it from forming, so they're worth a fair trial. Several companies make urinary diets in dry and canned forms, and your vet can suggest an alternative if Riley doesn't do well on one.
Repeated crystals and infections in a young dog are worth investigating: ask for a urine culture, and X-rays or ultrasound to check for stones. Crystals alone don't always mean a problem, so make sure fresh samples are tested. More water, from canned food or added water, helps too. Because he's male, crystals or small stones can block his urethra: if he strains, passes only drops or can't pee, see a vet immediately.
See bladder stones in dogs for more on crystals vs. stones.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
