Struvitis in dogs: everything you need to know about the symptoms, treatment and nutrition

Struvite in dogs is one of the most common diseases that can affect the urinary tract of our four-legged friends. Unfortunately, this condition can evolve and worsen, leading to even quite serious complications. Therefore, if you suspect that your dog has urinary tract problems, it is important to act quickly and visit your vet for a thorough examination
In the meantime, we hope taht this article will provide you with answers to your questions about condition, practical tips and a range of recommendations to help keep your loyal friend's urinary tract health and well-being in check.

Struvitis in dogs: what it is and what causes it

Struvite is a type of crystal/calculus that can form in a dog's urine under certain conditions.
It is often caused by a bacterial infection (usually Staphylococcus and Proteus) which causes the production of an enzyme called urease. This changes the balance of the urine, making it more alkaline and favouring the precipitation of crystals. These crystals can accumulate in the bladder, kidneys or urinary tract in general, forming struvite stones.
In addition to infections, there are other factors that can increase the risk of stone formation:

• Urinary PH too high (above 6.5), which promotes crystallisation;
• Poor fluid intake and dehydration, which makes the urine more concentrated;
• Unbalanced diet, with excess magnesium, phosphorus and ammonium;
• Genetic predisposition, with certain breeds more prone to the problem.
• Prolonged use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids or diuretics, which can affect urine composition;
• Concomitant medical conditions, such as hypercalcaemia or kidney dysfunction, that alter the mineral balance in urine.

If these crystals are not eliminated naturally, they can aggregate to form actual stones that impede the normal flow of urine, causing pain, difficulty urinating and, in severe cases, urinary blockage.

Crystals in dog urine: not all are the same

It is important to remember that crystals in dog urine are not all the same and can have different origins and characteristics.
Some can be transient and harmless, while others can lead to the formation of urinary stones causing health problems.
To help you learn more about the subject, we have decided to briefly describe the main types of crystals that can form below:

• Calcium oxalate crystals. They form when there is an excess of calcium and oxalate in the urine. They can be favoured by a diet rich in calcium or vitamin C, but also by certain metabolic diseases. They are most common in small dogs such as Shih Tzu, Dwarf Schnauzer and Bichon Frisé.
• Struvite crystals. These are among the most common (and the ones discussed in this article), form in an alkaline urinary environment and are often associated with bacterial urinary tract infections. They are generally more common in females and can lead to stone formation.
• Urate crystals. These result from the metabolism of uric acid and may be a sign of a liver or kidney desease. Certain breeds, such as Dalmatians and English Bulldogs, are predisposed to this type of crystal due to a particular genetic mutation.
• Cystine crystals. Less common, these are linked to a genetic defect that alters the elimination of certain amino acids in the urine. They most frequently affect breeds such as Newfoundlands, Dachshunds and English Bulldogs.
• Xanthine crystals. Rare in dogs, but may appear in subjects being treated with allopurinol for leishmaniasis.

Breeds at risk and predisposing factors

Some breeds are more prone to urinary crystals and stones, especially struvite stones. This is especially the case in small dogs as they tend to urinate less frequently and in smaller amounts, increasing the concentration of minerals in the urine.
The most predisposed breeds include:

• Dwarf Schnauzer
• Dachshund

• Shih Tzu
• Bichon Frisé
• Lhasa Apso
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Dwarf Poodle
• Cocker Spaniel
• Labrador Retriever
• Scottish Terriers
• Pekinese
• Basset Hound
• Springer Spaniel
• German Shepherd

But there are also other predisposing factors:

• Bacterial urinary tract infections. As mentioned above, struvite stones are often associated with urinary tract infections caused by urease-producing bacteria (Staphylococcus, Proteus, Klebsiella, E. coli).
• Gender and sterilisation. Females are more prone to urinary tract infections because they have a shorter urethra. Sterilisation can also affect hormonal level, increasing the risk.
• Diet and hydration. A diet rich in minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus and calcium, combined with a low fluid intake, favours the formation of urinary crystal.
• Overweight and obesity. Risk factors that increase the risk of urolithiasis.

Please note that struvite stones can form within 2 to 8 weeks of the onset of a urinary tract infection. If your dog is of a high-risk breed or shows difficulty urinating, it is important to consult your vet for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Symptoms of struvite in dogs

Recognising the symptoms of struvite in dogs, then, is essential to intervene in time and prevent complications.
Here are the most common signs to look out for:

• Frequent urination of small amounts (pollakiuria);
• Painful or difficult urination (dysuria);
• Blood in the urine (haematuria);
• Involuntary leakage of urine;
• Abdominal pain;
• Lethargy and reduced appetite (in severe cases).

In males, they may also occur:

• Urinary incontinence;
• Obstruction of the lower urinary tract, which can lead to a total urinary blockage (a veterinary emergency requiring immediate intervention).

It is important to remember that some dogs may not show obvious symptoms until the stones are large enough to cause significant obstruction or irritation. For this reason, it is really important to pay attention to any changes in your pet’s urination habits and consult your vet at the first sign of discomfort.

Struvitis in dogs: diagnosis

To confirm the presence of struvite stones in dogs, the vet can use several diagnostic techniques:

• Clinical examination: assessment of symptoms and palpation of the abdomen.
• Diagnostic imaging:

• X-ray (with or without contrast) to identify the location, number and size of the stones;
• Ultrasound, useful for identifying stones (except urethral stones);
• Cystoscopy, for a direct examination of the bladder;
• CT, for a detailed analysis.

• Laboratory diagnostics:

• Blood biochemistry to rule out other deseases;
• Urinalysis to assess pH and the presence of crystals;
• Uroculture and antibiogram, to identify possible bacterial infections;
• Analysis of the mineral composition of the stone, useful to prevent recurrence.

Treatment for struvite in dogs

Once struvite has been diagnosed, treatment may include:

• Targeted antibiotics, chosen on the basis of urine culture, for the appropriate duration to completely clear the infection and prevent recurrence;
• Therapeutic diet to acidify the urine and reduce struvite precursors (in the next chapter we will talk in more detail about URINARY ACTIVE CANE by Forza10, formulated to support urinary health in dogs);
• Increase hydration by adding wet food or water to the kibble. Remember: it is essential that fresh water is available at all times.

Unfortunately, in some more severe cases or with large stones, surgical removal of the crystals may be necessary.

What are the best kibbles for struvite in dogs?

A good food for dogs with struvite should:

• Acidify the urine, maintaining a pH between 6 and 7 to promote crystal dissolution;
• Be low in magnesium and phosphorus, minerals that can promote stone formation;
• Have high quality protein, such as from fish, to reduce kidney load;
• Encourage hydration by promoting diuresis and urine dilution.

For example, Forza10 URINARY ACTIVE CANE (also available for small dogs Mini/Toy), is our food specifically formulated to support your dog's urinary health. Its strengths include:

• High quality, highly digestible fish protein with low impact on kidney metabolism;
• Low mineral content to reduce the risk of stone formation;
• Functional ingredients such as cranberry (cranberry), nettle and pilosella support urinary tract health through their draining and purifying properties. Cranberry (cranberry), in particular, is crucial in reducing the risk of bacteria (such as Escherichia coli) causing urinary tract infections by promoting the formation of struvite.
• Formulated with a single source of animali protein, also ideal for dogs with food sensitivities;
• Acidifying properties, to help maintain an optimal urinary pH;
• Balanced ratio of omega-3 and omega-6, useful for supporting natural defences and skin health, as well as their important natural anti-inflammatory activity.

This provides excellent support for the treatment of struvite in dogs.

The importance of prevention

While it is essential to treat the condition early, remember that preventing struvite formation in dogs is essential to avoid complications and ensure the animal's well-being.
Here are some good practices to follow on a daily basis:

• Increased hydration. Water helps to dilute urine and reduce mineral concentrations. It is helpful to keep fresh water available at all time and to add water to food.
• Adequate nutrition. Avoid foods that are too rich in calcium, magnesium and phosphorous and, if necessary and under vet's prescription, use a special urinary tract food for a period of time to help maintain an optimal urinary pH.
• Frequency of urination. Walking your dog more often during the day will help prevent urine stagnation in the bladder.
• Regular exercise. Keeping your dog active helps reduce the risk of obesity, which can contribute to urinary stone formation.
• Stress reduction. Stress can affect a dog's urinary behaviour. A calm environment and regular routines will help maintain overall well-being.
• Monitor urine pH. Regularly check the pH of the urine with special tests and have the dog examined by a vet for urine tests.

Struvite in dogs: which foods to avoid

To prevent the formation of struvite crystals, it is important to avoid:

• Foods high in calcium and phosphorous, such as bones, dairy products and some mineral supplements.
• Foods with high in oxalates and purines, such as liver, offal, spinach, chard and legumes.
• Alkalinsing foods, such as some green leafy vegetables, potatoes and refined cereals.
• Diets high in protein, which can overload the kidneys and alter urine pH.

Remember, prevention is always better than cure!

We hope this article has been helpful in clarifying some important aspects of this condition. If you have noticed any suspicious symptoms in your four-legged friend, consult your vet as soon as possible and remember that a proper, balanced diet such as that offered by FORZA10 can be a valuable aid in the management of struvite in dogs.