1143. Triple phosphate crystals in a young Shih Tzu X - health screening

Health screening is seldom done by Singapore pet owners esp. in young dogs in Singapore. A young lady wanted me to do a complete health check on her one-year-old Shih Tzu X Jap Chin, male. The complete blood test was normal but urinary analysis showed a tendency to formation of struvite urinary bladder stones as in my email to her below:

Oct 17, 2012

HEALTH SCREENING OF A YOUNG DOG

Shih Tzu X Jap Chin, Male, 1 year old

The significant findings are alkaline urine (pH 8.0), the presence of triple phosphate crystals + and bacteria 3+, high specific gravity of 1.043 (1.005-1.030).

 
The analysis showed a likelihood of this dog forming struvite (triple phosphate) bladder stones.
A change to a diet that will acidify the urine to pH below 7.0 and monthly urinary analysis is recommended for the next few months. Pl contact me for further discussion.

Some info on struvite urinary stones are at:
1. http://www.bekindtopets.com/animals/20081201PG7_Dog_Surgery_Anaesthesia_Urinary_Tract_Problems_ToaPayohVets.htm

2. http://www.kongyuensing.com/folder8/20120724struvite_stones_dogs_toapayohvets.htm