1208. Calcium oxalate stones in a 10-year-old Jack Russell

The Jack Russell had difficulty urinating. X-rays showed two small stones. Urine analysis showed no bacteria but calcium oxalate crystals 3+. Blood was present in the urine.

"U/D will not dissolve the calcium oxalate stones," I said. "Unlike S/D diet which can dissolve small struvite stones."

Not every dog with calcium oxalate or other urinary stones need surgical removal. However, in this case, blood is still being passed with the urine and there is urethral obstruction of urine flow. Since U/D diet does not dissolve the calcium oxalate stones, but just prevent formation of more stones, it is best to remove such stones in this old dog and be careful.