Cystine Bladder Stones In Dogs

Cystine uroliths also referred to as calculi are stones within the urinary tract composed of the amino acid cystine a breakdown product of proteins.

Cystine bladder stones in dogs. These stones can also be found in the kidneys and in the tubes connecting the kidneys to the animal s bladder ureters. Most bladder stones in dogs are made from struvite calcium oxalate urate or cystine crystals. Urolithiasis affects both dogs and cats and are primarily found in adult animals. Dogs are more susceptible to bladder stones than kidney stones and in rare occurrences can develop bladder stones that are made up of cystine stones.

In many cases the specific type of crystal involved can be seen in a sample of urine viewed under the microscope. Your veterinarian may be able to palpate the stones or may need to perform imaging studies such as a bladder ultrasound or a contrast radiographic study. When the stones are made up of cystine a normal compound found in the body they are called cystine stones. Bladder stones uroliths or cystic calculi are rock like formations of minerals that form in the urinary bladder and are more common than kidney stones in dogs.

Cystine urolithiasis is most common in male dogs with an average age of onset of three to five years. A somewhat rare form of urolith in the dog is composed of cystine crystals. If struvite is the diagnosis a veterinarian will treat the underlying cause.