What to do While Waiting for Results

WHAT PREVENTATIVE MEASURES SHOULD I TAKE UNTIL I RECEIVE QUANTITATIVE MINERAL ANALYSIS RESULTS?

Urolith formation is a process that typically takes several weeks (eg. infection induced struvite), to months (eg. calcium oxalate) rather than days. The most common "cause" of rapid recurrence of uroliths is incomplete removal at the time of surgery.

Until quantitative mineral analysis on the urolith is completed, we recommend the following steps:

• Perform post-operative radiography on patients with multiple urocystoliths. Double contrast cystography may be necessary if the urocystoliths were not easily observed on pre-operative survey films.
  
• If small stones are detected on post-operative films, they may be able to be removed non-surgically either by catheter retrieval, or voiding urohydropropulsionafter healing takes place.
  
• Feed a diet unlikely to enhance urolith formation. We typically feed a diet that avoids mineral excess, and promotes a neutral urine pH. We often feed a diet designed for mild to moderate renal insufficiency. If possible, feed a canned diet to reduce urine concentration. Once urolith results are received, refer to accompanying recommendation sheets.
  
• Obtain cystocentesis urine samples to monitor for, and prevent secondary urinary tract infections.

Lulich JP, Osborne CA, et al: Voiding Urohydropropulsion: Lessons From 5 Years of Experience. In: Veterinary Clinics of North America Small Animal Practice 29:1, WB Saunders, Philadelphia, January 1999, pp 283-292.

Osborne CA, Lulich JP, Polzin, DJ: Canine Retrograde Urohydropropulsion: Lessons From 5 Years of Experience. In: Veterinary Clinics of North America Small Animal Practice 29:1, WB Saunders, Philadelphia, January 1999, pp 267-282.

Osborne CA, Lulich JP, et al: Adverse Effects of Drugs on Formation of Canine and Feline Crystalluria and Uroliths. In: Current Veterinary Therapy XIII, WB Saunders, Philadelphia, 2000, pp 846-848.

Osborne CA, Ulrich LK: Crystalluria. In: The Five-Minute Veterinary Consult 3rd edition, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, 2004, pp 300-301.

The Veterinary Clinics of North America Small Animal Practice 29:1, WB Saunders, Philadelphia, January 1999.

Osborne CA, et al.: Canine and Feline Urolithiases: Relationship of Etiopathogenesis to Treatment and Prevention. In Canine and Feline Nephrology and Urology, Williams & Wilkens, Baltimore, 1995, pp 798-888.

Osborne CA, Bartges JW, et al: Canine Urolithiasis In: Small Animal Clinical Nutrition 4th edition, Mark Morris Institute, Topeka, 2000, pp 605-688.