Proven Strategies for Dissolving Urate Bladder Stones in Dogs

Ammonium urate stones are the most common type of urolith/bladder stone in dogs. Risk factors for their formation include internal and external factors.

Foods-those high in purines contribute to the formation of these stones because purines are a precursor to uric acid. Any type of meat is higher in purines than vegetarian sources, with organ meats and yeast having the highest amount of purines. Dry kibble is more likely to contribute to stone formation than canned food. Higher amount of protein also increase the formation of stones. Puppy foods are higher in protein than adult foods, and the incidence of urate bladder stones in dogs with liver shunts is common in dogs less than one year of age.

Risk factors increase in male dogs of certain breeds, eg. dalmatians, English bulldogs, miniature schnauzers, yorkshire terriers and shih tzus. Liver disease, especially when bile acid results are elevated, increases the likelihood that a dog will form urate stones. For example, dogs with portosystemic shunts or hepatic microvascular dysplasia are at increased risk for forming urate bladder stones. When fed a meat-based protein, levels of uric acid increase and subsequently ammonia also increases and urinary pH becomes more acidic.

I've had many dogs with severe liver problems whose bladder stones have been dissolved. Augie is an 18 month old, four pound yorkie with a presumed liver shunt that was surrendered to our rescue. Previously, he had multiple seizures and bladder stone surgery when he was 13 months old. His owners did not provide any type of prescription food or liver support supplements, and at the time of his surrender, he already had a conglomeration of bladder stones that measured about 2.5 mm to 5 mm.

His post bile acids were around 250 and he was placed on prescription food, (low protein/vegetarian) with water added, multiple small meals and given PediaSure Vanille with fiber mixed with water to increase hydration. Within about 6 weeks, his bladder stone had dissolved completely. Liver support supplements and probiotics were an important component to his bladder stone dissolution. Azodyl, a probiotic for kidney failure, also decreases ammonia and normalizes the urea cycle. Another probiotic that decreases ammonia is VSL3. Zinc is also important in stone dissolution. One vet had also recommended the use of Actigall, a prescription liver antioxidant usually used in dogs with gall bladder problems. The low purine food that he is on, combined with supplements, should prevent the formation of further urate stones by controlling the amount of urice acid in his system.

Another foster dog, a 5 month old maltese puppy, already had a 3mm bladder stone. Within 3 weeks, when he had his liver shunt surgery, this stone had dissolved (verified with ultrasound). He had been on similar prescription food and supplements.

I've been taking care of dogs with liver disease for about 5 years and had success managing symptoms of liver disease and dissolving bladder stones. I'm not a veterinarian or nutritionist but have lots of hands-on experience and have researched liver disease. The prescription food and medications have to be obtained from your veterinarian, and any suggestions checked with them.