Urolithiasis

Question 1

Struvite uroliths are formed in acidic/alkaline (choose) urine.

Answer 1

(Alkaline)

Question 2

Struvite uroliths are dissolved by acidifying/alkalizing (choose) the urine.

Answer 2

(Acidifying)

Question 3

What is a common concurrent problem dogs have when they have struvite stones?

Answer 3

(UTIs)

Question 4

What is the purpose of administering DL-Methionine to a dog with struvite stones?

Answer 4

(It acidifies the urine)

Question 5

What should be limited in the diet of a patient you are trying to prevent struvite stone formation in?

Answer 5

(Magnesium, protein, and phosphorus)

Question 6

What are some things you should consider if you placed a patient with struvite stones on a struvite dissolution diet and they are not progressing as expected?

Answer 6

(Check client compliance, supplement with DL-Methionine to further acidify the urine, culture the urine to check for UTI, and reconsider urolith type)

Question 7

What should be included in the content of a cranberry extract, which can be used to reduce microbial adherence in dogs with chronic recurring UTIs?

Answer 7

(Proanthocyanidins; d-Mannose powder is given for the same reason)

Question 8

Calcium oxalate uroliths are formed in acidic/alkaline (choose) urine.

Answer 8

(Acidic-ish, can form in a wide range of pHs compared to other stones)

Question 9

Calcium oxalate uroliths are dissolved by acidifying/alkalizing (choose) the urine.

Answer 9

(Neither, calcium oxalate uroliths cannot be dissolved)

Question 10

What should be limited in the diet of a patient you are trying to prevent calcium oxalate stone formation in?

Answer 10

(Calcium, oxalate, protein)

Question 11

What should be enhanced in the diet of a patient you are trying to prevent calcium oxalate stone formation in?

Answer 11

(Citrate and magnesium)

Question 12

What is the purpose of administering potassium citrate to a dog with a history of calcium oxalate stones?

Answer 12

(This is done when their urine pH is persistently < 6.5 to alkalinize it and prevent formation of CaOx stones)

Question 13

Purine/urate uroliths are formed in acidic/alkaline (choose) urine.

Answer 13

(Acidic)

Question 14

Purine/urate uroliths are dissolved by acidifying/alkalizing (choose) the urine.

Answer 14

(Alkalizing)

Question 15

What types of food are especially high in purines?

Answer 15

(Organ meats, also shellfish and sardines)

Question 16

What are the key nutritional factors for prevention and dissolution of purine/urate uroliths?

Answer 16

(Make sure water consumption is adequate, limit protein (especially organ meat), and alkalinize the urine (either via low protein and/or vegetarian diet or use of potassium citrate)

Question 17

If you are using allopurinol to aid in dissolution of purine/urate uroliths, why must the animal be placed on a concurrent low purine diet?

Answer 17

(To prevent the formation of xanthine stones)