Beware of This Life-Threatening Condition and the Telltale Signs That Foretell It

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

• Struvite stones are a type of bladder stone or crystal that occurs in both dogs and cats; in severe cases, they can completely block the urinary tract
• Symptoms of struvite stones include frequent urination, straining to urinate and blood-tinged or cloudy urine
• Diagnosis will include a urinalysis, a culture and sensitivity test for bacterial infections, and abdominal x-rays or ultrasound
• Treatment of mild to moderate cases involves resolving any existing infection, creating and maintaining a healthy urine pH, and providing a species-appropriate, moisture-rich diet
• Struvite stones located in the urethra or the ureters, and stones that don’t dissolve despite dietary changes and medical management, typically require surgery