Urinary Stone Prevention
Why are many Dalmatians at risk of urinary stones?
Most Dalmatians have a recessive genetic disorder called Hyeruricosuria. This condition causes kidney and bladder stones composed of urate; if caught early, it is responsive to dietary management. Uric acid is an intermediate of purine metabolism. As such, uric acid builds up, crystallizes and forms urate stones in the kidney and bladder. If left undiagnosed, bladder stones can lead to urinary obstruction, which can be life-threatening.
How To Prevent Urinary Stone Formation
Dalmatians that are at risk of urinary stone formation are often referred to as High Uric Acid (HUA) Dalmatians. Dalmatians that are fortunate enough to carry one (or two) Low Uric Acid (LUA) genes are not at risk of urinary stone formation. LUA Dalmatians are a result of an ongoing breeding program called the LUA Backcross Project, of which ArmySoldier Dalmatians is proud to be a part.
HUA Dalmatians need to eat a diet low in purines in addition to staying well hydrated. Allowing the dog to urinate more frequently and get plenty of exercise (leading to more water intake) will also help prevent urinary stone formation.
