Roy-k Staff asked 5 years ago
Bulldog Urinary Cystine Stones
Bulldog Urinary Cystine Stones Hi, Dr. Kraemer i have a 6.5-year old intact male, bulldog mix (English, American, pocket pit) who was diagnosed with bladder stones (cystine) approximately 6 months ago.
Cystotomy July, cystotomy October, stones flushed back into bladder December he’s been on science diet u/d since October
Bulldog Urinary Cystine Stones PU:
we have been to 2 different vets and neither are very familiar with the cystine stones
One vet says to do PU surgery and stay on the science diet u/d
the other said the PU would help the stones to pass but he will be very prone to infections (we live in the country so lots of land and dirt) and says thiola drug and neuter and potassium citrate and science diet u/d
Bulldog Urinary Cystine Stones LONG TERM:
Are there any studies on the best treatment for the long term? it sounds like PU surgery will enable the stones to pass but can cause many other issues.
the thiola is expensive and not sure if it will work potassium citrate reviews do seem to be a method to keep the stones from forming.
i am just at a loss and exhausted so if there is any input or sites I can look at for advice it would be greatly appreciated!!
Thank you!
Roy-k Staff answered 5 years ago
Answer for Bulldog Urinary Cystine Stones
Answer for Bulldog Urinary Cystine Stones
Dear Shelly
Those stones are common to the bulldog breed, especially younger males.
In contrast to bulldogs, cystine urinary stones constitute less than 2% in most other canines.
The stone formation is likely due to your bulldog genetics and is thought to be a metabolic defect of your bulldog kidneys’ way of processing cystine.
Answer for Bulldog Urinary Cystine Stones RX DIET
Strict dietary compliance is necessary. The dietary goal is both to help keep the urine PH neutral (7) or higher (i.e. alkaline urine) and to help lower proteins.
There are a few prescription veterinary diets available such as Proplan HA and Hills Ud, increasing water intake is also important (dilute urine).
Answer for Bulldog Urinary Cystine Stones SCROTAL URETHROSTOMY
Unfortunately, bulldog cystine stones are likely to recur despite the stones removal and dietary changes, thus I concur with the vet who recommended the urethrostomy (scrotal is preferred). I have done many bulldog urethrostomies successfully, with little to no long-term complications (i.e. Cystitis).
Answer for Bulldog Urinary Cystine Stones SUPPLEMENTS
You can add a urinary supplement like my V4B Bully Comfort & AcheLess Formula and V4B Bully Urinary Health Formula Chews that can help control infections and reduce the chances for drug resistance type due to biofilm (adherence to bladder wall) The permeant opening/stoma allows for the stones to drop thus preventing re-blockage.
Removal without a permeant new opening at the scrotal area despite adherence to the dietary recommendation is usually just short-term relief. The chances are that your bulldog will present (usually as a very costly emergency) with a new urethral blockage or various degrees of urinary distress in the coming months and years.
Dr. Kraemer Vet4Bulldog
“An Ounce Of PREVENTION Is Worth A Pound Of CURE”
