Cystine Stones In Dogs Breeds

Dogs are more susceptible to bladder stones than kidney stones and in rare occurrences can develop bladder stones that are made up of cystine stones.

Cystine stones in dogs breeds.

Breeds significantly affected by cystine urolithiasis are the. It is most commonly seen in the dachshund english bulldog and newfoundland. Urolithiasis affects both dogs and cats and are primarily found in adult animals. While bladder stones in general are somewhat common in dogs cystine bladder stones are rare.

When too much cystine builds up stones can form. Urine amino acid profile reveals abnormal quantities of cystine and in some dogs and cats lysine arginine and ornithine. Mineral formations called uroliths are like tiny rocks or crystals that can develop in the bladder. Cystine stones are radiolucent to slightly radiopaque and have a smooth to slightly irregular surface.

On the other hand siamese and domestic shorthairs show the highest likelihood for stone formation in cats. As far as dogs breeds. Cystine stones are not always visible on x rays and may require special contrast studies or an ultrasound to diagnosis. Failure by the kidneys to reabsorb amino acids results in the formation of cystine crystals and sometimes stones in the urine which can lead to blockage of the urethra.

While bladder stones in general are somewhat common in dogs cystine bladder stones are rare. These tiny objects can get stuck anywhere in the urinary tract including in the kidneys bladder and ureter. This condition is believed to be inherited in dogs. Cystine urolithiasis is most common in male dogs with an average age of onset of three to five years.

Kidney stones or cystine stones are formed by cystine which is an amino acid in the body. Cystine bladder stones appear to be the result of a genetic abnormality that prevents a dog from reabsorbing cystine from the kidneys. They also found that neuter status was significantly associated with cystine stone formation in the staffordshire bull terrier bulldog jack russell terrier yorkshire terrier and west highland white terrier as well as in crossbreed dogs. Cystine uroliths also referred to as calculi are stones within the urinary tract composed of the amino acid cystine a breakdown product of proteins.

Cystinuria in dogs is indicated by the presence of cystine stones in the kidney bladder or ureter. Genetic tests for cystinuria are available for some breeds of dogs. Dachshunds english bulldogs newfoundlands staffordshire bull terriers and welsh corgi dogs are more susceptible to cystine stones. A genetic marker test for androgen dependent cystinuria has been developed for mastiffs english bulldogs and french bulldogs.