How to Dissolve Kidney Stones in Dogs

By Lisa_N

Instructions

Step 1:
Consult your veterinarian.

Explain the symptoms you are seeing in your pet. Symptoms of kidney stones include frequent urination (sometimes house-trained dogs will urinate inside the house), blood in the urine, abdominal pain and loss of appetite.

If he suspects kidney stones, your vet will perform a battery of tests. These may include a blood count test, X-rays, an ultrasound or a urine culture. Once your vet rules out any other diseases that may have similar symptoms, he will suggest a treatment option and explain which one he thinks is best for your pet.
Step 2:
Choose a treatment option.

According to dog-health-guide.org, most incidences of kidney stones have to be removed surgically. Severe cases may also result in the removal of an entire kidney.

In milder cases, however, a special diet may be a viable option to dissolve the stones. According to dog-health-guide.org, dog food producers like Purina and Hills Science Diet make food specially formulated for dogs with kidney stones. These foods contain less protein, magnesium and phosphorus, agents that can aid the formation of the stones.

Your veterinarian will prescribe what's best for your pet. You should follow any diet plan he gives you strictly.
Step 3:
Consider alternative solutions.

According to petplace.com, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is another form of treatment for kidney stones. This treatment, which essentially grinds up the stones so they pass through the dog's system, can only be done at certain veterinary hospitals, however.

Antibiotics are also sometimes used to help with kidney stone pain that is accompanied by a urinary tract infection.

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