Canine Urolithiasis: A Review of 133 Clinical and 23 Necropsy Cases

SUMMARY Urolithiasis was diagnosed clinically in 133 dogs during a period when 30,291 dogs were admitted to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Hospital. The rate of occurrence of urolithiasis seemed to be greater in the Dachshunds, Dalmatians, Scottish Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers, Pekingese, and Cocker Spaniels, than in Poodles, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherd Dogs, and Boxers. The rate of occurrence of urolithiasis in dogs of mixed breeding was nearly the same as in Poodles. Uroliths of the bladder or both the urethra and bladder predominated. Chemical analysis of uroliths from 73 dogs indicated that the predominant mineral component(s) was phosphate in 62 dogs, cystine in 5 dogs, and urates in 6 dogs. Ninety-two females and 41 males were affected with urolithiasis. Urolithiasis was detected in dogs in 23 of 2,468 consecutive canine necropsies. In 14 cases, the diagnosis was made only at necropsy, and 9 of these dogs had renoliths.