Xanthine Urolithiasis (Bladder Stones) in Dogs

Overview of Xanthine Urolithiasis in Dogs

Xanthine uroliths, also referred to as calculi, are stones within the urinary tract that occur when the metabolic breakdown of xanthine to urate is inhibited by medication (allopurinol) used to treat dogs with urate urolithiasis. Xanthine stone formation occurs most commonly in Dalmatian dogs receiving allopurinol for the treatment of urate urolithiasis.

Clinical symptoms depend on the size and shape of the uroliths as well as their location within the urinary tract. Some affected pets may have no clinical symptoms.

Causes of Xanthine Urolithiasis in Dogs

What to Watch For

Signs of xanthine urolithiasis in dogs may include:

Obstruction of the urinary tract is a medical emergency and your pet should be taken to your veterinarian for evaluation and treatment as soon as possible.

Kidney failure may be associated with uroliths in the upper urinary tract (kidney or ureters) or with obstruction of the urethra.

Diagnosis of Xanthine Urolithiasis in Dogs

Routine diagnostic tests include a complete blood count (CBC), biochemical profile and urinalysis. Although these test results often are normal, changes consistent with urinary tract obstruction or concurrent kidney disease (increased blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine concentrations) may be identified.

Additional tests include:

Treatment of Xanthine Urolithiasis in Dogs

Dehydrated pets, those that are suffering from urinary tract obstruction, and those with kidney failure need intensive supportive care including fluid therapy.

Home Care and Prevention

Administer as directed all medications prescribed by your veterinarian. Feed as directed any special diets prescribed by your veterinarian.

Xanthine stones may recur. Observe your pet carefully for recurrence of clinical symptoms and call your veterinarian if such symptoms occur. Dogs receiving allopurinol should be carefully monitored. When uroliths form in a Dalmatian receiving allopurinol for treatment of urate urolithiasis, it should not be assumed that the stones are urate. The possibility of xanthine stone formation should be considered in this situation.