"Mail envelopes" - calcium oxalates in the urine of cats and dogs

Calcium oxalates are octahedra that do not have pigment and resemble a small envelope. They are usually found in urine with a high acidity and are of two types: dihydrates (common) and monohydrates.

Why and in which animals are these uroliths found in the urine?

Such elements are formed if the animal consumes excessive plant foods, including vegetables. In dogs, the formation of calcium oxalates can be triggered by various diseases: hyperadrenocorticism, hypercortisolemia, hypercalcemia, hyperoxaluria. This phenomenon is more common in males. The following rocks are especially prone to the formation of this type of stones:

• Dogs - Mittelschnauzer, Yorkshire Terrier, Lhasa Apso, Dachshund, German Spitz, Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, Chihuahua.
• Cats - British Shorthair, Persian, Scottish Fold, Ragdoll, Havana.

Preventive measures should be taken so that this type of urolithiasis does not torment the animal. Foods rich in phosphorus, potassium and magnesium are recommended. You need to reduce the amount of carbohydrates consumed, but increase the amount of water consumed.

Detection of calcium oxalates and getting rid of them

Calcium oxalates in the form of postal envelopes in our veterinary clinic in Kiev allow us to identify 2 types of research:

1. Laboratory examination of urine.
2. X-ray examination. Uroliths are radiopaque, and our high-tech equipment allows them to be seen in the bladder, renal pelvis, ureters, and throughout the patient's urethra.

"Mail envelopes" do not dissolve. One of the ways to remove them is surgery. It is possible that after urinary stones of oxalate-calcium nature are removed, new ones are formed. This occurs in 50% of operated animals, especially if their owners did not follow the recommendations of a veterinarian.

Take care of your pet's health, follow medical prescriptions and provide your pet with the right diet - these measures will help prevent the formation of uroliths.