Risk factors associated with struvite urolithiasis in dogs evaluated at general care veterinary hospitals in the United States

• DOI: 10.2460/javma.243.12.1737
• Publication Date: 2013-12-03T21:16:02Z
• Authors: Chika C. Okafor; David L. Pearl; Sandra L. Lefebvre; Mansen Wang; Mingyin Yang; Shauna L. Blois; Elizabeth M. Lund; Cate E. Dewey
• Keywords: Struvite; Medical record

To identify factors associated with development of struvite urolithiasis in dogs evaluated at general care veterinary hospitals the United States.Retrospective case-control study.508 a first-time diagnosis and 7,135 control dogs.Electronic medical records all 787 States between October 2007 December 2010 were reviewed to that developed 2 groups no history urolithiasis. Information extracted included diet, age, sex, neuter status, breed size category, hospital location, date diagnosis. Urinalysis results, urolith composition, other disease conditions recorded if applicable. Potential risk assessed univariable multivariable regression analysis.Toy- or small-sized breeds had significantly greater odds urolithiasis, compared medium- large-sized breeds. Neutering increased this outcome females only; sexually intact more likely develop than males, but only up 5 years age. Urinary basic (vs acidic) pH, presence RBCs WBCs, protein concentration > 30 mg/dL, ketone ≥ mg/dL.Evaluation demographic characteristics urinalysis results may be useful early identification dogs. Periodic is recommended because potential health impact late