OLIVEIRA, Lorena Carvalho Pontes de; ALVES, Maísa Nunes; OLIVEIRA, Fabiana Lopes Ramos de
Abstract:
Canine urolithiasis is a multifactorial condition resulting from urinary supersaturation
and the interaction between diet, pH, density, and infection, with a significant impact
on small animal clinical practice. This study aimed to describe and discuss the
management of a case of struvite bladder urolithiasis in an adult female, linking it to a
narrative literature review on determinants, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. The
methodology combined a qualitative and descriptive review of scientific databases,prioritizing publications from the last decade, and a retrospective report obtained
from medical records, laboratory tests, and hospitalization records. A Shih Tzu dog
presented with hematuria and dysuria, a history of dry food with a high phosphorus
content, and laboratory confirmation of struvite calculi. Treatment was performed via
cystotomy, and a prevention plan was implemented with a urinary diet and strategies
to increase water intake. The treatment was based on the role of nutrition, pH control,
urine specific gravity, and culture, since when infection is suspected, the criteria for
dissolution and removal must be followed. Therefore, the integrated approach,
combining accurate diagnosis, careful therapeutic decision-making, and prevention
focused on nutrition and hydration, was crucial in reducing morbidity and relapses,
offering practical guidelines for routine clinical care of dogs.
