What causes struvite crystals in a dogs urine?

Answer by  Molae06 (1467)

There is not a main cause of this, but most of the time it is due to the dogs diet. There are special ways for a vet to correct this.

Answer by  lmm30 (294)

Struvite crystals can be caused by many things but it is normally a breed related thing or too much protein in the food. It can be solved most of the time by switching the food to a prescription diet recommended by your vet or sometimes surgery is the only option

Answer by  ryark (243)

Struvite crystals in the urine are caused by a high (basic) urine PH. This is nearly always caused by bacteria and diet. Science Diet S/D and C/D are made to help address the diet cause. Make sure your vet does a urine culture (not just urinalysis) to rule out a bacterial infection before deciding to switch your dog's diet.

Answer by  SDuser (22)

There can be several possible causes of struvite crystals. Genetics can play a role as certain breeds have a predisposition to developing them. If the dog's diet contains too much protein, there will be mineral build up in the urine leading to crystals. Crystals can also be caused by bacteria.

Answer by  k0nok0 (224)

UCDavis within the past year claims it to be large amounts of vitamin-C so a countermeasure used is Calcium to break the crystals down.

Answer by  tess32 (40)

A struvite crystal is caused by your dog having to many minerals in there bladder. This can be treated by a change of diet, and antibiotic, vet attention required.

Answer by  montree (354)

Improper diet can lead to crystals in the urine. If this occurs, the vet can provide a special diet that can help dissolve the crystals.