Urolithiasis and the effectiveness of treatments in dogs and cats in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of urolithiasis, analyze the chemical composition and anatomical location of the stone, and evaluate the effectiveness of treatments in dogs and cats. The investigation lasted one year in 7 Veterinary Clinics in the urban area of Ho Chi Minh City. Results show that urolithiasis accounted for 37.1% of total cases of dogs and cats, and that cats are more sensitive to urolithiasis than dogs (44.93% vs 27.90% of total population). Some risk factors such as sex, type of food and levels of drinking water affect urolithiasis rate, in which male animals and low levels of drinking water are more sensitive to urolithiasis than females and adequate levels. Lower urinary stones are common in dogs (74.05% of cases) and in cats (88.00% of cases). Struvite stones in dogs (62.00% of cases) and calcium oxalate in cats (56.00% of cases) are the most common type of urinary stones. Medical treatment is the most effective method to treat urolithiasis in cats and dogs.