Uric Acid Stones in the Black Russian Terrier

University of California, Davis has an ongoing research program to study gene mutation that causes Hyperuriocosuria which is an inherited as an autosomal recessive disease.  If you have had your BRT tested and would like to have the results posted, please e-mail your report to brtca@bellsouth.net or fax to 601-528-9864.  For more information  on having your dog tested contact Dept of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine at 530-752-1358.

Uric Acid (Hyperuricosuria) Genetic Testing Results

Wild Type = Clear of the Genetic Defect (healthy)

Carrier = Carries the defective gene but not affected

Affected = Possess 2 copies of the mutated gene

To develop Hyperuricosuria both parents must pass the defective gene in order to excrete high levels of uric acid that result in stone formation.

If you would like your dog’s results posted either e-mail the report to brtca@bellsouth.net or fax to 601-528-9864.

 List of Black Russian Terriers who have received test results and have owner's agreeement to post results.

Hopefully this is an issue that will never come up but the following are signs of irritation in the lower urinary tract which would indicate a search for stones should be made:

• Bloody urine
   
• Straining to urinate
   
• Urinating small amounts frequently
   
• Seeing gritty material in the dog’s urine

Uric acid stones may or may not be visible on plain radiographs. Often ultrasound or contrast radiography (use of special urinary dyes to create a “double contrast cystogram”) are needed to see the stones.

Urinary obstruction is an emergency!

If you have a male dog straining to urinate, bring him to the vet right away. He may have stones obstructing his urethra (the passage way for urine in the male dog goes through an actual bone called the “os penis” and stones often catch at this location). If this has occurred, a urinary catheter must be used to push the stone back into the urinary bladder where it can either be removed or dissolved.

STONE REMOVAL VIA SURGERY

Surgery is the fastest way to remove bladder stones. The bladder is surgically opened and the stones are removed and sent to the lab for analysis. The urinary tract is flushed to get all stones out including those hiding in the urethra. The bladder is closed and tested for leaks. The abdomen is closed and the patient generally goes home in a day or two depending on their ability to urinate and his or her appetite. This all sounds simple but there are disadvantages:

• Surgery is relatively expensive.
   
• Anesthesia is not without risk, though with modern monitoring equipment risks have been minimized.
   
• BRTs with uric acid stones may have hundreds of small stones and may also have stones actually embedded in the bladder wall. It may not be possible to get them all out. (If this happens, remaining stones may be handled by dissolution).
   
• The bladder may not heal normally (a rare complication but a possible one) and leaks in the urinary tract can be life-threatening.