5719 - 5720. X-rays showed no radio-dense urinary stones but there is possibly one in the bladder area. It is hard to tell on the lateral view of the X-ray. Urine analysis showed calcium oxalate crystals pH 6.5,  SG 1.022,  Protein 2+, Blood trace. Crystals calcium oxalate occasional, Bacteria occasional.

The "occasional" presence of calcium oxalate does not mean there are no urinary stones inside the bladder. Absence of crystals does not mean there are no urinary stones. Much depends on the clinical signs of blood in the urine. The dog was furiously licking his penile length till the area was red and hairless. This was unusual. There could be difficulty in urination but nobody knows as the caregiver owner was studying in the US. X-rays did not show the radio-dense calcium oxalate stones in big sizes. 

It is good preventive medicine to do a health screening on old dogs. The blood and urine tests were done in this case. Calcium oxalate urinary crystals were found. I advised prevention of  more calcium oxalate urinary stones by feeding a specific diet. 

FEEDING OF U/D CANINE NON-STRUVITE URINARY TRACT HEALTH

Indications: Urolithiasis due to calcium oxalate, urate and cystine stones; end-stage kidney disease. Decreases purine intake and uric acid excretion, which lowers the risk of forming urate crystals and uroliths

Monitoring Urine SG, urinary pH and BUN will let the vet know the food's effectiveness and owner compliance. Dogs fed on this diet commonly show unusual lab values like USG <1 .020.

Long term use: Check for protein depletion as U/D is a low protein diet to decrease urea production,  but the protein level is suitable for maintenance of the adult dog. Advise a fasting serum chemistry profile and ECG every 6 months.