Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Neutered male dogs in the UK linked to cystine bladder stones
By Florey, J et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2017·Department of Clinical Science and Services, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Association between cystine urolithiasis and neuter status of dogs within the UK.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that male dogs with cystine stones in their bladder were more likely to be unneutered (entire) than those with other types of stones. This suggests that not being neutered increases the risk of developing cystine urolithiasis, a condition where stones form from the amino acid cystine. The researchers recommend that pet owners consider neutering as a potential way to help prevent this issue. If your male dog is experiencing symptoms like straining to urinate or blood in the urine, it’s worth discussing neutering and stone prevention with your veterinarian.
People also search for: dog bladder stones treatment · cystine urolithiasis in dogs · should I neuter my dog to prevent stones
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were to examine the association between diagnosis of cystine urolithiasis and entire versus neutered status in male dogs and whether the strength of association varies among breeds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A previously reported canine urolithiasis database was used, documenting all urolith submissions to Hill's Pet Nutrition UK over a 10-year period. Uroliths were classified as cystine or non-cystine, and only male dogs with known neuter status were included in the analysis. Breeds of dog (and an additional crossbreed group), for which there was a minimum of 10 cystine urolith submissions, were analysed individually, with all other breeds combined together to form a reference group. Results were analysed using chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between breed and neuter status and formation of cystine calculi. RESULTS: In multiple breeds, dogs with cystine uroliths were significantly more likely to be entire than dogs forming other types of urolith. Being an entire male, regardless of breed, was associated with an increased risk of cystine urolithiasis (odds ratio=4·5; 95% confidence interval: 3·22 to 6·37; P<0·001). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Increased odds of cystine formation in entire dogs supports further investigation of castration as a method to prevent cystine urolithiasis.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28678386/