Quote:
Originally Posted by ArmyWife313  Yorkies are more prone to Oxalate crystals aka urinary stones.
"According to Ron Hines, DVM, PhD, an increase of calcium in the urine is a major factor in the formation of calcium oxalate stones. A diet high in salt, protein, lactose, sucrose, fructose and magnesium causes a higher urine calcium concentration. If there is less phosphorus in the diet, the urine calcium concentrate will be higher as well. A diet that is too high or too low in vitamin D can also increase urine calcium. A vitamin B6 deficiency can cause blood oxalate levels to increase.
Be cautious about using a commercial prescription diet for dogs; some of them contain ingredients that are no longer recommended.
Encourage your dog to be active; calcium oxalate levels can rise in a dog that does not exercise. Watch for situations that may cause her to be stressed; studies have found stress raises oxalate levels in rats. Vitamin E may be helpful in reducing the crystallization of oxalate in kidneys. Encourage her to drink a lot of water, which lowers urine calcium; exercise can help make her thirstier. Your veterinarian may prescribe potassium citrate, which will give your dog's urine a higher pH. Moist foods are better than dry for dogs with oxalate stones, but dental hygiene must be carefully monitored." |
Thank you for the information. My little baby is actually a Chihuahua. I'm working on getting her a Yorkie sister sometime this year or next.
But I'm sure the same information applies to this breed as well.
I'm really not happy with the diet change. Especially since I liked the diet I had her on. But if that caused the stones, which from reading the above may have, then I can just have her on the Chicken Soup until I go home in December and find something else. Royal Canin is the best I can find here in Mexico and she hates it. Back to the drawing board I guess. I don't want to even think about how hard it will be finding a food that Itzel and my future Yorkie will like.