EVALUATION OF URINARY CRYSTALS IN DOG AT DHAKA METROPOLITAN AREA, DHAKA, BANGLADESH

Abstract

Stones in the urinary tract, which can originate in the kidney, urinary bladder, ureter, or urethra, are one of the most prevalent urologic illnesses in dogs worldwide. Struvite, calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, cystine, urate, and calcium oxalate dihydrate crystals are the most common types of crystals found in canine urine. The current study investigates the prevalence of urinary crystals in dogs in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and identifies potential risk factors for the development of canine urinary crystals. From November 2019 to October 2020, a total of 107 urine samples were collected from dogs presenting to the AKS Animal Care Centre, Dhaka for a routine checkup or with symptoms of difficult urination, bloody urine, obstruction, or dribbling. After collection, the urine samples were examined for their physical (color, clarity, specific Gravity), and chemical properties (pH, blood, protein, leukocyte, glucose, ketones, bilirubin, urobilinogen), as well as, microscopic analysis was conducted to identify the type of crystals. Using a questionnaire, data about the dog's owner, animal, diet, clinical history and findings, and urinalysis were also collected. About 23.85% of the dogs tested positive for urine crystals, with the Gulshan region having the highest prevalence. Several clinical signs, including the dog's high body temperature, mucous membrane color, and severe dehydration level, were related to the presence of urine crystals. Urine analysis reveals an increase in a range of chemical components (urine pH, blood, protein, leukocyte, ketones, bilirubin and urobilinogen). Age and diet have a significant contribution (p ≤ 0.05) to the production of urine crystals in dogs. Elderly dogs fed dry food were more likely to develop urinary crystals than those fed home-cooked meals; likely to be related to the lower water content of dry food and the lower oral water consumption of dry-food-fed dogs. Future researches are needed to explore other factor influencing canine urinary crystals.