Canine Information Subjects

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Calcium Oxalate Caculi

Information Essay

Calcium oxalate calculi develop because the urine is saturated with calcium and oxalate. Oxalate (a carbohydrate) is found in many foods and can be produced from carbohydrate-like chemicals in foods. Inhibitors of oxalate calculi formation include phosphorus, magnesium and citrate. Oxalate stones form more readily in acid urine, but urine with low pH and high calcium concentrated does not produce calcium oxalate stones when urine magnesium is normal or increased. Dietary magnesium is important for preventing oxalate stones.
After surgical removal of the oxalate stones, about 50% of pets form new stones within 3 years. Therefore diet is extremely important to prevent any recurrence. The diet contains lox oxalate and minimum calcium, normal phosphorus (prevents absorption of excess calcium), minimum Vit D and higher in magnesium (20-40 mg / 100 kilocalories of diet). Avoid vitamin C.