What causes kidney stones in Shih Tzu?
Stones can form because of an imbalance in the dog’s blood or urine—metabolic stones—while others form because of an infection in the kidney, writes Celeste Clements, DVM. Chronic infections can form struvite stones in dogs, but stones are most commonly made from calcium oxalate.
Why does my dog have bladder stones?
If the urine becomes exceptionally concentrated or if it becomes alkaline (opposite to acidic), struvite crystals will precipitate or fall out of solution. In dogs, struvite bladder stones usually form as a complication of a bladder infection caused by bacteria that produce an enzyme known as urease.
How old is the oldest Shih Tzu in the world?
Back in 2009 after NBC’s “Today” show did a feature on a 21-year-old dachshund dubbed the oldest living dog, Joe Slatton and his wife Mary contacted their local news to say that their dog Smokey was much older. According to the Slattons, Smokey was 23-years old at the time, making him the oldest known Shih Tzu in the world.
Are there any other options for a Shih Tzu with bladder stones?
There are 2 or 3 types of stones, some can be controlled with diet, some not. It sounds like they are too large now, but they can sometimes be washed out by irrigation with the dog under sedation. Unfortunately, the only other option would be surgery. They may or may not recur.
How much does surgery cost for a Shih Tzu?
The vet said that the change in diet was not having any effect and that surgery was the only option. He quoted us a price of $1300 to remove three calcium oxalate bladder stones. I also want to add that our Shih Tzu is starting to have a hard time jumping up on the bed.
What happens when a Shih Tzu gets old?
Most of the times due to old age, their hearing gets impaired and that makes them unresponsive. So, if you see this is happening, make sure you be polite and patient while ordering your canine friend. Also, they might bark without any stimuli at times.
Back in 2009 after NBC’s “Today” show did a feature on a 21-year-old dachshund dubbed the oldest living dog, Joe Slatton and his wife Mary contacted their local news to say that their dog Smokey was much older. According to the Slattons, Smokey was 23-years old at the time, making him the oldest known Shih Tzu in the world.
Why does my Shih Tzu think he is too old?
The issue here is not necessarily one of defiance or the fact that your dog thinks he’s too old for this sort of silliness, it’s most likely due to a change in your dog’s hearing. Hearing loss is a big indicator of aging, and as your Shih Tzu gets older, his hearing may start to fade a bit.
When to take care of an aging Shih Tzu?
Your Shih Tzu is growing older, and it’s time for you to shift gears into caring for an aging Shih Tzu. How to care for an aging Shih Tzu? A Shih Tzu is considered a senior dog between 9 and 10 years of age. An aging Shih Tzu requires special care and has unique needs, including vet visits every 6 months.
Do you need to take your Shih Tzu to the Potty?
However, as dogs get older, they just don’t have the same bladder control that they once did. Your senior Shih Tzu will need more frequent potty breaks. If your schedule keeps you away from home for most of the day, then you will need to consider your dog’s weaker bladder and provide proper accommodations to your pet.