Associations between dry dietary factors and canine calcium oxalate uroliths.
OBJECTIVE
To identify factors in dry diets associated with the occurrence of calcium oxalate (CaOx) uroliths in dogs.


METHODS
600 dogs with CaOx uroliths and 898 dogs without urinary tract diseases.


METHODS
Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed.


RESULTS
Compared with diets with the highest concentrations of sodium, dry diets with the lowest concentrations of sodium, phosphorus, calcium, chloride, protein, magnesium, or potassium were linearly associated with increased risk of CaOx urolith formation. Significant nonlinear associations between increased occurrence of CaOx uroliths and urine acidifying potential and low moisture content were observed. Significant nonlinear associations between decreased occurrence of CaOx uroliths and carbohydrate and fiber contents were observed. A significant association between the occurrence of CaOx uroliths and dietary fat was not observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that dry diets formulated to contain high concentrations of protein, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and chloride may minimize formation of CaOx uroliths. In addition, comparison of risk and protective factors of various diet ingredients fed to dogs with CaOx uroliths suggests that although similar findings were observed in canned and dry formulations, in general, greater risk is associated with dry formulations. However, before these hypotheses about dietary modifications are adopted by food manufacturers, they must be investigated by use of appropriately designed clinical studies of dogs with CaOx urolithiasis.
Lekcharoensuk
Chalermpol
C
Minnesota Urolith Center, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul 55108, USA.
Osborne
Carl A
CA
Lulich
Jody P
JP
Pusoonthornthum
Rosama
R
Kirk
Claudia A
CA
Ulrich
Lisa K
LK
Koehler
Lori A
LA
Carpenter
Kathleen A
KA
Swanson
Laurie L
LL
D000821:Animal Feed / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000818:Animals; D002129:Calcium Oxalate / Q000378:metabolism*; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014545:Urinary Calculi / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000662:veterinary*
D002129:Calcium Oxalate