Many people may not know that… in addition to humans, pets can also donate their bodies to be “master teachers” for veterinary students to learn about real body structures and help develop treatments for other animals in the future.

Kidney Stones: A problem that causes dogs and cats to be unable to urinate (Urinary Stones) Dogs can’t urinate, cats go to the bathroom for a long time but only pee a little, or sometimes the pee is dark with blood. These problems may be caused by mineral sediment or crystals accumulating in their urinary tract, or what we all know as kidney stones. Today, Talingchan Animal Hospital will answer your questions about kidney stones and how to deal with them. What are kidney stones? Kidney stones are formed from the accumulation of mineral sediment until they become stones, affecting the health and behavior of pets. It is a health problem that occurs in the urinary tract. It can occur from the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. And up to 85% of kidney stones in pets are found in the bladder. This disease is common in both dogs and cats. Causes of kidney stones There are many factors that cause kidney stones, including: Food and water - Foods that are high in minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, can increase the risk of kidney stones. As for drinking water, if your dog or cat doesn’t drink enough water, it may cause their urine to be highly concentrated. Increase the chance of mineral crystallization until it precipitates into stones. Gender – This is another factor that causes stones. If your dog or cat is male, there is a chance of blockage because the urethra in males is narrower and longer than females, making it easier for stones to become stuck. However, females are more likely to have struvite stones, which are caused by urinary tract infections. Genetics – Some breeds of dogs and cats are more likely to have stones than others due to genetics, body structure, and different behavioral factors, such as Dalmatians, Shih Tzus, Persians, British Shorthairs, etc. Urinary tract infections – Bacterial infections of the bladder cause the pH level of urine to change. And when urine is too alkaline, it reduces the ability of magnesium phosphate to dissolve in water, stimulating the formation of stones. Underlying diseases – Dogs and cats with pre-existing diseases, such as liver disease, kidney disease, or hormonal imbalances, are at higher risk of developing stones than healthy dogs or cats. Symptoms found If your dog or cat displays these signs, they may be more likely to have stones. Urinating more frequently than normal and in small amounts Urinating intermittently Blood in the urine Straining to urinate for a long time, licking the genitals frequently. If these symptoms are left untreated for a long time, the stones may block the urethra, making it impossible for your pet to urinate. And at that point, the owner must take your pet to see a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. Otherwise, it may kill you. Treatment The treatment of kidney stones depends on the type of stones your pet has and the veterinarian's diagnosis. There are 2 main methods: Surgery – this is the most effective treatment method. This involves performing a surgical operation on the spot where the stone is located and removing the stone inside to send it for testing of the type of stone found. After surgery, your pet may have blood in their urine for 2-4 days and need to recover for 7-14 days. Feeding them formulated food to dissolve the stones – in some pets with health problems or at risk of anesthesia.

     Many people, including pet owners, already know that sterilization is a permanent method of birth control. However, many people may not know that sterilization for dogs and cats has other benefits besides birth control, such as reducing the chances of various diseases that may occur to our pets. Today, Talingchan Animal Hospital will share information about sterilization for dogs and cats. Sterilization of dogs and cats * Although sterilization can be started from 4 months of age, it is recommended that it be done at 6 months of age and above for the safety of the sterilized pet. ** Sterilization does not depend only on the age of the dog or cat, but also on their weight. If their weight is lower than the specified level, anesthesia may not be able to be put under. Sterilization Steps Blood test - To check the dog’s blood values to see if they are ready for sterilization. If abnormal blood values are found, sterilization cannot be performed and must be taken care of until the values return to normal before proceeding to the next step. Withhold food and water for 8-12 hours prior to sterilization surgery - To prevent choking on food or water during surgery. Anesthesia and surgery - Once all aspects are ready, perform the surgery. After surgery – pets will need to receive surgical wound care until it is completely dry (can be done by yourself or taken to a clinic or hospital near your home) Stitch removal – 7-10 days after surgery when the wound is completely dry and there is no infection. How to take care of dogs and cats after sterilization Taking care of dogs and cats’ wounds after sterilization is another important thing to do to prevent infection and help the wound heal faster. Take antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs as prescribed by your veterinarian. Do not let dogs or cats lick or chew the wound. You may wear anti-licking devices such as a collar or licking suit. Do not let the wound get wet for 1 week. For male cats, apply antibiotic (Betadine) to the wound every day until the wound heals. How to take care of dogs and cats after suture removal Control diet and choose appropriate food – sterilized dogs or cats should eat food formulated for sterilized pets to control their weight so that they do not become too fat. Exercise appropriately – owners should find activities such as taking them for walks or swimming to keep them healthy and move their bodies regularly. Advantages of sterilization As mentioned above, sterilization is a permanent form of birth control. But the benefits of sterilization are more than that, such as reducing the risk of reproductive system diseases such as uterine inflammation, breast tumors, and reducing prostate enlargement in males, which if severe can become cancer. Reduce aggressive behavior due to a decrease in testosterone levels. Reduce the behavior of running away to find a mate, including urinating in the wrong place. Side effects of sterilization Pets are fatter - Because sterilization reduces sex hormones, causing the body's metabolism to decrease. Owners can control their pet's weight by choosing the right food formula and exercising regularly. Urinary incontinence - This condition is common in females, caused by hormonal changes, causing the urethra and bladder to function abnormally. However, this condition is very rare and can be treated with medication. Difficulty urinating - Can happen to male cats. Neutering pets not only helps to improve good health and reduce the risk of various diseases, but also plays an important role in controlling the population of stray dogs and cats.