Cystinuria (Labrador Retriever)

Body function:

Metabolic & Digestive

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Cystinuria in Labrador Retrievers occurs due to a mutation in the SLC3A1 gene. This disorder causes crystals and stones to form in the urine due to excess levels of cystine. Dogs with this disorder experience difficulty urinating and may even be unable to urinate altogether.

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List of affected breeds:

Genetic research has linked this gene and condition in the following breeds:

Labrador Retriever

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What does this mean for a dog with this trait?

There are many options for treating cystinuria, including prescription diets and medications that lower the acidity of urine. Cystine stones have a much more challenging time forming in alkaline urine. Stones may also be removed non-surgically or surgically.

Symptoms

Dogs with cystinuria may show signs of difficulty and pain when urinating, including straining, blood in urine, and only passing small amounts of urine at a time. If large enough stones have formed, dogs with cystinuria may experience urinary tract infections, kidney infections and even death.

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