Cystinuria (Australian cattle dog)

Body function:

Metabolic & Digestive

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Cystinuria is a kidney disorder that occurs in Cattle Dogs due to a mutation on the SLC3A1 gene. Dogs with this genetic mutation have an excess of cystine in their urine, causing crystals and stones to form. Stones can lead to difficult or painful urination and can even completely stop urine from flowing through the urethra.

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List of affected breeds:

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

Australian Cattle Dog

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What does this mean for a dog with this trait?

Cystinuria can be treated with prescription diets that aim to lower the acidity of a dog’s urine, as cystine crystals have a more difficult time forming in alkaline urine. Veterinarians may also prescribe medications to dilute acidic urine. In cases where the flow of urine is already hampered or blocked, stones may be removed via urinary catheter or surgical removal.

Symptoms

Dogs with cystinuria show signs of extreme discomfort during urination and can often only pass small amounts of urine at a time. In severe cases, they may not be able to urinate altogether. If untreated, cystinuria can lead to urinary tract infections, kidney failure, and death.

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