Nov 16, 2021 · What causes crystals in urine? There are many things that can cause crystals to form in urine. e. There are three common crystals (and stones) in cats: struvite, oxalate, and urate. If a suspected struvite urolith doesn’t respond appropriately to medical management, surgery and stone analysis may be indicated. " Crystals in Your Dog’s Urine Struvite crystals found microscopically in a urinalysis of a dog with a bladder infection. From 345 quotes ranging from $200 - $800 Apr 1, 2010 · Crystalluria: Struvite crystalluria occurs in greater than 50% of healthy dogs, including animals without urinary tract infections; these crystals are also common in healthy cats. Aug 1, 2023 · Struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate) stones are often referred to as "infection stones" since they are strongly associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs) with urea-splitting organisms. Struvite crystals are composed of magnesium ammonium phosphate. Key Points Struvite crystals should not form if therapy has been effective in producing urine that is undersaturated with magnesium, ammonium, and phosphate. Without an infection, struvite crystals in dogs will not be associated with struvite urolith formation. Antibiotics are also necessary, because struvite stones in dogs are almost always associated with bacterial infections in the bladder. Photo by Joel Mills. The difference lies in the kind of crystals that form in dogs or cats and how they can adversely affect these pets. Ammonia in the urine also causes bladder inflammation. It also works to make crystals more soluble, preventing formation and keeps urine at an acidic pH between 5. Some pets are genetically predisposed to producing a protein called cauxin, which is excreted into the urine, causing sterile crystals or sterile struvite crystalluria. Under these environmental conditions, struvite crystals will form and collect around any cells or debris that may have formed in the bladder because of inflammation. Struvite crystalluria in dogs is not a problem unless there is a concurrent bacterial urinary tract infection with a urease-producing microbe. Common […] What Are Cat Urine Crystals (Struvite Stones)? Urinary crystals are microscopic mineral structures that can occur in feline urine. It is up to you to provide more water and encourage them to drink as much as possible. Feb 15, 2024 · This food’s formula is clinically proven to dissolve struvite stones within as little as six days, though the average is about 13. Your cat Sometimes the crystals grow into stones. We want to maintain the urine pH at no more than 7, because that’s going to predispose animals to struvite crystals. 5 mg/mL and 1 mg/mL vitamin C respectively. The crystals, composed of magnesium, ammonium and phosphate, become a problem only if your dog contracts a urinary tract infection. This, however, does not definitely prove the type of stone. This page provides a table compilation of common and uncommon crystals. The type of crystals will impact how the problem should be treated, if at all. Urine pH, specific gravity, sample preparation and handling, and drugs can all play a part in crystal formation. They often form as a result of urinary tract infections caused by bacteria that split urea into ammonia, raising the pH of the urine (VC Animal Hospitals) . One way to get your dog to drink more water is to increase his Oct 20, 2021 · Struvite crystals are found in urine normally and have no significance on their own. More of these ions can remain in solution in urine than in water because of the complex interactions occur among the various organic and inorganic constituents in urine. Struvite crystals are the most common type and are often associated with urinary tract infections. Jan 1, 2019 · Morphology and texture of struvite crystals were further studied by SEM. For smaller crystals (e. On the other hand, more than 50% of dogs that get struvite crystals are healthy, including dogs that don Measures to prevent struvite urolith recurrence include preventing and controlling UTI, maintaining acidic urine, and decreasing dietary intake of calculogenic minerals (see Feline Struvite Prevention Diets). Aug 24, 2016 · Crystals in the Urine Average Cost. A diet moderately restricted in protein, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus content that results in acidic urine is a good option in dogs. 5 liters of water/day. Crystalluria refers to the presence of crystals in the urine. Usually, these chemicals are eliminated in the urine by the body's master chemist: the kidney. Jun 27, 2023 · Struvite is a type of urine crystal that consists of phosphate, ammonium, magnesium, and calcium. Struvite crystals in dog urine are caused by certain foods, leading to concern for dog owners. Several types of urine crystals can form in dogs, including struvite crystals, calcium oxalate crystals, uric acid crystals, cystine crystals, and ammonium urate crystals. , 2008) than struvite crystals (1. Struvite stones—a mixture of magnesium, ammonium, and phosphate—are also called infection stones, because they form only in infected urine. Struvite occurred spontaneously at all times until the pH reached 6. As the urine concentrations of phosphate, magnesium, and ammonium rise, supersaturation of the urine occurs, contributing to crystal and urolith formation (1,2). 5-7. May 17, 2024 · Struvite crystals may form if the urine is very concentrated. Pathophysiology Struvite Uroliths. Limit your intake of foods high in sodium (salt) as they can increase the amount of calcium in urine, which eventually leads to stone formation. Many have risk factors for both stone formation and UTIs. Uric acid stones Uric acid crystals Structure and charged sites. They also are potentiated by a specific urinary protein in domestic cats. 2. Sometimes these crystals will accumulate and solidify into stones, called struvite stones. The enzymatic action of some bacteria on urea increases the pH of the urine, which decreases the solubility of struvite crystals. Jun 9, 2020 · While they are sometimes caused by an acidic urine pH, hippuric acid crystals can also occur in healthy urine. Struvite crystals will form in urine with a high pH (generally above 7. Feb 21, 2022 · Phosphorus recovered from cow urine rich in nutrients serves as an alternative form of fertilizer when recovered as magnesium ammonium phosphate termed as struvite (MgNH4PO4·6H2O). 1. Another factor that can influence crystal development is the number of opportunities a dog has each day to empty his bladder. Dec 26, 2020 · As he added calcium to human urine, Charles Pak found the first crystals were brushite. 27 found that the struvite obtained from artificial urine with or without Proteus mirabilis both exhibited coffin-like structure, but the exposed crystal faces of the Jul 7, 2017 · Dogs prone to the formation of struvite stones have alkaline urine which makes crystals prone to forming and aggregating to form stones. amorphous, calcium oxalate dihydrate), the high power (40x objective) is used. These struvite crystals, which are technically magnesium ammonium phosph Mar 1, 2018 · Most laboratory investigations on characterizing the conditions for struvite formation have been conducted with aqueous solutions which were prepared to contain a limited group of ions that are present in struvite (i. Because small uroliths may not be detected radiographically, the calculolytic diet should be continued for ≥4 wk after radiographic documentation of urolith dissolution. 0) causes the crystals to solidify out of urine, while acidic urine (urine with a pH level below 7. Crystals can be seen in the urine of clinically healthy animals or in animals with no evidence of urinary disease (such as obstruction and/or urolithiasis). One of the most common crystal types in dogs, struvite crystals consist of phosphate, magnesium, and ammonia, often caused by UTIs with urease-producing bacteria. Dec 2, 2021 · Urine dipstick is heme positive. Urinalysis also shows envelope-shaped crystals. Crystals can come in a variety of different shapes, sizes, and presentations. Crystalluria is diagnosed via urinalysis. It is therefore important to make the dog's urine more acidic to prevent their formation, explains veterinarian Dr. They are potentiated by alkaline urine and high magnesium excretion (high magnesium/plant-based diets). Problems occur when these crystals combine with mucus and form a urinary plug that can actually cause a blockage in a male cat’s urinary tract (see our page on Feline Urinary Blockage ) or when the crystals bind together to form an actual bladder stone. See also the urinalysis atlas. (a) In the absence of vitamin C (b & c) In the presence of 0. Because of their size, passage is rare, and they present with vague flank pain or with persistent urinary tract infection, with urine pH higher than 7, and with characteristic “coffin-lid” struvite crystals in the urine. Sep 25, 2023 · Understanding Struvite Crystals In Dog Urine. Apr 28, 2024 · With struvite stones, a cat’s urine pH will be alkaline (non-acidic). 8; struvite did not occur spontaneously but when urine pH was raised to 7. 1 The pathophysiology of struvite urolith formation in sterile urine is poorly understood; however, dietary and metabolic factors that result in alkaline urine and increased concentrations of magnesium Jul 1, 2006 · Microscopic or gross hematuria; acidic urine; alkaline urine (with struvite calculi); pyuria; crystals from involved calculi 24-hour urinalysis Elevated urinary calcium, oxalate, and sodium levels Jan 28, 2024 · Crystals in dog urine are common for several breeds. About 85% of the stones are composed of calcium, and the remainder are composed of various substances, including uric acid, cystine, or struvite. When urine is examined under a microscope, it is possible that calcium oxalate or struvite crystals will be identified, though this is not always the case. Jul 29, 2020 · If uroliths are identified, examining the urine for crystals and assessing the pH might be suggestive of the type of urolith. These crystals are made up of minerals and other substances that would normally be dissolved in the urine; crystals form when these substances do not remain dissolved in the urine and instead coalesce into crystals. The urine is laden with mineral salts and other compounds from waste products resulting from the metabolic process. Dogs and cats are different in many ways, but both seem predisposed to urine crystal formation. Struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate) Dec 6, 2017 · Photograph of the struvite crystals grown in gel medium in artificial urine infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and treated with different concentrations of vitamin C at different time points (0th, 1st, 7th and 15th day). Significant crystalluria leads to the development of calculi or sandy material in the bladder and urethra. Struvite stones (also called magnesium ammonium phosphate) are quite common in dogs and can usually be dissolved with food or medicine. Crystals are subjectively quantified in urine as few, moderate and many. The majority of struvite stones are heterogeneous in both composition and bacterial isolates. 0 struvite crystallised. Help your dog with a healthy diet, including plenty of fresh, clean water. (4) All cats, no matter whether healthy or sick with crystals or kidney disease, need to drink more water. Jun 20, 2014 · More crystals deposit over the end of the plug open to the urine, to make the final stone. . Thus, drinking more water will help his urine become more diluted and acidic. The effect of a dietary supplement, choreito, on in vitro struvite crystal growth in feline urine Miniature Schnauzer, Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Cocker Spaniel are the most affected breeds. Struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate) stones are often referred to as "infection stones" since they are strongly associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs) with urea-splitting organisms. With controlled levels of magnesium, calcium, and phosphorous, along with antioxidants, potassium citrate, and omega-3 fatty acids, this food has received positive feedback When there is too much waste in too little liquid, crystals begin to form. Once the stone is formed, it increases in size over weeks or months. g. 1 but when the pH of urine was raised to 7. However, some crystals can be pathologically relevant in certain […] between 6 and 6. Struvite crystals develop in concentrated urine, once the urine becomes supersaturated, crystals aggregate to form stones. Nov 4, 2022 · These bacteria hydrolyse urea to form ammonia and carbon dioxide, resulting in increased urine pH, which liberates ammonium to form magnesium ammonium phosphate (struvite) crystals (Figure 1). ; Eating large amounts of certain foods, including protein, salt, fruits and vegetables. Less common stones include ammonium biurate, cystine and uric acid. May 6, 2023 · Detecting and Reporting Crystals in Urine . The formation of urinary crystals can be influenced by various factors, including inadequate water intake, inappropriate diet, and urinary pH imbalances. The porous nature of struvite can be easily identified in the struvite crystals (Fig. 864 g cm −3) (Graeser et al. 0) will greatly reduce the tendency to form stones. Struvite crystals may suggest the presence of urinary tract infection if bacteriuria and pyuria are concurrently observed. A fresh urine sediment needs to be examined to confirm the presence of crystals. 0. Aug 20, 2018 · Struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate) crystals are often present in the urethral plug and while these do not cause the obstruction, they may contribute to it. Kidney stones occur when chemical deposits from the urine build up to become hard and stone-like. Few differences exist with respect to 24-hour urinary studies when comparing homogeneous struvite stones to those of mixed Oct 13, 2022 · There are four types of kidney stones: calcium stones; uric acid stones; struvite stones (triple phosphate, or magnesium ammonium phosphate); cystine stones; Calcium stones are the most common Most stones in dogs and cats have one major crystal component, which are presented in Table 1. Crystals in small numbers (e. It is common for crystals to be absent from the urine of obstructed animals. Male dogs are more likely to develop calcium oxalate crystals, while female dogs are more likely to develop struvite crystals. Struvite crystals. 0-6. In cats, approximately 45% of uroliths consist entirely or predominantly of struvite, and most feline struvite uroliths form in sterile urine (Figure 1). It was this observation that led him to work out the mathematics for calculating supersaturation with respect to brushite, and show that it was higher in stone formers than in normal subjects. These three substances are common in urine and if they exist in high enough concentrations, they will bind together in the form of crystals. These crystals form due to an imbalance of minerals in the dog’s urinary system. Crystal plugs damage the cells that line the tubules and cause local scarring. " Oct 29, 2023 · Struvite stones are kidney stones that develop due to infection in the upper urinary tract. May 1, 2011 · • Crystals always need to be treated when seen on a urinalysis – Only if the patient is a chronic stone former or a male cat at risk of obstructing. Magnesium ammonium phosphate crystals (MgNH 4 PO 4 •6H 2 O) are admixed with carbonate apatite (Ca 10 (PO 4) 6•CO 3) in varying proportions along with matrix. Struvite crystals form in alkaline urine, while calcium oxalate crystals form in acidic urine. The mineral struvite is a common dissolved component in normal dog urine and this mineral will remain in a dissolved state as long as the urine remains acidic and as long as it is not too concentrated. Mar 8, 2018 · Many dogs have struvite crystals in their urine, which does not necessarily indicate a medical condition. The changes caused in the crystals by a staphylococcal or Proteus infection from Crystals in Cat Urine vs. Not all urinary crystals are dangerous to your cat — While some urinary crystals can lead to stone formation, others are a completely normal finding in your cat’s urine. This means that the crystals Mar 14, 2010 · According to the Merck Veterinary Manual (2005), “Struvite crystals are commonly observed in canine and feline urine. 0) retards crystal formation. Urease breaks down urea, which is common in urine, into ammonium and bicarbonate. Symptoms of struvite crystals in dog urine include frequent urination, blood in urine, and discomfort during urination. As the urine pH increases, phosphate becomes more available to contribute to struvite crystal formation and struvite becomes less soluble. Struvite crystals should not form if therapy has been effective in producing urine that is undersaturated with magnesium, ammonium, and phosphate. Depending on the size, struvite stone symptoms can include severe pain in the lower back, nausea, and changes to your urinary habits. Incidental struvite crystalluria occurs because the mineral components of these crystals (magnesium, ammonia, phosphate) are normally excreted in large amounts into urine, and supersaturation leads to precipitation. Proteus, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, and Enterobacter), resulting in hydrolysis of urea into ammonium and increase in the urinary pH 6,10. Feb 21, 2002 · Struvite crystals are not unusual in normal urine, and their presence alone does not require treatment. Several struvite crystals are shown above. Amorphous phosphate crystals typically have little clinical significance. Instead of being expelled in the urine, salt collects around bacteria that create a high alkaline pH in the Feb 23, 2024 · Struvite crystals are formed in the alkaline urine. The Aug 10, 2022 · Triple phosphate, or struvite, crystals are described as having a “coffin-lid”-shaped appearance. ) May 16, 2013 · “Struvite crystals are commonly observed in canine and feline urine. Crystals in Dog Urine. 5 Aug 1, 2023 · INTRODUCTION. Urethral plugs cause acute urethral obstruction with Alkaline urine (urine with a pH level above 7. 5). Magnesium (Mg): phosphorus (P) ratio of 5: 1 yielded 77. Jul 27, 2017 · Feed your pet an acidic diet with animal-based protein sources. , 2005, Türker and Çelen, 2010). The crystals attract other elements and join together to form a solid that will get larger unless it is passed out of the body with the urine. , struvites) may be normal for some dogs, but others (e. Acidic urine is a breeding ground for stones, and tend to develop in urine that is between pH 5. Struvite typically forms as a result of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or when a person has Jan 8, 2021 · For example, Sadowski et al. A non-contrast abdominal CT is shown. Urinary tract infection is an important factor in the formation of struvite stones. Oxalate crystals form in urine with a very low pH (generally below 6. AMBOSS is a medical knowledge platform for doctors and students offering comprehensive information on nephrolithiasis. , cystine) may signify disease processes. Both struvite and struvite crystals can be typical in your cat’s urine at a low level. Cats that don’t drink as much water tend to have more concentrated urine and may have a higher risk of struvite formation. , NH 4 +, PO 4 3−, Mg 2+) in ratios that are similar to the relative proportions in struvite crystals (Booker et al. Urine crystals can form at any age. Urinary calculi used to be a common cause of stranguria in ferrets; however improvements in diet have made urolithiasis rare in ferrets on ferret food or high-quality cat food. They are typically seen in alkaline urine, with a urine pH > 7. Struvite crystals are made up of magnesium, ammonium, and phosphate. Mar 23, 2024 · Types of Urine Crystals. calcium carbonate and struvite, this assessment is made from low power (10x objective). Aug 15, 2012 · It is unclear whether struvite crystals actually play a role in the aetiopathogenesis of plug formation or are essentially caught up in the inflammatory milieu, as struvite crystals are present in the urine of more than half of normal cats even when no lower urinary tract signs are present . Jun 7, 2023 · Another reason that cats with struvite crystals get sick is that stones are formed because the urine is concentrated. 711 g cm 3) (Ohlinger et al. ” Dec 28, 2023 · Struvite crystals: Also known as magnesium ammonium phosphate crystals, struvite crystals are usually large, hexagonal crystals that form in alkaline urine (pH > 7). Results indicate that direct observation of struvite crystal formation in whole urine may more accurately predict the effects of treatments to prevent or treat Struvite urolithiasis than do calculations based on electrolyte concentration that do not account for the effect of urine macromolecules. They may grow rapidly over a period of weeks to months and, if not adequately treated, can develop into a staghorn or branched calculus Oct 5, 2009 · Struvite crystals commonly form at urine pH exceeding 6. Urine Nitroprusside/Genetic Testing/Metabolic Screening. Jan 26, 2022 · Cats typically develop two crystal types —The most common types of crystals you’ll find in your cat’s urine are struvite crystals and calcium oxalate crystals. The majority of canine struvite urolithiasis occurs in females due to host factors that increase the likelihood of bacterial urinary tract infections (UTIs). Close monitoring for a low urine specific gravity, low urine pH and lack of struvite crystals with frequent urinalysis is crucial to effectively preventing recurrence of struvite uroliths. ammonium, magnesium and phosphate for struvite. Urinary crystals may be present without stones, and stones may be present without urinary crystals. Urine is a complex solution containing many organic and inorganic ions. Struvite crystals are normally found in urine and have no significance on their own. Stone creation is made possible by an enzyme called urease that certain bacteria, particularly Staphylococci and Proteus species, can produce. Sometimes, they can Test her Urine pH level. Some crystal types, such as cystine, xanthine, and urate, may suggest metabolic abnormalities and warrant further investigation even in the absence of uroliths. 2) is necessary for struvite and carbonate apatite crystallization. "In dogs, struvite bladder stones usually form as a complication of a bladder infection. About us (citation) Jun 22, 2018 · To counter this effect, diets designed to prevent or dissolve struvite uroliths have urine acidifiers added to them such as the amino acid methionine. 5). PennGen Laboratories; We are unfamiliar with laboratories outside the United States that perform these tests. Drinking plenty of fluids approximately 2. A breakdown product of DNA and RNA, uric acid forms crystals in abnormally acidic (low pH) urine. Jul 11, 2024 · It effectively dissolves struvite stones in as little as 7 days, promotes desirable urine pH levels, and lowers the risk of developing struvite and calcium oxalate crystals. They may grow rapidly over a period of weeks to months and, if not adequately treated, can develop into a staghorn or branched calculus that fills the The resulting increase in ammonium and phosphate concentrations combined with the alkalotic urine (pH >7. Urinary crystals are made up of minerals — magnesium, phosphate, ammonium, calcium oxalate — that occur naturally in a Struvite crystals in dog urine may be a normal finding, and indeed, they are the most common type of crystal found in dog urine. 8 then fell to 5. Without an infection, struvite crystals in dogs will not be associated with Mar 17, 2023 · Struvite. The crystals themselves are nearly identical. Dec 31, 2023 · Below are the most common types of crystals in dog urine. Struvite and Ca Ox crystals can form in normal urine, especially if it is very concentrated. The microscopy images revealed that the single struvite crystals have well-defined faces and these crystals are constructed from multi-layered depositions. Jan 4, 2024 · Calcium phosphate or calcium oxalate crystals – The formation of calcium oxalate crystals is not dependent upon the urine pH, while calcium phosphate crystals only form in a relatively alkaline urine (usually pH ≥6. For crystals that are large, e. The two most common types of crystals are oxalate and struvite. They may grow rapidly and lead to chronic renal failure. Inadequate water intake can lead to concentrated urine, increasing the chances of crystal formation. Urine pH on the canned complete diet peaked at 6. Struvite crystalluria may be seen in clinically normal patients, patients with struvite or mixed-content Mar 7, 2022 · You can prevent the formation of crystals in urine by doing the following: 1. Of 28 urine samples 25 contained only brushite crystals. Aug 19, 2021 · Kidney stones form in the kidneys or urinary tract, the path that urine takes to leave the body. By Tracy Stokol / October 16, 2013 . Oct 27, 2011 · What is Struvite? Struvite is a urinary mineral composed of ammonium, phosphate, and magnesium. 6 days ago · Struvite stones. You can purchase urine testing strips and test her morning urine mid-stream before her first Nov 8, 2019 · In a previous study [27], the use of MgCl 2 ⋅6H 2 O was reported to promote the formation of phosphates containing K and Ca, mainly formed over the struvite crystals, being newberyite (MgHPO 4 Struvite crystals are normally found in urine and have no significance on their own. 5. Hemoglobinuria, myoglobinuria, and hematuria are causes of red urine. 0 the struvite crystallised. , 2014). The development of crystals and stones is mostly dependent upon the pH of the urine and the concentration of minerals in the urine. 5) (picture 1A-B). They include: Dehydration (not drinking enough water). Cystine — Urine cystine/creatinine ratio - Measure urine cystine at an amino acid lab (UC Davis Amino Acid Laboratory), measure urine creatinine at your preferred lab. This will help to maintain the acid in your pet's urine that is necessary to avoid the buildup of struvite crystals. These should be differentiated, by performing centrifugation of the urine, and differential diagnoses including copper toxicity , Brassica toxicity, cystitis, pyelonephritis, and leptospirosis should Struvite and calcium oxalate are the most common type of stones in cats. Common crystals Common urine crystals Crystal pH Details Ammonium biurate Usually acidic to neutral, rarely alkaline: pH ≤ 7 (in humans, usually in alkaline urine) Variably sized, mostly small to medium, brown, spherical to irregular crystals (“thorny” apple). 9 and 6. Oct 16, 2013 · Urine procedure videos; Sample collection; Visual features; Concentrating ability; Struvite crystals. Cystine stones. Other types of kidney stones include: Calcium stones. Combine them with certain bacteria, however, and a stone is created. K-struvite crystals have a slightly higher density (1. Ammonium then joins with magnesium and phosphate in urine to create struvite crystals. Problems occur when these crystals combine with mucus and form a urinary plug that can cause a blockage in a male cat’s urinary tract (see feline urinary blockage ) or when the crystals bind together to form a bladder stone. Struvite is specifically a material composed of phosphate, ammonium, and magnesium . In more than 98% of cases, struvite stones are caused by a bladder infection. Magnesium ammonium phosphate (struvite) Magnesium ammonium phosphate crystals are Struvite urinary stones and crystals form readily in the urine of animals and humans that are infected with ammonia-producing organisms. Blood in the urine; Straining to urinate; Clear discomfort when urinating; Increased urination involving small amounts of urine; About dog struvite stones. 6. (See "Kidney stones in adults: Epidemiology and risk factors". Magnesium ammonium phosphate (struvite) normally remains dissolved in a dog’s urine as long as the pH of the urine is slightly acidic and the urine is not too concentrated. Urine pH is helpful when identifying amorphous crystals; amorphous phosphate crystals occur in alkaline urine, whereas amorphous urate crystals occur in acidic urine. Oxalate crystals are more common in certain breeds such Dec 22, 2017 · Patients with struvite stones often have multiple comorbidities. Struvite stones. , 1999, Laridi et al. Extraction of struvite was investigated through bench scale experiments, and its yield was measured by surface spread method and plain sedimentation method. In dogs, most struvite crystals are most commonly caused by urinary tract infections with urease-producing bacteria. Struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate or "triple phosphate") stones are usually seen in the setting of infection with urease-producing bacteria (e. Dec 22, 2021 · Struvite crystals are tiny and microscopic crystals found in some cats’ urine. Your vet may therefore recommend using a special diet that will reduce the risk of these crystals forming which may further reduce the risk of recurrence. , 1998), and this gravity range is advantageous for struvite-type compounds applied as fertilizer in flooded areas (Rahman et al. Avoid a diet that is vegetarian or cereal-based and likely to cause alkaline urine, which promotes struvite crystals. Crystalluria indicates that the urine is supersaturated with the compounds that comprise the crystals, e. Fiona. They can cause pain and blood in the urine, but treatment can help. Maintaining a pH level that is healthier for Schnauzers (between pH 6. Many people are surprised to learn that crystals are normally present in the urine of their dogs and cats. em uy vi vk hf if kn gj ix hh