Veterinary session

The purpose of this study was to determine the chemical composition of canine uroliths, in order to specify the prevalence of particular types of urolithiasis, the breeds at risk and to compare data on the epidemiology of canine urolithiasis in Hungary with those from other countries.

The mineral composition of uroliths in Hungary was determined by qualitative and semi-quantitative ultramicro-chemical analysis and partly by infrared spectroscopy in Budapesti Urolith Centrum.

The total of 2351 urinary calculi were evaluated in the period from June 2000 to December 2011.

Composition and distribution of the most common uroliths were struvit 63,29%, calcium oxalate 15,40%, purin 14,08%, cystine 4,34% and calcium phosphate 1,57%.

Ninety nine breeds plus crossbreeds were identified.

The gender distribution was estimated at 1218 male and 927 female.

Males were affected more frequently than females (51,8 per cent versus 39,4 percent).

The Hungarian mikrochip database was used as reference for evaluation of the frequency of urolithiasis in the canine population of Hungary.

The relative risk for formation of uroliths was calculated.

Comparison of results with studies by other authors revealed an agreement for most of the monitored parameters with respect to the proportions of different breeds within the populations of dogs in different geographical areas.

The results are useful in determining the prevalence of specific types of uroliths in Hungary and the dog breeds at risk.