Disorder - Cystinuria

Organ Systems Involved
Urogenital

Brief Description

In this disorder a normally occurring protein in the body known as cystine is not absorbed by the kidney due to an abnormality in the kidney leading to the possible development of crystals in the urine.

Presenting Signs

Dogs affected with cystinuria may have problems passing urine and clinical tests will reveal high concentrations of the protein cystine in the urine. Affected dogs may display pain when they urinate, may pass small amounts of urine frequently and there may be blood in the urine (creating a dark colour). The cystine crystals can form small stones that have the potential to block the urinary tract and prevent the dog from passing urine. A blocked urinary tract is an emergency as toxins normally excreted in the urine build up in the body. The dog will be in pain, will be listless and will have a poor appetite. If left untreated the bladder can burst, causing a complicated infection of the abdomen that often results in death. Stones (uroliths) can be surgically removed but they will usually form again in an affected dog within a year. In this case dietary management is required to reduce the chance of the problem recurring. Older dogs affected with this condition will tend not to form uroliths as readily as younger sufferers.

Dogs at Risk

More frequent in males

Groups Affected
Hound
Non Sporting
Terrier
Utility
Working dog


Breeds Affected
Boxer
Cairn terrier
Dachshund (long, smooth and wire haired)
Dachshund (miniature - long, smooth and wire-haired)
German shepherd dog
Great Dane
Irish terrier
Newfoundland
Scottish terrier
Welsh Corgi (Cardigan)
Welsh Corgi (Pembroke)


Treatment

Surgical/Medical

Related Disorders

Hyper-methioninaemia

PubMed References
Cystinuria

Further Reference Material [OMIA Number]
256


Contributor
Jason Kwan