In other breeds of dog, if the dog has a healthy liver, the uric acid that is formed is further broken down into allantoin which is then excreted from the body via the kidney in the urine and causes no problems. Purines are found in higher amounts in high protein foods than low protein foods. Purines are a group of chemicals found in DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) and in other molecules important in cellular metabolism, among other places, and thus they are found in all animal and plant cells. Uric acid is a waste product that is produced by the liver as it breaks down purines that are no longer needed by the body or those that have directly come from the diet. Hyperuricosuria (Huu) is a condition in which there are higher than normal levels of uric acid in the urine. Methods and prospects for elimination of the problem.How do you know if an animal is a carrier or likely to become affected?.Methods and prospects for elimination of the problemĪs all Dalmatians are affected, it is currently not possible to eliminate this problem from the breed without out breeding to non-affected individuals of a different breed.įor further details about this condition, please click on the following:# Males are more likely to be affected than females.Ĩ. How do you know if an animal is a carrier or likely to become affected?Īll Dalmatians have hyperuricosuria and thus all are prone to develop urate stones. The gene responsible for hyperuricosuria has been identified as the SLC2A9 gene (Bannasch et al 2008).ħ. All Dalmatians have the recessive gene and the condition. Hyperuricosuria is inherited as a simple, autosomal, recessive trait. Only analysis of a removed stone can confirm it is made of urate (Dalmatians, like other dogs can get other types of urinary tract stones). Their presence can be confirmed by ultrasound and/or radiography (x-rays). The signs shown will depend on where the stones occur and whether or not they cause a blockage. The presence of urate stones will be suspected by the vet in any Dalmatian having difficulty urinating (dysuria ) or with cystitis (inflammation of the bladder). From data on estimates of total dog population in the UK and on the percentage of all micro-chip registered dogs that are Dalmatians (Lucy Asher 2011, personal communication), we estimate that the UK population size of this breed may be around 60,000. These stones cause disease more often in males than females. Blockages of the urinary system can rapidly lead to death within hours if appropriate treatment is not given promptly.Īll Dalmatians are prone to urate stones as all have hyperuricosuria. Reoccurrences of signs are common in Dalmatians throughout their lives. Moderately affected Dalamatians, experiencing cystitis, may suffer from this for days to weeks, until adequately treated. They can be treated but often require major surgery which has its own welfare implications. These animals can suffer severe pain and illness and sometimes death. It ranges from moderate, for animals with recurrent bouts of cystitis (inflammation of the bladder), which have moderate pain and discomfort, to severe for individuals with complete blockages. The intensity of the welfare impact varies depending on where the stones form and where they cause problems. Hyperuricosuria itself doesn’t cause a problem, but the urate stones that commonly form as a result of it, often do. Blockage of the urinary system leads to a medical emergency, can cause severe pain and malaise, with rapid veterinary treatment being necessary to save life. Urate stones that have formed in the urinary system can irritate and inflame the bladder, or, more seriously, block the urinary system leading to rapidly progressive, severe problems and even death due to kidney failure and high blood potassium levels. This often crystallizes out in the urine and forms urate (bladder) stones. In Dalmatians, when purines are broken down the waste chemical produced is uric acid instead. Most dogs break down purines into allantoin, which is a soluble chemical that is excreted in the urine without problems. Hyperuricosuria is a hereditary defect in the metabolic system for eliminating waste body protein and more specifically of purines within the body. (for more information click on the links below) Through out-crossing with other breeds, Dalmatians have been produced that no longer have this serious genetic fault. This causes the formation of solid, hard, urate stones in the kidneys and bladder which can block the drainage of urine causing severe pain and the risk of kidney failure and death. Outline: Many Dalmations have a hereditory abnormality of the mechanism of eliminating waste bodily protein which results in high levels of uric acid in the urine. Related terms: Urate stones, urinary stones - uroliths, urolithiasis, Hyperuricemia
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