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Cystinuria in Dogs and Cats: What Do We Know after Almost 200 Years?
Simona Kovaříková1, Petr Maršálek1, Kateřina Vrbová2
1Department of Animal Protection and Welfare and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic.
Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|August 27, 2021
Summary
Cystinuria is an inherited defect affecting amino acid transport, leading to cystine uroliths in dogs and cats. Management involves urolith dissolution, dietary changes, and in some dogs, castration.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Metabolic Disorders
- Genetics
Background:
- Cystinuria is an inherited metabolic defect involving abnormal renal and intestinal transport of cystine and dibasic amino acids (COLA).
- Cystine is poorly soluble in normal urine pH, leading to crystal precipitation and urolith formation.
- Genetic mutations affecting COLA transporters are identified in specific canine breeds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current scientific knowledge on canine and feline cystinuria.
- To summarize diagnostic methods and management strategies for cystinuria.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of available scientific reports on canine and feline cystinuria.
- Analysis of data on prevalence, genetics, diagnosis, and treatment.
Main Results:
- Cystine uroliths are common in dogs, particularly in Europe (up to 14% prevalence) compared to North America (1-3%).
- Diagnosis includes detecting cystine uroliths, crystalluria, amino aciduria, or genetic testing.
- Management focuses on urolith dissolution via diet or medication, with castration beneficial for androgen-dependent cases in dogs.
Conclusions:
- Cystinuria management requires a multi-faceted approach tailored to the individual animal.
- Further research into genetic underpinnings and novel therapeutic strategies is warranted.
- Cystinuria is less common in cats than in dogs.
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