Silica urolithiasis in dogs fed an atherogenic diet.

Abstract

SummaryObstructive calculi, shown by emission spectroscopy to contain silicon as a major component, were observed in the kidneys, bladders and urethras of dogs fed a semisynthetic atherogenic diet. Deposition of these stones was due in part to the presence of large amounts of silicates in the diet as nonnutritive bulk constituents. The occurrence of silica urolithiasis, previously unreported in dogs, suggests that silicon containing compounds should not be included in formulated diets fed to dogs for prolonged periods.