Urolith Advice and Facts

<p>Uroliths composed of calcium oxalate, cystine and urate are mitigated by neutral to alkaline urine.<span>&nbsp; </span>Promoting alkalinuria increases crystal solubility, reduces excretion of calculogenic components, and enhances secretion and activity of crystallization inhibitors.&nbsp;</p><p>Therapeutic diets and supplements are often fed to optimize urine pH to reduce stone recurrence.<span>&nbsp; </span>However, urine pH is highly variable and a single measurement may not indicate that a desired pH range is sustained for most of the day.<span>&nbsp; </span>Urine pH can be measured every 2 to 4 hours to track pH, but this is not practical for clinics or clients.<span>&nbsp;</span></p><p>A study indicated that urine is most acidic in morning before feeding and 8 to 10 hours after feeding (i.e. the fasted state).<span>&nbsp; </span>When the goal is to sustain a neutral to alkaline urine, the best time to measure urine pH is before meals (in the morning before feeding and 8 hours after feeding).<span>&nbsp;</span>If urine is close to neutral at these times, then neutrality and alkalinity will likely to be maintained throughout the day and night.<span>&nbsp; &nbsp;</span>If the urine is too acidic (&lt;6.5), alkalinizing supplements (for example, potassium citrate) can be administered and increased until a desired fasting urine pH is achieved. To facilitate testing at ideal times, offer owners the option to buy a handheld pH meter or pH paper and test urine at home.<br>&nbsp;</p>