| This thesis describes case-control studies of the epidemiology of urolithiasis in cats and dogs. Data were obtained from the Minnesota Urolith Center and Purdue Veterinary Medical Database. Demographic, environmental, and dietary risk factors were evaluated. Logistic regression was used as the primary method of statistical analysis.; Some specific breeds of cats and dogs had increased risk for calcium oxalate (CaOx) or magnesium ammonium phosphate (MAP) uroliths. Middle aged cats and dogs had increased risk for urolith formation. Neutered male cats and dogs had increased risk for CaOx uroliths. Neutered female cats had increased risk for MAP uroliths. Overweight dogs had increased risk for CaOx uroliths.; Dogs given treats in quantities ≥1/8 of their total daily food allowance, fed daily supplements of human food, and fed more than twice daily were at increased risk for CaOx uroliths. In contrast, dogs fed more than one brand of diet, dogs that lived with cats or dogs in the same household, and dogs given well water as the primary source of drinking water were at decreased risk for CaOx uroliths.; Cats fed diets lower in either sodium or potassium, or formulated to maximize urine acidity were associated with an increased risk of developing CaOx uroliths but decreased risk of developing MAP uroliths. Additionally, compared to the lowest quantities, diets with the highest quantities of either moisture or protein and moderate quantities of either magnesium, phosphorus, or calcium were associated with decreased risk of CaOx urolith formation. In contrast, diets with moderate quantities of either fat or carbohydrate were associated with increased risk of CaOx urolith formation. Diets with the highest quantities of either magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, chloride, or fiber and moderate quantity of protein were associated with increased risk of MAP urolith formation. On the other hand, diets with the highest quantity of fat were associated with decreased risk of MAP urolith formation. Dogs fed diets with the highest quantities of protein, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and chloride were linearly associated with decreased risk of CaOx urolith formation, compared to diets with the lowest quantities of these components. |
