Inherited defects in the transporter for dibasic amino acids can result in poor absorption of cyst(e)ine (as well as the other dibasic amino acids [[Lysine - Nutrition|lysine]], ornithine, and [[Arginine - Nutrition|arginine]]) from the intestinal mucosa and poor reabsorption in the renal tubule<ref name="Hoppe">Hoppe A, et al. Urinary excretion of amino acids in normal and cystinuric dogs. Br Vet J 1993;149:253-68.</ref>. Unlike lysine, ornithine and arginine, cystine is not soluble in urine and readily forms [[Urolithiasis|crystals and stones]]. Cystinuria and related dysuria and urinary obstructions due to cystine urolithiasis have been described in Newfoundlands, English bulldogs, and Dachshunds<ref name="Brons">Brons AK, et al. SLC3A1 and SLC7A9 mutations in autosomal recessive or dominant canine cystinuria: A new classification system. JVIM 2013;27:1400-1408.</ref>. Increased intake of DL-methionine (either in the diet or as a supplement) has been used as a therapeutic treatment for sterile struvite crystalluria and urolithiasis<ref name="Lemann">Lemann J and Relman AS. The relation of sulfur metabolism to acid-base balance and electrolyte excretion: the effects of DL-methionine in normal man. J Clin Invest 1959;38:2215-2223.</ref><ref name="Mishina">Mishina M et al. Medical dissolution of struvite nephrolithiasis using amino acid preparations in dogs. JVIM 2000;62:889-892.</ref>. The oxidation of dietary sulphur increases urinary excretion of ammonium (NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup>) resulting in a more acidic urinary pH. | Inherited defects in the transporter for dibasic amino acids can result in poor absorption of cyst(e)ine (as well as the other dibasic amino acids [[Lysine - Nutrition|lysine]], ornithine, and [[Arginine - Nutrition|arginine]]) from the intestinal mucosa and poor reabsorption in the renal tubule<ref name="Hoppe">Hoppe A, et al. Urinary excretion of amino acids in normal and cystinuric dogs. Br Vet J 1993;149:253-68.</ref>. Unlike lysine, ornithine and arginine, cystine is not soluble in urine and readily forms [[Urolithiasis|crystals and stones]]. Cystinuria and related dysuria and urinary obstructions due to cystine urolithiasis have been described in Newfoundlands, English bulldogs, and Dachshunds<ref name="Brons">Brons AK, et al. SLC3A1 and SLC7A9 mutations in autosomal recessive or dominant canine cystinuria: A new classification system. JVIM 2013;27:1400-1408.</ref>. Increased intake of DL-methionine (either in the diet or as a supplement) has been used as a therapeutic treatment for sterile struvite crystalluria and urolithiasis<ref name="Lemann">Lemann J and Relman AS. The relation of sulfur metabolism to acid-base balance and electrolyte excretion: the effects of DL-methionine in normal man. J Clin Invest 1959;38:2215-2223.</ref><ref name="Mishina">Mishina M et al. Medical dissolution of struvite nephrolithiasis using amino acid preparations in dogs. JVIM 2000;62:889-892.</ref>. The oxidation of dietary sulphur increases urinary excretion of ammonium (NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup>) resulting in a more acidic urinary pH. |