HUA vs LUA Dalmatians
What is HUA?
HUA stands for High Uric Acid.
Many Dalmatians carry a genetic hereditary abnormality known as Hyperuricosuria. These Dalmatians are known as HUA. Hyperuricosuria is a gene mutation that causes higher concentrations of uric acid in the urine.
When a body digests purines it produces a waste called uric acid. Purines are natural substances found in foods. However a buildup of this uric acid can cause serious health issues such as urinary blockages, bladder or kidney stones.
Because of their gene mutation, HUA Dalmatians are not able to process these purines like other dogs and are more susceptible to forming these types of stones. These types of stones can block the drainage of urine from the body. These blockages can cause severe pain, increase risk of kidney failure, and can even become fatal if left untreated. One of the most effective ways to prevent future problems is to keep a HUA Dalmatian on a strict low purine diet.
Most HUA Dalmatians will live a very healthy and long life. However, when considering getting a Dalmatian, it is important to be aware of this gene mutation. This way you can help reduce and prevent any health risks.
What can I do for prevention and health?
It is important to maintain consistency in your Dalmatians Diet. Keep a HUA Dalmatian on a low purine diet. Encourage hydration. Offer unlimited water. (For puppies especially, we personally recommend floating food with water to encourage hydration.) Encourage frequent potty breaks. Encourage regular exercise. Maintain regular Veterinary heath visits.
What should I feed a Hua Dalmatian?
The most important thing to maintain a HUA dalmatian diet is to avoid are foods with high purines.
Some meats high in purines are duck, beef, veal, pork, bacon, ham, venison. As well as organ meats like liver, and kidney.
(For adult Dalmatians, we personally recommend 4Health Lamb and Brown Rice.)
(For Dalmatian puppies, we personally recommend 4Health Puppy food Lamb and Brown Rice.)
Here is a link for a list of Purine Percentages in Meats:
https://dr-barbara-hendel.com/en/nutrition/tables/purine-content-table
How can I tell if a Dalmatian is a HUA or LUA?
Genetics and DNA testing will determine if a Dalmatian is HUA or LUA. A Pure bred Dalmatian will either be HUA-High Uric Acid (Hu/Hu). Or LUA Low Uric Acid (N/Hu, N/N). LUA Dalmatians are also referred to as NUA or Normal Uric Acid.
Hua Vs Lua
What does LUA mean?
LUA stands for Low Uric Acid.
LUA Dalmatians have normal levels of Uric Acid and are not prone to problems that can be caused by hyperuricosuria such as blockage, kidney or bladder stones.