Dogs affected by cystinuria present with signs of recurring cystitis, hematuria, stranguria, and pollakiuria. The precipitation of amino acids in the urine results in the formation of crystals and calculi, leading to urolithiasis and urinary tract obstruction, in some cases.

Existing cystine stones should be removed by surgical, mechanical, or medical dissolution methods. Recurrence of cystine uroliths after dissolution or removal is high. The condition can be partly managed through diet therapy and thus dietary options and the importance of diet management should be emphasized to clients.

There are many responsibilities to consider when breeding dogs. Regardless of test results it is important that your dog is in good general health and that you are in a position to care for the puppies if new responsible owners are not found. For first time or novice breeders, advice can be found at most kennel club websites.

This disease is autosomal recessive meaning that two copies of the mutation are needed for disease signs to be shown. A carrier dog with one copy of the Cystinuria mutation can be safely bred with a clear dog with no copies of the Cystinuria mutation. About half of the puppies will have one copy (carriers) and half will have no copies of the Cystinuria mutation. A dog with two copies of the Cystinuria mutation can be safely bred with a clear dog. The resulting puppies will all be carriers. Puppies in a litter which is expected to contain carriers should be tested prior to breeding. Carrier to carrier matings are not advised as the resulting litter may contain affected puppies. Please note: It is possible that disease signs similar to the ones caused by the Cystinuria mutation could develop due to a different genetic or clinical cause.