@article{4798, keywords = {sheep, goats, urethral obstruction, urolith types, tube cystostomy}, author = {Eicher L and Y Zablotski and G Knubben-Schweizer and K Voigt}, title = {Composition of ovine and caprine uroliths, and short- and long-term treatment success following obstructive urolithiasis – a retrospective analysis of clinical records of a Southern German veterinary hospital}, abstract = {

Obstructive urolithiasis is common in male small ruminants. Struvite is often assumed the most frequent urolith type, but urolith analyses are rarely published, especially in Europe. Prognostic factors for short- and long-term outcomes following treatment are also rarely studied. Ninety urolith samples from small ruminants presented to a veterinary hospital were examined by infrared spectroscopy, and factors potentially associated with urolith type were statistically analysed. Treatment outcomes for 148 sheep and goats with obstructive urolithiasis were additionally assessed with particular focus on potential predictors for successful tube cystostomy (n=89) and long-term outcomes. Calcium carbonate was the most frequent urolith type, followed by silica and calcium phosphate. Species, age, animal purpose, husbandry, castration status, body condition and nutrition were significantly associated with urolith type. Goats, older animals, pets, access to pasture, castration and obesity were significantly associated with the development of calcium-based uroliths, while sheep, young age, year-round housing, uncastrated animals, non-obese body condition and high concentrate diet were associated with the development of phosphatic calculi. Of the 89 animals receiving tube cystostomy, 36 (40.4%) could be discharged from the hospital. Positive predictors for a successful short-term outcome were timely presentation for treatment, successful orthograde urethral flushing and uncompromised general condition following surgery. The recurrence rate following initially successful treatment was however high (41.3%), and statistical analyses did not identify any significant predictors for a successful long-term outcome. In accordance with previous studies, our data indicate that obstructive urolithiasis remains a disease with a guarded prognosis.

}, year = {2023}, journal = {Berliner und Münchener Tierärztliche Wochenschrift}, volume = {136}, pages = {1–12}, month = {03/2023}, publisher = {Schlütersche Fachmedien GmbH}, address = {Hannover}, issn = {1439-0299}, doi = {10.2376/1439-0299-2022-25}, language = {English}, }