Struvite Urolithiasis in Goats
Struvite Urolithiasis is a common disease among ruminant species.3 The disease process involves the formation of phosphatic calculi that accumulate anywhere in the urinary system.2,3 “The formation of magnesium ammonium phosphate uroliths are encouraged by feeding a high concentrate diet with a low calcium to phosphorus ratio. High grain diets result in the excretion of large amounts of phosphorus in the urine”. 2 As a result, the urine pH becomes alkaline, creating a suitable environment for the growth of struvite uroliths, as well as decreasing the possible solubility of the calculi.2, 3 Although subclinical in ruminant species, there are some clinical signs that can often indicate the disease, which include dysuria, pyuria, and lethargy.4
“Dysuria, painful or difficult urination, is manifested by the discomfort caused by diseases of the urinary tract”. 4 Painful or difficult urination could be caused by an accumulation of large struvite uroliths in the urinary bladder.3 These large uroliths can impede urine flow and eventually cause a urethral obstruction. If the uroliths are small enough to pass through the urethra, the uroliths may cause irritation leading to inflammation. The uroliths can potentially damage the epithelium by scraping the walls of the urinary tract. When this inflammation occurs, increased blood flow to the irritated areas followed by white blood cells, particularly neutrophils, will recover the damaged tissue.1, 3,5 Because the urethral opening is experiencing inflammation, the urethral passage is decreased in size, allowing less area for the uroliths to pass through. This pain will cause discomfort and painful urination.
“Pyuria, leukocytes or pus in the urine, ...
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...t urination, is a common clinical sign of urolithiasis that can be caused by the accumulation of large uroliths in the urinary bladder impeding urine flow, or the inability of small uroliths to pass through the urethra due to inflammation.3, 4 Pyuria, white blood cells or puss in the urine, can be caused by inflammation of the bladder wall due to irritation, ulceration, and possible hemorrhaging of the mucosal wall.3, 4 Lethargy is another common clinical sign that can be caused by abdominal pain, resulting in the animal’s inability to walk or stand.4 As a result, the animal may become malnourished from an inability to obtain food and water. This pain can also cause long periods of recumbence, which could lead to muscle weakness.4 These three identifiable clinical signs can be treated to improve the prognosis and progression of struvite urolithiasis.