smallholdings

Question 1

what is the pathogenisis of uroliths?

Answer 1

• Magnesium ammonium phosphate complex – STRUVITES
• Normal function – phosphorus is removed in salvia and faeces
• Incorrect diet - high grain, phosphorus and magnesium, low roughage diet
• High grain/low roughage = decrease saliva production
• Phosphorus now removed by kidneys in urine - forms a sludge
• Increase in urine phosphorus levels
• Phosphorus consolidates into stones that can not pass – increase in UTI’s and blockages

Question 2

what is the controle of uroliths in small ruminants?

Answer 2

• Adequate water intake – keep water clean and change regularly
• Increase fodder feed intake
• Increase grass feed
• Decrease coarse mix feed
• Increase salt intake 2 – 5% to increase urine formation
• Add ammonium chloride to diet 0.5 – 1% to acidify urine

Question 3

what are the treatment options for uroliths in farm species?

Answer 3

simple blockage - **Urethral process amputation **
**urethromtomy **- Small incision ventral surface of penis over calculi
- Pass catheter proximally for urethral patency
- Leave unsutured to heal by secondary intention – post surgical fibrosis/chronic stenosis, further obstruction from more passing calculi

Perineal Urethrostomy
* Salvage procedure – recurrence/stricture within 12 months in 80% animals
* Urine scald on hind limbs possible - therefore only done of fattening bulls that are close to slaughter

Tube cystotomy - Indwelling Foley catheter placed in the bladder and exit through the body wall, Alter urinary pH by giving oral ammonium chloride, Tube remains until animal is able to pass urine from prepuce for 48 hours, clamp tube and monitor urination.