Urolithiasis In Ruminants

Introduction Urolithiasis is common as a subclinical disorder among ruminants raised in management systems where the ration is composed primarily of grain or where animals graze certain types of pasture. In these situations, 40-60 % of animals may form calculi in their Urinary tract. Urolithiasis becomes an important clinical disease of castrated male ruminants when calculi cause urinary tract obstruction, usually obstruction of the urethra. Urethral obstruction is characterized, clinically by complete retention of urine, frequent unsuccessful attempts to urinate and distension of the bladder. Urethral perforation and rupture of the bladder can be sequelae. Mortality is high in cases of urethral obstruction and treatment is surgical. As a result, prevention is important to limit losses from urolithiasis