Vol. 9, Special Issue 2 (2024)

Author(s): Dr. Sunil CL, Dr. BN Nagaraja, Dr. KM Srinivasa Murthy, Dr. A Sahadev, Dr. MC Anilkumar and Dr. MH Girish

Abstract: The occurrence of obstructive urolithiasis in small ruminants was recorded for a period of two years from January 2022 to December 2023 presented to the Veterinary College Hospital, KVAFSU, Bengaluru. The variables like age, breed, gender and detailed anamnesis were recorded. A total of 1,17,565 cases were, among which 30,545 were presented to Dept. of VSR. Total large animal cases were 2,917, out of which 1661 were small ruminants. Of those, urolithiasis was found in 128 animals (0.1%). The urolithiasis was more seen in small ruminants of ˃3-6 months age, followed by 0 to 3 months, more than 12 months, ˃9 to 12 months and ˃6 to 9 months. Out of 128 small ruminants with obstructive urolithiasis, 100% of cases were males. Among the affected animals, urolithiasis was mainly seen in uncastrated or intact animals 123 (96.09%) than the castrated animals 5 (3.91%). Small ruminants with duration of illness of 3-6 days were more 63 (49.22%), followed by less than 3 days (38.28%) and more than 6 days (12.5%). Urolithiasis was more commonly seen in winter (49/128; 38.28%), followed by the summer season (44/128; 34.37%), and monsoon season (35/128; 27.34%). Majority of small ruminants were having intact urinary bladder 99 (77.34%) and 29 (22.66%) were with urinary bladder rupture. The clinical signs showed by the animal included anorexia, anuria, dysuria, straguria, hematuria, frequent urination attempts, bruxism, tail lifting, straining to urinate, maintaining urination posture for extended periods, abducted stance, abdominal distension, arched back, urethral thrills, kicking at belly, swishing of tail and restlessness in animals with illness. Plain lateral abdominal radiographic examination helped to determine whether the bladder was enlarged or not, but it did not identify any calculi or the location of blockage in any of the animals. To determine the location of blockage, a retrograde contrast radiograph was obtained following urethral process amputation by injecting contrast material through the infant feeding tube. Trans-abdominal ultrasonography showed hyper echoic calculi freely floating in hypoechoic or anechoic fluid inside the urinary bladder. Ultrasonographic examination was used for the confirmatory diagnosis.