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Urolithiasis or urinary stones are a common problem in sheep and goats. The obstruction of the urethra is commonly seen in pet goats and show lambs on inappropriate nutrition. It is seen with diets fed exclusively of grain. Normally phosphorous is recycled through the saliva and increases the amount of phosphorous excreted in the feces. High grain and low hay diets decrease the formation of saliva and increase the amount of phosphorous excreted in the urine. This increases the chance of phosphorous crystals that can accumulate in the bladder. When this is effected by a low calcium:phosphoruos ratio, stones can form and possible eventual obstruction could occur. Clinical signs that can be seen are blood in the urine, difficulty urinating, dribbling urine, flagging of the tail, and abdominal pain especially in goat. Pain can be elicited vocally or by stretching out all four legs, kicking at the abdomen or looking at the side. As the disease prolongs lack of appetite, depression, laying around and abdominal distention can occur. Treatment involves medical means in less severe cases, and surgical means in more severe or chronic situations. Prevention involves not allowing males to be castrated before six months of age to allow proper growth of the urethra diameter. Make sure animals are fed a balanced diet of grain and hay, including a Calcium:Phosphorus ratio of 2:1. Also if show animals are on a all grain diet they should have salt added to the diet.
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