Clinical, ultrasonographic, and postmortem findings in sheep and goats with urinary tract disorders

Abstract

Background and Aim: In sheep and goats, most urinary disorders are incidental findings at the postmortem examination and do not present clinically. As such, the diagnosis of renal diseases in sheep and goats can be overlooked. Therefore, this study was carried out on sheep and goats to describe the clinical, ultrasonography (USG), and postmortem findings of various disorders affecting the urinary tract. Materials and Methods: A total of 58 animals (30 sheep and 28 goats) were examined, as well as were ten healthy control animals (five sheep and five goats) for a comparison. The animals were referred for various causes, including anorexia, frequent and painful urination, hematuria, decreased body weight, oliguria, and anuria. Results: The sheep and goats were categorized into ten groups of symptoms and disorders: Pelvic abscessation, pigmented urine, renal failure, pyelonephritis, cystitis, hydronephrosis, rupture of the urethra, rupture of the urinary bladder, rupture of the urinary bladder together with the urethra, and paralysis of the urinary bladder. Clinical presentation, USG, and postmortem examination results for each group were detailed. Many clinical presentations were nonspecific. USG examination of the urinary tract significantly facilitated the verification of the previously mentioned disorders. Conclusion: USG demonstrated superior performance in the early and confirmatory diagnosis of urinary disorders in sheep and goats. Therefore, it is recommended that routine USG be the preferred imaging modality for examining sheep and goats with urinary disorders and for determining their prognosis.

Small ruminant urinary obstruction: decision trees for treatment

“…Ultrasound of the kidneys, urethra, urinary bladder, and the ventral abdomen is evaluated in longitudinal and cross-sectional planes, starting at the xyphoid, moving caudally, and ending in the inguinal region to determine if free fluid is present in the abdomen. 17 The presence of free fluid can be indicative of a uroabdomen secondary to bladder rupture or tearing. In cases where the urinary bladder is injured (hemorrhagic, congested, or necrotic), a small volume of free fluid may be noted in the caudal abdomen.…”

“…The kidneys can be examined in longitudinal and cross-sectional planes. 17 The last two intercostal spaces and the region immediately caudal to the last rib are scanned on the right side to evaluate the right kidney. 17 The left kidney can be identified caudal to the right kidney in the right, dorsal paralumbar fossa.…”

“…17 The last two intercostal spaces and the region immediately caudal to the last rib are scanned on the right side to evaluate the right kidney. 17 The left kidney can be identified caudal to the right kidney in the right, dorsal paralumbar fossa. 17 The presence of severe hydronephrosis with a loss of visible cortical tissue in both kidneys warrants a poor prognosis for restoration of normal renal function.…”

“…17 The left kidney can be identified caudal to the right kidney in the right, dorsal paralumbar fossa. 17 The presence of severe hydronephrosis with a loss of visible cortical tissue in both kidneys warrants a poor prognosis for restoration of normal renal function. 17 The bladder is more consistently evaluated in the right and left inguinal regions with the animal in a recumbent position (can be done in a standing position on cooperative animals).…”

“…17 The presence of severe hydronephrosis with a loss of visible cortical tissue in both kidneys warrants a poor prognosis for restoration of normal renal function. 17 The bladder is more consistently evaluated in the right and left inguinal regions with the animal in a recumbent position (can be done in a standing position on cooperative animals). 17 The urinary bladder may be large and distended in the acutely obstructed animal but can become thickened and devitalized with chronicity.…”