Experimental struvite urolithiasis in goats

Abstract

To study the occurrence of the experimental struvite urolithiasis in goats in a semi-arid region of the Canary Islands, where urolithiasis is relatively common, 18 one-year old Canary female goats were divided into three equal groups: Group A received a concentrate ration of 3 parts corn to 1 part cottonseed meal; Group V received the same diet with wheat straw added ad libitum and Group C received a balanced diet for 10 weeks. Crystaluria was observed in all groups, but was more evident in Group A Goats belonging to this group showed a progressive calcium/phosphorus disbalance. Epithelial cells and bilirubin crystals were also more evident in the Group A. It is concluded that high grain diet resulted in struvite urolithiasis in goats.