Urinary Calculi Treatment for Goats

Having your beloved pet wether (castrated male goat) or prized show buck (uncastrated male goat) exhibit signs of urinary calculi--also called urolithiasis--can be a stressful experience for any goat owner. Understanding the treatment for urinary calculi in goats highlights the importance of preventing this common nutritional problem.

  1. The Facts

    • Characterized by extreme pain and frequent, failed attempts to urinate, urinary calculi occur when your goat develops urinary stones, usually as a result of mineral imbalances in his body. This disorder occurs primarily in male goats, especially those that have been castrated at a young age.

    Basic Treatment

    • According to Marie Bulgin, DVM, from the University of Idaho Veterinary Teaching Center, if your goat's urinary calculi are caused by abnormal levels of phosphate in the grain, treatment involves reestablishing the urine flow, often through catheterization, and using a urine acidifier to dissolve the stones.

    Surgical Treatment

    • More serious instances of urinary calculi typically result from excessive calcium in your goat's diet and are usually treated with cystotomy, surgery during which the veterinarian creates a hole in your goat's bladder to allow removal of the stones.

    Significance

    • Without treatment, your goat will develop life-threatening complications if he cannot pass the stones, including possible perforation of the urethra or rupture of the bladder.

    Considerations

    • When deciding upon treatment for your goat's urinary calculi, consider the treatment costs and your goat's pain level, as well as the progression of the disorder. Urinary calculi often return, especially if you fail to make corrections to your goat's diet, including providing supplemental calcium and plenty of fresh water.