Impact of two types of complete pelleted, wild ungulate feeds and two pelleted feed to hay ratios on the development of urolithogenic compounds in meat goats as a model for giraffes

Abstract

Urolith formation has been documented in giraffes and goats. As research in giraffes poses logistical challenges, 16 buck goats were used as a model. The impact of two commercially available, pelleted feeds used for giraffes, ADF-16 and Wild Herbivore (WH), as well as the impact of alfalfa hay and pellet proportions (20% hay:80% pellets, 80P or 80% hay:20% pellet, 20P) on the formation of urolithogenic precursors in goat urine was accomplished in a 2 × 2 factorial balance study. Complete diets contained 0.60, 0.32, 0.35 and 0.26% phosphorus (P) with calcium:P ratios of 1.60, 4.16, 3.06 and 5.23, for 80P-ADF-16, 20P-ADF-16, 80P-WH and 20P-WH respectively. Total faeces and urine were collected over two 5-day periods to assess N and mineral balance. Fresh urine samples were collected and evaluated microscopically for urolithic crystal content. Urinary nitrogen (N) was lower and N retention was higher in goats fed 80P diets (p < 0.05). Intake of P was greatest for goats fed 80P-ADF-16; however, urinary P excretion and P retention were not affected by treatment. Crystal scores were higher in animals receiving 80P diets (p = 0.08), with crystals being composed predominantly of calcium phosphate. Urine pH was alkaline (>8) for all treatments. Urinary P concentration, a risk factor for urolithiasis, was highest (p ≤ 0.06) in the 80P-ADF-16 treatment (0.38 vs. 0.01, 0.02 and 0.04 mg/dl for 20P-ADF-16, 80P-WH and 20P-WH respectively), reflecting its highest dietary P level. Further investigation is recommended to determine the long-term effects of these diets on urolithogenic compound formation.

Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Obstruction via Scrotal Urethrostomy in an Eastern Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger)

“…[6][7][8] Other species in which urethrostomy has been documented include small ruminants, antelope species, camelids, equids, dogs, ferrets, a serval, and non-human primates. [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] A single case of urethrostomy in a rodent species has been reported; this procedure was performed as a salvage procedure in a male rat with preputial adenocarcinoma and subsequent penile amputation. 23 Complications of urethrostomy include anesthetic risk, stricture of the surgical site, recurrent ascending bacterial urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, extravasation of urine, skin necrosis, and self-mutilation of the surgical site.…”

Urolithiasis in a captive group of Tammar wallabies (Macropus eugenii)

“…One of the most important factors regarding this might be the composition and proportion of pelleted feeds in the daily portion. Alfalfa hay can also contribute to high mineral levels of the urine [Sullivan et al, ]. Though no definitive analysis of the foods were done in the study period, feeding of alfalfa hay ceased in 2010 and it was substituted with grass hay.…”

Perineal urethrostomy to treat obstructive urolithiasis in a captive hand-raised steenbok (<i>Raphicerus campestris</i>)

“…The oral fluids were supplemented three times daily with ammonium chloride (200 mg/kg bwt: Ammonium Chloride, Trans Pharm, Hermanstad, South Africa) to acidify the urine (Mavangira, Cornish & Angelos 2010 ; Sprake 2012 ). Acidification of the urine was important as struvite uroliths are most commonly associated with ruminants, the urine pH was increased to 8 and magnesium calcium phosphate crystals were present in the urine (Sullivan et al 2013 ; Van Metre et al 1996 ). The patient was given ad lib fresh buffalo thorn leaves (browse) and fresh grated vegetables at 0.5% bodyweight daily.…”