there must be high concentrations of
minerals in the urine
the the
of urine must be prolonged in the urinary tract
must be favourable for the precipitation of crystals.
These three conditions are influenced by the presence of infection, the diet and by the frequency and volume of urination as well as genetics. Horses fed high forage diets tend to form uroliths made of calcium carbonate while horses fed high grain diets tend to form uroliths made of calcium phosphate. Urolithiasis is reported to occur most commonly in the and to be more frequent in males than females. . The clinical presentation of urolithiasis includes cystitis, urethritis, dysuria, anuria, stranguria, uremia, haematuria, urine scald, anorexia, weight loss, dehydration, rupture of the bladder, abdominal discomfort, coma and death due to peritonitis. If the uroliths are small and the obstruction is minimal the horse may be Diagnosis of urolithiasis is made through rectal palpation of the bladder, clinical signs and symptoms and ultrasonography. Treatment includes shockwave therapy to break down the calculi or surgical removal of calculi. Supportive care such as NSAID’s, catheterization and diuretics. Prognosis for urolithiasis is good if obstruction is partial and the horse continues to urinate and treatment is prompt. If the obstruction is complete, anuria occurs, or treatment is delayed prognosis is guarded to poor.
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