Urethrotomy in combination with or after temporary tube cystostomy for treatment of obstructive urolithiasis in male goats.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To report the clinical findings, outcome, and complications associated with urethrotomy performed in combination with or after temporary tube cystostomy for treatment of obstructive urolithiasis in male goats. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SAMPLE POPULATION: Castrated male goats (n = 15). METHODS: The medical records of male goats admitted for obstructive urolithiasis were reviewed. Goats that underwent aurethrotomy performed in combination with or after a temporary tube cystostomy were included in the study population. Follow-up information was obtained through hospital records and telephone communication. RESULTS: Thirteen of 15 goats were discharged from the hospital a median of 13 days (range, 7-25) after urethrotomy. Complications related to the urinary system occurred in 5 goats and included recurrent obstruction, urination from open urethrotomy, uroabdomen and intra-abdominal adhesions after removal of the Foley catheter, and incisional infection. Five of 7 goats with long-term follow-up (2-24 months after surgery) were healthy, with normal urinary function. The remaining 2 goats returned to the hospital with signs of reobstruction that were attributed to uroliths at necropsy in 1 goat. CONCLUSION: Goats treated with urethrotomy for persistent urethral obstruction after temporary tube cystostomy generally survived the procedure. Normal long-term urinary function was obtained in some goats, although recurrence was the most common complication. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Urethrotomy is a surgical option for male goats with persistent urethral obstruction due to urethral calculi after temporary tube cystostomy.