Bovine urolithiasis in Andhra Pradesh

Urinary calculi from three bulls, six bullocks and one male buffalo from the Guntur district were investigated. By chemical analysis only CO₃², Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and a trace of PO¾^- were found. X-ray analysis showed that all samples consisted of magnesian calcite with an atomic percentage of magnesium between 14.5 and 21.9. The size of the crystallites varied approx. from 200 to 400 Å.     

犬黄嘌呤尿结石症的诊断:36例临床病理报告

36只尿石症病犬表现体温下降,剧烈呕吐,食欲废绝,血清尿酸、肌酐、尿素氮升高,尿沉渣中有众多结晶体析出,经尿液和血清生化指标测定、B超探察、X线影像并结合饮食结构调查,确诊为黄嘌呤结石症。     

Evaluation of urinary carnitine and taurine excretion in 5 cystinuric dogs with carnitine and taurine deficiency

Five client owned dogs with cystinuria were diagnosed with carnitine and taurine deficiency while participating in a clinical trial that used dietary management of their urolithiasis. Stored 24-hour urine samples collected from the cystinuric dogs before enrollment in the clinical diet trial were quantitatively evaluated for carnitine and taurine. These results were compared to those obtained from 18 healthy Beagles. Both groups of dogs were fed the same maintenance diet for a minimum of 2 weeks before 24-hour urine collection. The protocol used for 24-hour urine collections was the same for cystinuric dogs and healthy Beagles except that cystinuric dogs were catheterized at baseline, 8 hours, 12 hours, and at the end of the collection, whereas Beagles were catheterized at baseline, 8 hours, and at the end of the collection. Three of 5 dogs with cystinuria had increased renal excretion of carnitine. None of the cystinuric dogs had increased renal excretion of taurine, but cystinuric dogs excreted significantly less (P < .05) taurine in their urine than the healthy Beagles. Carnitinuria has not been recognized previously in either humans or dogs with cystinuria, and it may be 1 risk factor for developing carnitine deficiency. Cystinuric dogs in this study were not taurinuric; however, cystine is a precursor amino acid for taurine synthesis. Therefore, cystinuria may be 1 risk factor for developing taurine deficiency in dogs. We suggest that dogs with cystinuria be monitored for carnitine and taurine deficiency or supplemented with carnitine and taurine.     

某犬场一起群发性尿石症的临床病理学研究

南京某地犬场爆发一起尿石症,其发病率为34.44%（62/180）,致死率为45.16%（28/62）,且发病持续时间较长。B超探查病犬肾脏和膀胱内出现点状或团块状强回声,表明有晶体存在;组织学检查,肾脏沉积的结晶体导致肾组织变性;患病犬的尿液和生化指标显示肾功能障碍;对结石成分进行扫描电镜观察,结晶体多呈球状,表明为黄嘌呤结石。     

Survey of ophthalmic disorders among captive pinnipeds in Japan

Pinnipeds have evolved enlarged ocular bulbs to catch fish in the dark. However, their large protruding eyes are easily damaged, which increases the risk of blindness and death in these animals. In captivity, ophthalmic disorders, manifested as keratitis and cataracts, are common among pinnipeds. In this study, we investigated symptoms of ophthalmic disorders in pinniped species using a questionnaire distributed to 32 zoos and aquariums throughout Japan. We conducted this study in cooperation with the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The survey included 295 pinnipeds from four otariid species, five phocid species, and one odobenid species. Of these, 43.1% of the pinnipeds had diseases affecting the lens, cornea, and/or other eye parts. Age was positively associated with lens disorders in California sea lions, South American sea lions, and spotted seals. Conflicts and public appearances were also associated with corneal and/or lens disorders in California sea lions. Treatments were evaluated as effective for corneal disorders and conjunctivitis. The results of this study indicate that ophthalmic disorders in pinnipeds are related to the conditions of their captive environment. Aquariums and zoos should be encouraged to share information regarding optimal maintenance practices to improve the living conditions of pinnipeds.     

Calcium urolithiasis in two dogs with parathyroid adenomas

Primary hyperparathyroidism resulted in calcium urolith formation and calcium nephropathy in 2 dogs. Uroliths composed of calcium phosphate were surgically removed from the bladder of one dog 3 months after surgical removal of a parathyroid adenoma. Five years later, hypercalcemia and urolithiasis had not recurred. In a second dog, calcium oxalate renal and bladder uroliths remained unchanged in size at 11 months after removal of a parathyroid adenoma. The possibility of primary hyperparathyroidism should be considered in any dog with calcium urolithiasis.     

Survey of ixodid tick species on domestic cats in Japan

Various species of ixodid ticks, attached to domestic cats in Japan, were identified in spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). In the spring, a total of 282 ticks, including 61 larvae, 70 nymphs, 127 females and 24 males were collected from 126 cats. Of these, 264 were identified up to the species level. In the spring, Haemaphysalis longicornis was the most frequently (39.7%, 50/126) found tick species on feline hosts, followed by Ixodes ovatus (35.0%, 44/126), Ixodes nipponensis (15.9%, 20/126) and Haemaphysalis flava (9.5%, 12/126). Small numbers of Haemaphysalis megaspinosa, Haemaphysalis japonica, Ixodes persulcatus, Ixodes granulatus and Amblyomma testudinarium were also recovered. H. longicornis was the most frequently found tick species on cats around riversides or river basins, while I. ovatus and I. nipponensis were more frequently found on cats kept near woodland or related areas. I. nipponensis was more frequently found on castrated males. No major statistical differences in the frequency of tick attachment among sex, age or hair length for the three major tick species were found. Of 205 ticks including 173 (84.4%) larvae, 27 (13.2%) nymphs, 4 (2.0%) females and 1 (0.5%) male recovered from 62 cats in autumn, only 32 (15.6%) were identified. Most of the larvae were fully- or partly-engorged Haemaphysalis spp., and it was difficult to identify them further by morphological characterization.     

Survey of porcine proliferative enteritis in the Tohoku District of Japan

A survey of proliferative enteritis (PE) in pigs at a meat processing plant was conducted using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing methods. During the investigation period, 227 of 83,717 pigs brought to the meat processing plant from Iwate, Fukushima, Miyagi, Niigata, and Yamagata Prefectures displayed characteristic general pathological features in terminal ileum, including mucosal hypertrophy and reticulation of serosal surface. Of these, 179 cases were further examined in the laboratory. All cases displayed characteristic histopathological features, and the specific band of the Lawsonia intracellularis (Li) causative agent of PE in pigs was detected in 155 cases by PCR testing methods. These results suggested a general infiltration of Li in the Tohoku district.     

A survey of urolithiasis in cats

The incidence of urolithiasis in cats is 0.6 per cent. A total of 41 calculi were subjected to epidemiological and analytical investigation. Calculus formation is most frequent in male castrates and occurs exclusively in the bladder and urethra. Eighty per cent of the animals under investigation were overweight and the same percentage required surgical or instrumental treatment. Thirty-seven per cent of the calculi were recurrent, but only 22 per cent were accompanied by an infection. A predisposition due to diet (dry food/tinned food) was not established. Over 75 per cent of the calculi which were analysed consisted of struvite, the formation of which is promoted by an increased pH-value, as well as by a high level of magnesium and phosphate in the urine. The crystalline structure of the calculi indicates a slow growth rate not influenced by an acute infection. The genesis of struvite urolithiasis in cats, as well as measures to prevent its recurrence, are explained.     

Complications associated with transurethral endoscopic‐assisted electrohydraulic lithotripsy for treatment of a bladder calculus in a gelding

A cystic calculus approximately 6 cm in diameter was diagnosed by ultrasonography and endoscopy in a 12‐year‐old Trakehner gelding with a history of haematuria and dysuria. Transurethral endoscopic lithotripsy with electrohydraulic shock waves was performed as a minimally invasive treatment option. Fragmentation of the calculus was achieved, the fragments of the calculus left in the bladder and excretion assisted by infusion of Ringer's solution. Twenty‐four hours after the third lithotripsy, the horse suffered a recurrence of dysuria and pollakiuria due to partial obstruction of the urethra by the calculus fragments. The treatment was repeated within the urethra until clearance of the fragments was achieved. The sharp fragments had produced a zone of urethral mucosal trauma, approximately 10 cm in length. At the follow‐up visit 4 weeks later, the patient had developed inflammation and swelling of the urethral mucosa, which was successfully treated with a 14 day course of anti‐inflammatory drugs. This resulted in normal urination. At the last follow‐up, the horse had been recurrence‐free for 12 months.     

Effects of hydrochlorothiazide and diet in dogs with calcium oxalate urolithiasis

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) reduces urinary calcium excretion in dogs with calcium oxalate urolithiasis. DESIGN: Original study. ANIMALS: 8 dogs with calcium oxalate urolithiasis. PROCEDURE: 4 treatment protocols were evaluated in each dog (a low calcium, low protein diet designed to prevent calcium oxalate urolith formation with and without administration of HCTZ [2 mg/kg (0.9 mg/lb) of body weight, PO, q 12 h] and a maintenance diet with higher quantities of protein and calcium with and without administration of HCTZ). At the end of each 2-week treatment period, 24-hour urine samples were collected. Blood samples were collected during the midpoint of each urine collection period. Analysis of variance was performed to evaluate the effects of HCTZ and diet on urine and serum analytes. RESULTS: Hydrochlorothiazide significantly decreased urine calcium and potassium concentration and excretion. Hydrochlorothiazide also significantly decreased serum potassium concentration. Compared with the maintenance diet, the urolith prevention diet significantly decreased urine calcium and oxalic acid concentration and excretion. Dogs consuming the urolith prevention diet had significantly lower serum concentrations of albumin and urea nitrogen. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Administration of HCTZ decreased urine calcium excretion in dogs with a history of calcium oxalate urolith formation. The greatest reduction in urine calcium concentration and excretion was achieved when dogs received HCTZ and the urolith prevention diet. Results of this study suggest that the hypocalciuric effect of HCTZ will minimize recurrence of calcium oxalate urolith formation in dogs; however, long-term controlled clinical trials are needed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of HCTZ.     

Urethrotomy of the glans penis in three male dogs with urolithiasis

Three intact male dogs with stranguria and haematuria caused by uroliths in the penile urethra underwent urethrotomy using a novel surgical approach directly over the caudal part of the os penis because conservative procedures to resolve the obstructions had failed. Haemorrhage was minimal, and the incisions healed rapidly by second intention. Complications did not occur during the 6‐month follow‐up period. Urethrotomy directly over the os penis is straightforward, associated with few complications and holds promise for the removal of urinary calculi in the penile urethra.     

Ten cases of bladder paralysis associated with sabulous urolithiasis in horses

Bladder paralysis and sabulous urolithiasis were diagnosed in 10 horses with urinary incontinence. Additional neurological deficits in the hindquarters were detected in five of them. Treatment by catheter drainage and bladder lavage was unsuccessful, and all the horses were destroyed within 14 months of presentation. Neuritis of the cauda equina was diagnosed post mortem in one horse, but the cause of the paralysis was not identified in the others, although radiography revealed abnormal lumbosacral vertebral angulation in one case.     

Radiographic features of suspected suture‐associated cystic calculi in dogs

This retrospective case series describes the radiographic features of suspected suture‐associated cystic calculi in six dogs with a history of at least one or multiple prior cystotomies. One of the dogs presented twice. Suspected suture‐associated cystic calculi were multifocal, short, predominantly linear mineral opacities localized in the center of the urinary bladder on abdominal radiographs. One patient (n = 1) presented with multifocal round, pin point, and linear radiopaque calculi. The calculi were all calcium oxalate in composition. On gross examination, the calculi had a hollow center. Six cystotomies used monofilament absorbable suture material (polydioxanone [n = 4] or poliglecaprone 25 [n = 1]) in prior cystotomies. Suture material in two of the cases was unknown. Suspected suture‐associated cystic calculi are a rare occurrence in veterinary medicine but should be considered in dogs that have a history of prior cystotomy, hollow core on gross analysis, and radiographic evidence of mineral opaque, predominantly linear, cystic calculi.