Identification of uroliths by infrared spectroscopy

Wet chemical tests have deficiencies when applied to mixtures containing silica, which are common in the uroliths of some domestic animals. Consequently, the applicability of an infrared spectroscopic method was tested on 104 uroliths obtained from cattle, sheep, goats, horses, pigs, dogs, a chicken and a rabbit during diagnostic investigations. The following components were satisfactorily identified: silica, calcium oxalate, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, magnesium ammonium phosphate, magnesium phosphate and urates. The infrared characteristics of these compounds and their mixtures are described.