Cause
a. Urinary calculi -- primarily a problem of bucks and wethers -- result from mineral salts deposited within the urinary organs: kidneys, bladder, ureters, urethra, around the preputial orifice, etc.
b. Nutritional and seasonal factors are associated with the incidence of urinary calculi:
  - concentrates, high phosphorus
  - silicates, present in either grasses or grain
  - cold weather which reduces water intake

Signs
a. Vary from mild to severe when the urinary passages are obstructed.
b. Arched back, straining, tail twitching.
c. Subcutaneous edema.
d. The distended urinary bladder may eventually rupture and the affected animal may actually appear improved for several days... UNTIL SIGNS OF UREMIA DEVELOP.
e. The urethra may also rupture from excessive pressure.

Treatment
a. Treatment requires the reestablishment of ability to urinate.
b. Some mild cases may response to ammonium chloride:
  - either in feed: 1/4 oz/head for 7-10 days
  - or drench: 3/4-1 fluid oz/head for every other day up to 3 times. Use 30% NH4CI solution.
c. Severe cases may be saved only through surgical intervention.
d. Smooth muscle relaxants may help.
e. Nutrition, water availability and mineral balance must be adjusted, as needed.

Prevention
a. Through management practices intended to reduce predisposing factors:
  - plenty of water
  - supplement ration with feed grade limestone: 20-30 lb/ton of feed
  - may add sodium chloride (common salt) to ration: 3-5%
  - balanced mineral intake.
  - may add ammonium chloride to ration: 0.5-1% more effective that sodium chloride.

This article is used by permission and is part of:
Nutritional Effects on Goat Health
by Helen A. Swartz
State Sheep, Goat and Livestock Specialist
Lincoln University Cooperative Extension