Haemato-biochemical and serum electrolyte alterations in goats with lower urinary tract disorders: A retrospective study

Abstract

Urinary tract disorders in goats are a significant concern, impacting their health and productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the hematological, biochemical, and serum electrolyte changes in goats diagnosed with lower urinary tract disorders, including bacterial urinary tract infections (UTIs), bacterial cystitis, urolithiasis, and patent urachus. From November 2022 to November 2023, 239 goats presenting clinical signs such as dysuria, urine dribbling, caudal abdominal pain, and hematuria were evaluated at the Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary Science, Rajendranagar. A comprehensive diagnostic approach was employed, including clinical examination, hematological and biochemical analysis, urinalysis, bacterial culture, antibiogram testing, and imaging. Hematological results revealed significant anemia in bacterial UTIs and cystitis, characterized by reduced hemoglobin (Hb), total erythrocyte count (TEC), and packed cell volume (PCV), accompanied by leukocytosis and neutrophilia. In contrast, urolithiasis was marked by hemoconcentration, microcytic anemia, and neutrophilia, while patent urachus showed minimal hematological alterations. Serum biochemical analysis indicated renal dysfunction in bacterial infections and urolithiasis, evidenced by elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels, with associated hypoalbuminemia. Alterations in liver enzymes, including elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), were prominent in urolithiasis. Electrolyte imbalances, such as hyponatremia, hypochloraemia, hypocalcemia, and hypophosphatemia, were observed in bacterial infections and urolithiasis, reflecting renal and inflammatory disruptions.