Comparison of four surgical techniques for the management of obstructive urolithiasis in male goats

The study was conducted to investigate the suitability of urethral process excision, urethrotomy, tube cystostomy and combination of urethrotomy and tube cystostomy for the management of obstructive urolithiasis in young male goats (n=175). A technique that was associated minimal postoperative complications and yielded higher success rate was considered superior to the other techniques. Excision of urethral process followed by urethral catheterization was successful in 50.56% cases; blockage of urethral catheter or urethra and recurrence were the major complications. Urethrotomy followed by fixation of indwelling urethral catheter was successful in 25% animals; the blockage and removal of the urethral catheter, and urinary seepage at the site of surgery were the major complications. Tube cystostomy (96.43%) and combination of urethrotomy/tube cystostomy (100%) with urinary acidification resulted in a very high success rate; occasional blockade of cystostomy catheter was the only complication recorded after tube cystostomy. It was concluded that urethral process excision and urethrotomy is not suitable for the management of obstructive urolithiasis. The tube cystostomy with urinary acidification is the procedure of choice for the management of obstructive urolithiasis in young male goats. However, it may be coupled with urethrotomy to treat the cases of urethral calculi refractory to medical dissolution.