Tube Cystostomy in Male Buffalo Calves (Bubalus bubalis) Suffering From Retention of Urine

To evaluate tube cystostomy for the management of obstructive urolithiasis, 35 buffalo calves suffering from retention of urine were randomly selected for the study. Diagnosis was made on the basis of a history of anuria, clinical signs, abdominocentesis and ultrasonographic examinations. The confirmed cases of obstructive urolithiasis were managed by surgical tube cystostomy technique with Foley's catheter. In all the affected buffalo calves, anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics along with urine acidifiers (ammonium chloride) were given. The affected buffalo calves had higher Heart rate, Respiration rate, but normal Rectal temperature. Haemoglobin (Hb), Packed cell volume (PCV), Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, phosphorus and potassium, Serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) and Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) levels were higher, whereas calcium, total plasma protein, albumin, globulin and albumin:globulin (A:G) ratio were lower than normal reference value and plasma sodium, magnesium and alkaline phosphatase values were within normal reference range. Urine analysis revealed high pH and low specific gravity. Staphylococcus spp., E.coli and Streptococcus spp.were the most common organisms isolated from the urine of affected animals, which were sensitive to cephalosporine and fluoroquinolone groups of antibiotics. The overall recovery rate was 91.42%. It may be concluded that tube cystostomy was treatment of choice and feasible method for the surgical management of obstructive urolithiasis in field conditions. The oral ammonium chloride may be beneficial for the medical dissolution of urethral calculi.