ABSTRACT
Urolithiasis in small ruminants is a metabolic disease of multifactorial etiology with worldwide distribution. Increased urinary concentration of solutes, ionized minerals (crystalloid) that form insoluble crystals is cited by some authors as the most important factor. Thus, knowledge of mineral profile of the animals fed calculogenic diets and chemical composition of uroliths becomes an effective tool in preventing the disease. In this study, we used 14 healthy, male, non-neutered sheep, of the Santa Ines breed, aged approximately 90 days, divided into two groups (G1-without vitamin C and G2-with vitamin C) fed calculogenic diet. Analysis of mineral profiles in serum and urine revealed complete imbalance in the relationship between concentrations of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, with significant increase of phosphorus and magnesium and substantial reduction of calcium. Thus, biochemical analysis of uroliths showed that calcium was present in 50% of samples.
Keywords:
Sheep disease; mineral; urinary tract; urolithiasis
