Azotemia and metabolic alkalosis in calves with urolithiasis associated with urinary bladder and urethral rupture

Abstract EN

Obstructive urolithiasis (OU) with ruptured bladder and urethra is one of common life-threatening diseases affecting male calves.

The present study was undertaken to clinically evaluate and determine the changes of acid-base balance and levels of non protein nitrogenous compounds (BUN and serum creatinine) associated with ruptured bladder and urethra in calves.

Seventeen cases with ruptured bladder and urethra were prospectively examined in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) at Assiut University-Egypt.

Diagnosis was based on anuria, abdominal distension and abdominocentesis.

Complete blood count, status of acid-base balance, and levels of BUN and serum creatinine were determined.

Ruptured bladder was confirmed in 11 cases while ruptured urethra was diagnosed in 6 cases.

Results of this study showed that both cases had significant (P < 0.05) increases in the total count of RBCs, WBCs and granulocytes, Hb concentration, PCV%, and the levels of BUN and serum creatinine.

Only cases of ruptured bladder exhibited significant (P < 0.05) increase in their blood pH value, bicarbonate ion, and base excess concentrations.

In conclusion, cases of ruptured bladder and urethra were associated with leucocytosis, granulocytosis and azotemia suggesting state of stress and uremia while a state of progressive metabolic alkalosis accompanied by azotemia was only evident in ruptured bladder.