Urolithiasis
Stones In The Urinary Tract

 
;
Urolithiasis (stones in the urinary tract) is fairly common in goats and sheep, but not as common in camelids. And due to the urethra being smaller in males than females, this disease is seen in males rather than females.

Stones are generally caused by an imbalance of calcium and phosphorus in the diet. There is a proper calcium/phosphorus ratio that should be maintained in the diet of camelids - this can be checked by drawing blood and doing a CBC. Feeding the proper type of hay for your area and a supplement grain formulated for llamas can help keep the calcium and phosphorus ratio in proper balance.

For example: Alfalfa hay is high in calcium and grains are high in phosphorus. When the phosphorus is too high for the amount of calcium, the excess phosphorus, which is absorbed into the blood stream from the intestine, is thrown away in the urine. When the phosphorus gets too high in the urine, it forms crystals which have very sharp edges and appear like tiny grains of sand. These tiny grains can pack into stones and plug up the urethra, the tube that takes the urine from the bladder to the outside. If the urethra becomes plugged from the stones, the urine often leaks out into the tissues, or the bladder ruptures. Since urine is toxic to the animal, the llama may die of urea toxicity.

If stones have formed, you may notice your llama or alpaca acting depressed and possibly standing with his hind legs stretched out behind him. He may walk a little stiffly and reluctantly. You may notice him having to strain to urinate or possibly the urine will pass in just a dribble and take a long time. You may also notice a swelling in the sheath area. Call your veterinarian.

 


Urine Scald 

An irritated red or raw area appears under the animal's tail from strong urine. Sometimes it seems to occur from the high calcium content of alfalfa hay. Just applying a coat of Vaseline, Desitin, or Bag Balm (for cattle udders) should clear it up. If severe, perhaps the diet should be adjusted.

 


Return To Medical & Care Index

 


Return To Llama Management


Return To Home Page

Disclaimer
All information on this website is provided as a public service, but we
cannot guarantee that this information is current or accurate. Readers
should consult with their veterinarian before acting on any treatments.

© 1996/2018 Shagbark Ridge Llamas


Thank you for visiting Shagbark Ridge Llamas/Hamilton Co. Llamas. If you have
questions or comments, please leave a message.