High urinary trace element concentrations: A possible indicator of urolithiasis in goats?

Abstract

BackgroundUrolithiasis is a common urinary tract disorder among male goats. The role of trace elements in the crystallization of supersaturated urine has garnered considerable interest in other species, whereas their role in urolithogenesis has not been studied so far in goats. This study investigated the possible roles of urinary trace elements (Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn) in the pathogenesis of urolithiasis in goats. Materials and methodsEight male goats with obstructive urolithiasis were used in the study. A celiotomy with tube cystostomy was performed after the diagnosis. Urine samples collected intra-operatively were used for physico-chemical examination, microscopy, and trace element quantification by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Urinary sediments were also used for chemical functional group determination by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. ResultsMultiple coffin-top-shaped urinary crystals were observed in all the goats. Mean urinary Mn, Fe, and Zn concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in urolithic goats than in healthy controls. The mean urinary Cu concentration was found to be non-significantly higher in urolithic goats than in healthy controls. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of PO43−, NH4+, and OH− chemical functional groups in the selected urinary sediments. ConclusionsThe findings suggest that high urinary Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn concentrations in goats play a role in the urolithogenesis of phosphate stones.