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Summary
Sheep kidney calculi incidence significantly varies by season, peaking in late spring/early summer. Factors like sex and kidney laterality did not impact sheep renal calculus occurrence.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Nephrology
- Animal Science
Background:
- Renal calculi (kidney stones) can cause urinary tract obstruction in sheep.
- Understanding the incidence and influencing factors is crucial for sheep health management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of renal calculi in sheep.
- To investigate the effects of season, sex, and kidney laterality on calculus formation.
- To analyze the composition of microcalculi.
Main Methods:
- Examinations using X-ray photography and stereomicroscopy.
- A year-long seasonal study (June 1972-June 1973).
- Analysis of microcalculi composition (silica, oxalate, carbonate).
Main Results:
- Seasonal variation in calculus incidence was highly significant (P < 0.001), with peaks in June and May.
- Lowest incidence occurred from November to February (25-35%).
- No significant differences in incidence or distribution were found between sexes or between left and right kidneys.
Conclusions:
- Seasonal factors strongly influence renal calculus incidence in sheep.
- Further research is needed on factors affecting calculus retention and movement within the kidney.
- Findings are relevant to preventing urinary tract obstruction in grazing sheep.