[Clinical kidney function studies in sheep. III. Pathologic function changes in nephropathies of sheep and in...

Examination of renal function have been carried out in sheep with acute prerenal (n = 6), renal (n = 15) or postrenal failure (n = 3), pyelocystitis (n = 4), and in cases of urolithiasis in rams (n = 16) and billy goats (n = 11) respectively. The calculation of parameters was done on the basis of the estimated weight dependent endogenous creatinine excretion. A control group of 56 healthy non pregnant or early pregnant (< 120th day of pregnancy) ewes have been used. The renal creatinine clearance was reduced and the absolute as well as the fractional renal water excretion was enhanced in all groups of sick animals. An elevated fractional excretion of sodium and phosphate could be seen as well. Functional disturbances could be observed in urolithiasis in like manner as in acute renal failure. There was proteinuria, glucosuria, excessive potassium excretion and often decreased plasma concentration of potassium in both syndromes. A hyperkalemia occurred only in the final state of urolithiasis. No clinical outcome of chronic nephropathies could be seen. Mortality of the described acute nephropathies was about 76%. The results of examination were suitable to control the course and restitution of renal function. They were not helpful for differential diagnosis and prognosis of acute renal failure.