Uremic changes induced by experimental urinary retention in goats.

The disease process of urinary retention resulting in uremia reported in cattle was studied clinically, clinico-pathologically and pathologically in 4 male goats with artificial urethrobstruction (UO). The blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine values increased at constant rates (mean rates: 29.1 mg/dl/day and 1.6 mg/dl/day, respectively) from the initial stage. These increased levels were thought to be the most useful indicator for the diagnosis of the uremic stage. The serum sodium and chloride values decreased gradually after UO. The glucose and potassium values increased remarkably later than in the intermediate stage. Rupture of the bladder caused severe dehydration. The animals died between 8 to 13 days post-urinary retention. Unusual respiration and heart beat, and severe nervous signs were seen at moribundity. Gross lesions of the urinary organs were characterized by the pressure of retained urine and hemorrhage and edema in the subcutaneous tissues, skeletal muscles and some other organs. To study the effect of urethrotomy, 3 male goats were relieved from UO 3 or 4 days after UO operation. The animals became capable of reurination and recovered from the uremic condition within 4 days.