Biochemical Assessment of Kidney Function in Goats with Urolithiasis in Kebbi State, North West Nigeria

Urolithiasis in small ruminants represents a clinically important condition characterised by urinary tract obstruction and associated metabolic derangements. This study assessed renal function parameters in male goats diagnosed with urolithiasis at veterinary clinics in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, North West Nigeria. Forty male goats comprising twenty urolithiasis cases confirmed by clinical examination and urinalysis and twenty healthy controls were recruited. Serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, potassium, sodium, and urinary fractional excretion of electrolytes were determined. Urolithiasis-affected goats demonstrated significantly elevated serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen relative to controls, consistent with obstructive uropathy and post-renal azotaemia. Hyperkalaemia was documented in twelve of twenty affected goats, representing a clinically critical electrolyte derangement associated with urinary obstruction. Serum sodium was modestly reduced in the affected group. Fractional excretion of sodium was markedly elevated in goats surviving obstruction relief, consistent with tubular injury. The dietary history of affected animals pointed to high cereal concentrate feeding with low roughage intake as a predisposing risk factor. The study emphasises the importance of early biochemical intervention in goat urolithiasis management and recommends dietary modification as a prophylactic measure in North West Nigeria. Keywords: urolithiasis, renal function, goats, hyperkalaemia, Kebbi State.