Diseases of the male in sheep and goats. A typical non-reproductive disorder of the male

We will separate reproductive diseases and disorders from non-reproductive disorders in males in sheep and goats.

You asked for emphasis on a typical non-reproductive disorder – so I will focus on this:

A typical non-reproductive disorder in males

Urolithiasis – stones in the urinary tract

This is one of the most common and problematic disorders in males in sheep and goats.

The stones (uroliths) are formed due to a nutritional imbalance, mainly an excess of phosphorus in relation to calcium or giving a high-grain mixture without enough hay.

The risk is higher in neutered males due to urinary tract problems.

Clinical signs:

Loss of appetite, restlessness, abdominal kicks.

Repeated attempts to urinate with little or no urine dripping.

Swelling at the tip of the penis or in the tail area due to rupture of the bladder or urethra.

If untreated, may result in death due to rupture of the bladder and uremia.

Treatment:

Administering painkillers, cutting the distal urethral opening (urethrostomy) or removing the small tail at the tip of the penis (processus urethralis) where the stone usually gets stuck.

Sometimes more complex surgery is needed.

Preventive nutritional therapy is critical (correct calcium:phosphorus ratio, available water, providing chloride to prevent urine alkalinity).

A concise review of non-reproductive diseases and disorders in male sheep and goats:

1. Urinary tract disorders

Urolithiasis (urinary tract stones)

The most common.

Caused by a nutritional imbalance (excess phosphorus, lack of fiber, insufficient drinking).

Especially common in neutered males.

Signs: urinary retention, failed urination attempts, bloating, abdominal pain, may result in bladder rupture and death.

2. Other Bladder and Urinary Tract Problems

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Relatively rare but can occur due to stones, trauma, or infection.

Penile/urethral prolapse: Due to trauma, infection, or an abnormal urinary mechanism.

3. Metabolic and nutritional problems

Zinc – deficiency: can cause hair loss, loss of appetite, skin infections.

Other mineral deficiencies (selenium, copper in the wrong dosage) – damage the muscular and nervous systems.

Obesity in the udders (especially young males): increases the risk of urinary stones and joint problems.

4. Systemic diseases (not specific to males)

Tetanus: Common after castration, tail docking, or injuries.

Clostridium difficile (Enterotoxemia): May occur with a high-carbohydrate diet.

Internal and external parasites: intestinal worms, ticks, lice, hookworms – cause weakness, weight loss, economic loss.

5. Trauma and Injuries

Fights between males cause:

Head and horn bruises.

Horn fractures.

Skin and eye injuries.

Trauma to the penis and abdomen due to friction or improper mating.

6. Orthopedic and Muscular Problems

Lameness: Due to foot rot, foot scald, trauma, or joint disease.

White Muscle Disease: Selenium/Vitamin E deficiency, common in lambs and kids, can also affect adult males.

Summary:

Non-reproductive disorders in males are mainly concentrated in:

Urinary tract (stones, infections, obstructions) – the most typical disorder.

Metabolic and nutritional (mineral deficiencies, obesity).

General diseases (infectious, parasitic).

Trauma and orthopedic (fights, lameness, muscle diseases).

*It is always advisable to consult a qualified veterinarian.