Avaliação dos efeitos da vitamina c em ovinos submetidos à dieta calculogênica

Abstract

Urolithiasis is a metabolic disease of complex and multifactorial etiology, characterized by uroliths formation in the urinary system. It becomes clinically important when obstruction occurs, with little chance of reversal, and prevention is the best option for maintaining the integrity of the reproductive capacity. For this, one must know the biochemical profile of animals and fix the possible factors that may be related to the formation of uroliths. Morphometric study in turn, enables the comparative observation and description of changes and can therefore be used as a method of diagnostic. Urinary acidification is cited as an efficient alternative for the prevention, so vitamin C was used. In this study, 20 healthy sheep, male (not neutered), Santa Ines breed, aged approximately 90 days, were divided into three groups (G1 n=7 - calculogenic diet without vitamin C, G2 n=7 - calculogenic diet with vitamin C and G3 n=6 - control). To analyze the biochemical profiles groups 1 and 2 were compared and the morphometric analysis the three groups were compared. Animals were examined weekly, allowing direct observation of clinical signs, such as prostration/restlessness, penile exposure, abdomen kicking, urethral process congestion, among others. Analysis of biochemical profiles of urine and serum revealed hyperproteinemia (8.99g/dL) and proteinuria (43.82g/dL) in 57.14% aciduria (G1) and 71.43% (G2) and the presence of erythrocytes, leukocytes, bacteria and sperm to the urinary sediment. There was an important increase of phosphorus and magnesium e there was a substantial decrease of calcium which was present in 50% of uroliths samples analyzed. At the end of the experimental time animals were slaughtered and necropsy of them was followed by morphometry of the organs of the urinary system. Necrosis of urethral process and bladder with extensive bleeding area were observed during the necropsy procedure. The width of the kidneys and ureters were higher in G2, which may have contributed to lower retention of uroliths on this site.