Prevalence and pathological findings of cholelithiasis in goats

BACKGROUND: Gallstones are concretions that form in the biliary system. There are two major types of gallstones (pigment and cholesterol), which seem to form due to distinctly different pathogenic mechanisms. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and chemical composition of gallstones in goats. Bacteriologic analysis and pathological findings were reviewed. METHODS: The study was carried out on 411 goats atJuneghan abattoir in Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari province of Iran. RESULTS: Gallstones were found in the gallbladder of 5 goats (1.2%). Biliary calculi were more frequent in adult goats (p<0.05). No significant difference was seen between male and female goats with gallstones. Chemical analysis of the gallstones revealed 4 goats with pigment (bilirubin) stones and 1 goat with cholesterol stones. Chemical composition of bile in these goats was evaluated.Bacteriologic analysis of the bile in the affected goats revealed bacteria (Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp.) in 3 goats. Microscopic examination of gallbladders revealed cystic glands, necrosis and atrophy of mucosal layer, edema, focal and diffuse infiltration of lymphocytes in submucosal layer, and hypertrophy of smooth muscles in goats with gallstones. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that the prevalence of both types of gallstones in goatsare low. Cholelithiasis can cause chronic inflammation of the gallbladder but it is not likely to become clinically significant

Keywords:

goat , cholelithiasis , prevalence , bacteriology , pathology