UC prevention

[pintsofclove]

Hello,
I am wondering about the proper diet for my nigerian pygmy wether. He is 4 years and 8 months old, and was neutered around 4 months old. He had never seems to strain to urinate, but recently he had a blockage that he could not pass, and he as taken to the vet and treated. I do not feed him any grain, except as a small incentive for entering his enclosure, and he has minerals and clean water constantly. They said he had many small stones, indicating that the hay was the problem. The supplier had said that the hay was orchard grass, but I’m wondering if it was mixed or if the water (from a pump outside) is “hard water”. Is orchard grass okay to feed him, or just timothy? Or are there any general large diet changes I need to make? Also, would regular grass/ shrubs be the problem, as both my goats forage. Thanks.

 

[Mini Horses]

Did the vet not suggest anything?

Somewhat it depends on what the stones are made up of. Many times ammonium chloride is suggested for goats but, potassium chloride may dissolve some types.

The goal is to raise the PH levels in their urine. Do you keep baking soda out for your goat(s)? That may be enough to help...without further meds. Give it a try. Cheap and won't hurt anything.

No matter what, it's a wait & see effort.

 

[pintsofclove]

Yea, they said since we do not feed them grain, the hay we were told was orchard was most likely mixed with alfalfa which probably caused the blockages. I have not tried baking soda, but I was told that apple cider vinegar added to the water wouldn’t dissolve the stones that he had, I’m not super sure why. I will try the baking soda out, thanks!