| This thesis investigates several aspects of cystolith formation and cystotomy practices. Part I was an investigation of risk factors for suture associated cystoliths; Part II was investigation of risk factors for feline urate urolithiasis and part III investigated cystotomy practices among general small animal practitioners in Ontario, Canada.;A retrospective case study from feline urolith submissions to the CVUC between February 2, 1998 and July 7, 2007 was performed to ascertain risk factors for feline urate urolithiasis. 10,083 total feline urolith submissions were reviewed, and 385 ammonium urate, 13 uric acid and 21 mixed struvite/urate uroliths were identified. The Egyptian Mau, Birman and Siamese breeds were significantly predisposed to urate urolithiasis. There was an association between the male gender and urate urolithiasis. Urate stone formers were significantly younger than non-urate stone formers. Egyptian Maus were significantly younger compared to all other stoneformers and among urate stoneformers.;A retrospective survey study was performed to characterize current cystotomy practices performed by general small animal veterinary practitioners in Ontario, Canada. Cases consisted of dogs and cats undergoing cystotomy by respondents. One-hundred and nineteen responses were received. Reasons for performing the cystotomy, peri-operative antibiotics, pre-operative analgesics, post-operative care, surgical technique, suture selection and complications were reviewed and analyzed.;Further research is required to better understand risk factors for urolithiasis formation, in general and, in particular, the association between urolithiasis and suture selection and cystotomy technique. Additionally metabolic studies are warranted in the Egyptian Mall, and possibly Siamese and Birman breeds to further elucidate their predisposition for urate urolithiasis formation.;Evaluation of risk factors for suture associated urolith formation was evaluated in a retrospective case control study. Cases were obtained from submissions to the Canadian Veterinary Urolith Centre (CVUC) over a 7 year period (November 12, 1999--October 5, 2006). One hundred and sixty-three dogs and 13 cats with suture-associated cystoliths were identified and compared with controls. Suture-associated cystoliths represented 0.6% of canine cystoliths, 9.4% of recurrent canine cystoliths, 0.17% of feline cystoliths, and 4% of recurrent feline cystoliths. Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, and Pomeranians were significantly predisposed. Compound suture-associated cystoliths were significantly more likely. Dogs with suture-associated cystoliths had significantly shorter recurrence times. |
