When a goat can’t pee, it’s not just uncomfortable, it’s an emergency. In this episode of Hoofnotes, we dive deep into one of the most dreaded conditions for goat owners: urinary stones, or urolithiasis. It’s a painful and potentially fatal issue, especially for wethers, but one that is often preventable with the right knowledge and care.

We go far beyond the usual social media advice and get into the real science behind this condition. You’ll learn how urinary stones form, why male goats are more at risk, and what types of stones are most common based on urine pH and mineral balance. We talk about early signs to watch for, like straining, vocalizing, or tail flagging, and what to do if you suspect a blockage.

But most importantly, we walk through treatment and prevention in clear, practical terms. We explain how a high-grain, low-forage diet or an off-balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio contributes to stone formation, and how ammonium chloride works at a biochemical level to help dissolve certain stones and acidify urine. You’ll also learn when AC helps, when it doesn’t, and how to avoid long-term complications from improper use.

This episode is essential for anyone raising male goats, especially pet wethers. If you’ve ever wondered how feed choices, water intake, or even castration timing impact your goats' urinary health, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re just starting out or managing a full herd, understanding this topic can help prevent heartache, vet bills, and lost animals.

Articles for this episode:

Augustinsson, O., & Johansson, K. (1986). Ammonium chloride induced acidosis and aldosterone secretion in the goat. Acta Physiologica Scandinavica, 128(4), 535–540.

Coulson, S. (2024, September 13). Baxter the goat’s big pee problem: A tale of urinary stones and second chances. UF Large Animal Hospital - University of Florida.

Lifestyle Vet Auckland. (2019, June 29). Preventing Urolithiasis in your Goat & Sheep Pets.

Mejia, S., McOnie, R. C., Nelligan, K. L., & Fubini, S. L. (2022). Small ruminant urinary obstruction: decision trees for treatment. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 260(S2), S64–S71.

Merkatoris, P. (n.d.). Update on Obstructive Urolithiasis in Small Ruminants. Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. (2017, May 19). Obstructive Urolithiasis in Goats: A Case Report.

MU Veterinary Health Center. (n.d.). Recognizing a Medical Emergency in Small Ruminants.

Perdue, M., Braxton, K., & Moyle, J. (2022, October). Urinary Calculi in Male Goats and Sheep (FS-2021-0581). University of Maryland Extension.

Pongphitcha, P., Chuchoed, K., Thetsana, T., Dachphun, N., Sukhong, P., & Ratanapob, N. (2024). Factors associated with success rate of oral force-feeding ammonium chloride administration to acidify urine in goats. Open Veterinary Journal, 14(9), 2310–2314.

Reed, S. (2023, April 6). Treating And Preventing Urinary Stones In Goats. VMBS News, Texas A&M School ofVeterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.

Schoenian, S. (2005). Urinary calculi in sheep and goats. Maryland Small Ruminant Page.

The Merck Veterinary Manual. Urolithiasis in Ruminants.

Van Metre, D. C. (2010, August 1). Urolithiasis in small ruminants (Proceedings). DVM360.

American College of Veterinary Surgeons. (n.d.). Urolithiasis in Small Ruminants.

A NotebookLM deep dive human written to help you make goat science make sense.