The goat as a model for Corynebacterium renale pyelonephritis.

Nubian goats were experimentally infected with Corynebacterium renale type II by either the intravenous or intraurethral routes using infection rates of 1.75 x 10(10), 7.08 x 10(19) or 5 x 10(23) organisms. All inoculated goats were anorexic, lost weight and became dull or depressed. Albuminuria, pyuria and epithelial casts were noted in the urine. Following intravenous challenge the animals showed a dose-related elevation of serum ammonia, urea, and creatinine with significant changes in haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume and leucocyte counts. A mild to severe (sometimes haemorrhagic) cystitis and urethritis and a mild nephrosis were noted post mortem and mucoserous or mucogelatinous non-purulent discharges were present in the renal pelvis. The findings are compared to the naturally occurring C. renale pyelonephritis in cattle and the suitability of the goat as a model for that disease is discussed.