Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of nephroliths among cattle in Balkh, northern Afghanistan, and describe the related pathological findings of the affected kidneys.
Materials and Methods: A total of 160 cattle (96 males and 64 females) from June 2023 to May 2024 were examined to detect nephroliths. Out of 160 cattle, 112 were local breeds, and 48 were mixed Holstein breeds. Antemortem and postmortem examinations were performed, and specimens of the kidneys were preserved in 10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF) for routine histological processing. Water samples from 12 districts of Balkh were tested for total dissolved solids (TDS).
Results: Nephroliths were detected in 24 (15%) (7 males and 17 females). Nephroliths varied in shape, weight, and size. Most of the cattle with nephroliths were aged between 4 and 6 years (16/24) and female (17/24); there was no significant sex effect on the occurrence of nephroliths (p > 0.05). Out of 24 cattle with nephroliths, 75% (18/24) were local, and 25% (6/24) were mixed
Holstein. There was no statistically significant difference between breeds and nephroliths (p > 0.05). Total water hardness ranged from 437 parts per million (ppm) in the 10th district to 2210 ppm in the 3rd district. The most common gross lesions were hyperemia and cyst formations in the kidney lobes. The most histopathological findings were mononuclear cell infiltration and calcium deposits.
Conclusion: This study confirms the presence of nephroliths among cattle in Balkh province. The study also revealed that nephroliths were associated with pathological changes in the kidneys.

Key words: Nephrolith; cattle; Balkh; Afghanistan