Urinary diseases of reptiles: Pathophysiology and diagnosis

Urinary disorders in reptiles are often recognized only when they reach and advanced state. Sings of renal disease are often nonspecific and include anorexia, cachexia, changes in behavior, metabolic bone disease, and gout. Elevation in serum phosphorus level is often associated with renal failure....

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Seminars in avian and exotic pet medicine 1998-04, Vol.7 (2), p.93-103
Main Author: Miller, Harry A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
disease
Reptile
urinary system
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Summary:Urinary disorders in reptiles are often recognized only when they reach and advanced state. Sings of renal disease are often nonspecific and include anorexia, cachexia, changes in behavior, metabolic bone disease, and gout. Elevation in serum phosphorus level is often associated with renal failure. Serum uric acid levels may also increase in animals with advanced disease, but often not until the terminal stage of the disease. Many, and perhaps most, urinary disorders are the result of improper husbandry, diet, or therapy. Hypervitaminosis D, inappropriate dietary levels of calcium and or phosphorus, and high-protein diets are common causes of renal disease in lizards. Immune suppression caused by hypothermia and other stressors is an important element in the development of bacterial kidney disease in all reptiles. Finally, aminoglycosides and other neprhotoxic drugs, if administered in inappropriate dosages and inappropriate frequencies will poison the kidney. Successful treatment of kidney disorders requires early detection and elimination of the underlying cause.
ISSN:1055-937X
1558-3864
DOI:10.1016/S1055-937X(98)80048-0