Urinary Changes In Reptiles

Reptiles have many differences from mammals. This also applies to the urine. Here we have compiled information about the special features of reptiles for you.

Urine Production In Reptiles

Snakes and several species of lizards do not have a urinary bladder; these animals store their urine in the cloaca. Turtles, on the other hand, have a urinary bladder; the urine, however, also flows first into the cloaca and from there into the bladder, where it is stored.

The urine of reptiles should be white-crystalline to almost water-like. The consistency depends on the urate concentration in the urine. The salt of uric acid is called urate. Its proportion in reptile urine is significantly higher than in mammals, which is due to different metabolic processes.

Normal Urine Consistency And Color In Reptiles

The urine of z. B. turtles or well-hydrated tortoises are usually clear, colorless, and transparent, while z. For example, in the case of ball pythons, the above-mentioned white-crystalline urine is to be expected due to the increased urate content. Depending on the water intake and the species, the urine of reptiles can also be vicious to solid without being pathologically altered.

Common Changes In The Urine Of Reptiles
Feed Related:

Discoloration of the urine is often caused by coloring food components (e.g. dandelion), these are then usually completely harmless and disappear quickly after stopping the respective food. Even if the vet has injected a vitamin B preparation, the urine will change color (yellowish in this case).

• urinary tract infection:

Reptiles are no more immune to urinary tract infections than other animals; bacteria, fungi or parasites (e.g. examines, trematodes) are possible here. The urine is then usually cloudy and slimy, foul-smelling, and discolored. B. with hexamine infestation also becomes stringy.

• urinary stones:

Urinary stones are quite common in reptiles (especially herbivorous ones), mostly they consist of calcium oxalate or urate. They can occur in the kidneys, bladder, or urinary ducts and, if blocked, can cause significant damage to the kidneys (renal colic). Visible grit or small urate stones can sometimes be seen in the urine and serve as an indicator of a potential gout condition.

The causes of stone formation include, for example, insufficient water intake or poor nutrition (feeding with feed that is too high in protein). If the urate excretion is too low (with normal production), kidney damage or kidney stones occur as a further consequence, which in turn is a frequent cause of gout.

• liver disease:

If your reptile’s urine is green (sometimes brown), this can be taken as an indication of liver or biliary disease. The illness can often have been present for a very long time and completely unnoticed by the owner.

Other Symptoms Are e.g. B.

• loss of appetite
• Digestive disorders (constipation or diarrhea with light-colored, clay-like feces) and
• apathy

In later stages of the course, the typical yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes, especially in the mucous membranes of the mouth and eyes, can also be observed. Bacterial infections (e.g. mycobacteria) or protozoa (examines, coccidia) can also be involved here.

blood In The Urine (Hematuria)

If you notice blood in your reptile’s urination, this could possibly be due to the above-mentioned infectious bladder infection, urinary stones, mating-related injuries, nephropathy (kidney disease) or e.g. B. be due to a bladder tumor and should be clarified by a veterinarian.

Diagnosis Of Urinary Abnormalities In Reptiles

It is best to introduce your animal to a veterinarian who has experience with reptiles. He will examine it thoroughly to find the cause of the problem. In addition to the physical examination, further tests can be useful, e.g. B. X-ray, ultrasound, blood tests, or swab samples (bacteria, fungi). A microscopic urine examination is also carried out, in which e.g. B. precursors of urinary stones, inflammatory cells, bacteria, or other admixtures can be detected.

Treatment Of Urinary Abnormalities In Reptiles

The veterinarian will treat the cause of the problem after the diagnosis is made. There are medicines for parasites, as well as antibiotics for bacteria.

Optimization of keeping and feeding should take up most of the space! Since reptiles react very sensitively to unsuitable environmental conditions and become ill as a result, a lot can be achieved there. Adjusted feeding, changed temperature and/or humidity if necessary thorough cleaning and disinfection of the terrarium/aquarium, etc. are possible points of change.

Your vet will discuss this with you in detail. You may also get food supplements to take home with you, and you will also be informed about how to use them. So that your reptile gets well again quickly!

Urinary Abnormalities In Reptiles: Conclusion

Urinary changes in reptiles can have harmless causes. However, they can also be signs of a serious illness and should not be taken lightly. If in doubt, contact a veterinarian experienced in reptiles.