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[[Image:Bump2.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Biopsy of this swelling revealed renal gout''' - ©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]

[[Image:Bump2.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Biopsy of this swelling revealed renal gout''' © RVC]]

Gout is a metabolic disease where there is a precipitation of urate crystals in tissue. There are two types of gout in animals.  

Gout is a metabolic disease where there is a precipitation of urate crystals in tissue. There are two types of gout in animals.  

*In primary gout there is an overproduction of uric acid related to a innate metabolic problem.  

*In primary gout there is an overproduction of [[Uric acid|uric acid]] related to an innate metabolic problem.  

*In secondary gout acquired disease interferes with the uric acid metabolism. Terrestrial reptiles are predisposed to secondary gout since nitrogenous waste is excreted as uric acid.  

*In secondary gout acquired disease interferes with the [[Uric acid|uric acid]] metabolism. Terrestrial reptiles are predisposed to secondary gout since nitrogenous waste is excreted as [[Uric acid|uric acid]].  

In snakes kidney disease often leads to the development of the [[Visceral gout|visceral form of gout]].

In snakes kidney disease often leads to the development of the [[Visceral gout|visceral form of gout]].

History may show poor husbandry including limited access to water. Snakes often present as anorexic and lethargic. Often if kidney disease is involved there is a palpable lump in the caudal third.

History may show poor husbandry including limited access to water. Snakes often present as anorexic and lethargic. Often if kidney disease is involved there is a palpable lump in the caudal third.

'''For more information on good husbandry practices, see''' [[:Category: Snake Husbandry| Snake Husbandry]].

'''Fore more information on differential diagnosis of lumps in the body, see''' [[Snake Lumps and Bumps]].

[[Image:Necropsy_copy.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Tophi in renal tissue''' - ©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]

[[Image:Necropsy_copy.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Tophi in renal tissue''' - ©RVC and its licensors, Peer Zwart and Fredric Frye. All rights reserved]]

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

The diagnosis of gout may be suspected on history and physical examination. Biochemistry may indicate a hyperuricaemia. Sometimes radiography is useful if calcium is deposited with the urate crystals. Biopsy of any lumps may be useful. A definite diagnosis is the demonstration of tophi in diseased tissue.  

The diagnosis of gout may be suspected on history and physical examination. [[Lizard and Snake Biochemistry|Biochemistry]] may indicate a hyperuricaemia. Sometimes [[Lizard and Snake Imaging|radiography]] is useful if calcium is deposited with the urate crystals. Biopsy of any lumps may be useful. A definite diagnosis is the demonstration of tophi in diseased tissue.  

'''For more information on physical examinations, see''' [[Snake Physical Examination]].

'''For more information on physical examinations, see''' [[Snake Physical Examination]].

Any bouts of dehydration will predispose to the development of gout so good husbandry is important in prevention.  Veterinarians should ensure adequate hydration of reptiles prior to any drug therapy especially the use of nephrotoxic drugs.

Any bouts of dehydration will predispose to the development of gout so good husbandry is important in prevention.  Veterinarians should ensure adequate hydration of reptiles prior to any drug therapy especially the use of nephrotoxic drugs.

[[Category:Snake_Diseases]]

[[Category:Snake_Diseases]]