Changes

* visceral gout ([[Tophi|tophi]] deposition), which may occur secondary to dehydration.

* visceral gout ([[Tophi|tophi]] deposition), which may occur secondary to dehydration.

==Dealing with renal disease=

 

==Dealing with renal disease==

[[Image:Kidney.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Histology of a normal iguana kidney. Note the clearly distinct cells of the glomerulus''' (Copyright © RVC)]]=

[[Image:Kidney.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Histology of a normal iguana kidney. Note the clearly distinct cells of the glomerulus''' (Copyright © RVC)]]=

[[Image:Dis_kid.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Histology of an iguana kidney with gout. Note the darker staining tophus and indistinct glomerulus''' (Copyright © RVC)]]

[[Image:Dis_kid.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Histology of an iguana kidney with gout. Note the darker staining tophus and indistinct glomerulus''' (Copyright © RVC)]]

===Examination==

===Examination===

History may indicate husbandry problems such as lack of adequate water or recent treatment with possible nephrotoxic drugs. The presenting complaint is usually non-specific such as anorexia, weight loss, tremors, lethargy, flaccid paresis, distended abdomen and constipation. Physical examination may reveal nephromegaly (one or more lumps in the caudal third; in lizards, it may be palpable anterior to the pelvis or per [[Cloaca|cloaca]]) but there is often nothing significant found.=

History may indicate husbandry problems such as lack of adequate water or recent treatment with possible nephrotoxic drugs. The presenting complaint is usually non-specific such as anorexia, weight loss, tremors, lethargy, flaccid paresis, distended abdomen and constipation. Physical examination may reveal nephromegaly (one or more lumps in the caudal third; in lizards, it may be palpable anterior to the pelvis or per [[Cloaca|cloaca]]) but there is often nothing significant found.=

===Diagnosis==

===Diagnosis===

Diagnosis of renal disease may be suspected on history and physical examination. Diagnosis includes the following:=

Diagnosis of renal disease may be suspected on history and physical examination. Diagnosis includes the following:=

[[Uric acid|Uric acid]] is also not a specific test for renal disease since other factors such as diet and ambient temperature also affect the levels. Increased plasma phosphate levels and a reversed [[Calcium|calcium]] to phosphate ratio are seen prior to changes in the [[Uric acid|uric acid]] level. [[lizard and Snake Imaging|Imaging]] may be useful and biopsy of the kidney gives the definitive diagnosis.

[[Uric acid|Uric acid]] is also not a specific test for renal disease since other factors such as diet and ambient temperature also affect the levels. Increased plasma phosphate levels and a reversed [[Calcium|calcium]] to phosphate ratio are seen prior to changes in the [[Uric acid|uric acid]] level. [[lizard and Snake Imaging|Imaging]] may be useful and biopsy of the kidney gives the definitive diagnosis.

===Therapy==

===Therapy===

Correct diet and environmental conditions may limit the progression of the disease. Consider a low [[Phosphorus|phosphorus]] diet. Supportive therapy is especially important since there is often no specific treatment. The most important factors include fluid therapy and being kept within the [[Preferred optimum temperature zone|POTZ]]. Allopurinol and phosphate binders have been advised but are often ineffective.=

Correct diet and environmental conditions may limit the progression of the disease. Consider a low [[Phosphorus|phosphorus]] diet. Supportive therapy is especially important since there is often no specific treatment. The most important factors include fluid therapy and being kept within the [[Preferred optimum temperature zone|POTZ]]. Allopurinol and phosphate binders have been advised but are often ineffective.=

[[Lizard and Snake Euthanasia|Euthanasia]] is often the final outcome.

[[Lizard and Snake Euthanasia|Euthanasia]] is often the final outcome.

===Prevention==

===Prevention===

As with [[Lizard Metabolic Bone Disease|MBD]], appropriate housing and diet will help with prevention.=

As with [[Lizard Metabolic Bone Disease|MBD]], appropriate housing and diet will help with prevention.=