Changes

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.

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

For a differential diagnosis list of other causes of lumps in the body, see [[Snake Lumps and Bumps]].

[[Image:Necropsy_copy.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Tophi in renal tissue''' - © RVC]]

[[Image:Necropsy_copy.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Tophi in renal tissue''' - © RVC]]

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

The diagnosis of gout may be suspected on history and physical examination. [[Lizard and Snake Biochemistry|Biochemistry]] may indicate a [[Lizard_and_Snake_Biochemistry#Hyperuricaemia|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.  

The diagnosis of gout may be suspected on history and physical examination. [[Lizard and Snake Biochemistry|Biochemistry]] may indicate a [[Lizard_and_Snake_Biochemistry#Hyperuricaemia|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.