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Lizard Cystic Calculi (view source)
Revision as of 00:50, 27 February 2010
, 00:50, 27 February 2010no edit summary
[[Image:CC_xray2.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''Radiograph of a cystic calculus''' (© RVC and its licensors, Sean Bobbit, Sue Evans, Andrew Devare and Claire Moore. All rights reserved)]]
[[Image:CC_xray2.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''Radiograph of a cystic calculus''' (© RVC and its licensors, Sean Bobbit, Sue Evans, Andrew Devare and Claire Moore. All rights reserved)]]
[[Image:Cc_cystotomy.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''Cystotomy''' (© RVC and its licensors, Sean Bobbit, Sue Evans, Andrew Devare and Claire Moore. All rights reserved)]]
[[Image:Cc_cystotomy.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''Cystotomy''' (© RVC and its licensors, Sean Bobbit, Sue Evans, Andrew Devare and Claire Moore. All rights reserved)]]
==Introduction==
==Introduction==
Cystic calculi are commonly seen in lizards (green iguanas have an unusually high incidence) fed unbalanced diets but dehydration and cystitis may be involved. A commonly associated disease is renal failure.
The term ''urinary calculi'' refers to any macroscopic precipitates or polycrystalline concretions found anywhere in the urinary tract. When located in the bladder, the calculi are referred to as cystic calculi or 'bladder stones'.
Cystic calculi are commonly seen in lizards (green iguanas have an unusually high incidence) fed unbalanced diets (deficiencies in vitamins A and D and calcium; excess of dietary protein or oxalates) but dehydration and cystitis may be involved. A commonly associated disease is renal failure.
This disease may have a multifactorial aetiology. The stones are usually urates since lizards, like most reptiles, are uricotelic.
This disease may have a multifactorial aetiology. The stones are usually urates since lizards, like most reptiles, are uricotelic.
==Dealing with cystic calculi==
==Dealing with cystic calculi==
Symptoms of cystic calculi may be similar to those of kidney disease. Cystic calculi may be palpated on physical examination.
Symptoms of cystic calculi may be similar to those of kidney disease. Cystic calculi may be palpated on physical examination.
'''Diagnosis'''
'''Diagnosis'''
Diagnosis is based on palpation of a mass in the coelomic cavity and radiography showing a radiopaque mass that has concentric layers.
Diagnosis is based on palpation of a mass in the coelomic cavity and radiography showing a radiopaque mass that has concentric layers.
'''Therapy'''
'''Therapy'''
Bacterial culture and stone analysis are recommended. Carry out supportive care.
Bacterial culture and stone analysis are recommended. Carry out supportive care.
'''Prevention'''
'''Prevention'''
As well as species-specific diet and husbandry, it is recommended to limit uric acid precursors. As uric acid is produced from all proteins (and not just the nuclear proteins as in mammals) it has been advised not to feed diets that are high in protein. It has also been advised to especially limit foods that are high in purines such as asparagus, mushrooms, offal, anchovies and sardines.
As well as species-specific diet and husbandry, it is recommended to limit uric acid precursors. As uric acid is produced from all proteins (and not just the nuclear proteins as in mammals) it has been advised not to feed diets that are high in protein. It has also been advised to especially limit foods that are high in purines such as asparagus, mushrooms, offal, anchovies and sardines.