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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 related to a innate metabolic problem.  

==Examination==

==Examination==

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.

==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. 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.  

==Therapy==

==Therapy==

Supportive treatment especially aimed at rehydration may be useful but gout carries a poor prognosis. Previously allopurinol (a xanthine oxidase inhibitor that decreases formation of uric acid) has been recommended as a treatment of hyperuricaemia in reptiles and birds but in fact appears to be of little use. Other drugs such as uricases (enzymes involved in the degradation of uric acid to allantoin) may be more useful.

Supportive treatment especially aimed at rehydration may be useful but gout carries a poor prognosis. Previously allopurinol (a xanthine oxidase inhibitor that decreases formation of uric acid) has been recommended as a treatment of hyperuricaemia in reptiles and birds but in fact appears to be of little use. Other drugs such as uricases (enzymes involved in the degradation of uric acid to allantoin) may be more useful.