Todayโs path rounds are on ๐ฏ๐ข๐ฌ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ฅ ๐ ๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ!
๐๐ก๐๐ญ ๐ข๐ฌ ๐ข๐ญ?
๐๐ข๐ฌ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ฅ ๐ ๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ is the accumulation of ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ข๐ ๐๐๐ข๐, a breakdown product of protein that is normally excreted by the kidneys. When there is an issue with the kidneys, uric acid is not properly excreted, leading to little white nodules of urate crystals all over the internal organs. Weird!
๐๐ก๐จ ๐ ๐๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ข๐ญ?
This disease is almost exclusively seen in reptiles and birds because they do not have the enzyme ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ข๐๐๐ฌ๐ which breaks down the urate crystals.
๐๐ก๐๐ญ ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐๐ฌ ๐ข๐ญ?
In reptiles, this disease is most commonly associated with dehydration, which reduces the kidneysโ ability to process wastes. Birds can also get this condition from dehydration, however it is also commonly seen with other causes of kidney disease, some viral infections, and even high calcium diets.
๐๐ก๐ฒ ๐ข๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐๐ฅ๐๐ฆ?
Visceral gout isnโt really a problem itself, but it is a manifestation of severe kidney damage. Unfortunately by the time this condition is seen in reptile and avian species, the kidneys are often too far gone for treatment to be successful.
๐๐จ๐ฐ ๐๐๐ง ๐ข๐ญ ๐๐ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐๐ฏ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐?
Good ๐ก๐ฎ๐ฌ๐๐๐ง๐๐ซ๐ฒ (management of an animal) is the best means of prevention, including ensuring the animals have adequate water supplies, appropriate levels of calcium and protein in their diet, and are free from other diseases. If you own a bird or reptile, speak to your vet about what proper husbandry for your species entails!
๐๐ก๐จ๐ญ๐จ๐ฌ
1) Visceral gout on the liver of a cornsnake.
2) Visceral gout over the internal organs of a crocodile.
3) A macaw heart with extensive gout deposition.
4) A kidney of a boa constrictor with gout.
5) A liver of a land tortoise with gout.
6) Gout crystals on histology. Such a pretty fractal pattern!
๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐๐ฌ
Ossiboff, R.J. Chapter 37 – Serpentes. Pathology of Wildlife and Zoo Animals 2018.
Crespo, R. Urate deposition (gout) in poultry. Merck Veterinary Manual 2014.
Photo 1 courtesy of University of Calgary Diagnostic Services Unit.
Photos 2-6 courtesy of Noahโs Arkive.
