Kidney problems in lizards

Mammals and lizards have two kidneys. The purpose of the kidneys is to remove toxins from the body.

In mammals all fluid taken in by the body is processed by the kidneys; these include cups of tea, soft drinks and of course water. The kidney ensures that there is enough water to keep the body hydrated. Any water not required is stored in the bladder until it is passed as urine, which in most mammals is a clear yellow liquid.

The kidneys of reptiles are different. They do not have the ability to retain water within the body. Reptile urine is a mixture of water and a solid white material called uric acid.

The lizard has developed unique ways to keep the body hydrated. There is a small flap inside the urodeum that can move water into the large bowel where it is reabsorbed into the body. The lizard can also absorb water up through the vent whilst bathing so if you feel your lizard is becoming dehydrated increased bathing may help with hydration levels.

Some types of larger lizards have a bladder, but most do not!

Their urine is stored in the urodeum and passes out of the body through the vent.

Gout is a condition caused by too much uric acid in the body. The uric acid presents itself as solid white material which can easily be spotted in the urine. Sometimes if the uric acid levels are too high these hard crystals deposit themselves in the muscles, joints and organs causing damage.

Make sure your lizard always has enough water to drink because dehydration can contribute to the development of gout. Feeding a balanced nutritious diet to your lizard will also prevent gout.

Gout is a serious condition and will need veterinary treatment.

There are many causes of kidney failure. These may include infections, inflammation and toxic damage. A lizard with kidney failure will be less active than usual, lose his appetite, suffer weight loss and become dehydrated.

To avoid kidney failure your lizard’s housing must be maintained at the correct temperature and your lizard always needs to have access to drinking water. The temperature of the vivarium varies depending on species. A correct diet is also vital. Do not be tempted to feed cat food to your lizard as this could damage his kidneys. Do not over dust insects/food with calcium powder as this can also damage the kidneys. A good diet also helps to support the immune system.

Any weight loss or change in eating habits needs a visit to the veterinarian! It’s important to weigh your lizard weekly and monitor his eating habits to help you pick up on any changes.

As previously mentioned, some of the larger lizards, such as Monitors have a bladder. If uric acid levels exceed normal levels, then the uric acid can accumulate and form into a stone which blocks the bladder. Lizards with a bladder stone will often strain to pass urine. You may see your lizard regularly lifting its tail.

To prevent the formation of bladder stones your lizard’s housing must be maintained at the correct temperature which is dependent on the species. Your lizard always needs access to drinking water. A correct diet is also vital. Do not be tempted to feed cat food to your lizard as this could damage his kidneys. Do not over dust insects/food with calcium powder as this can damage the kidneys. A good diet also helps to support the immune system.

Any weight loss or change in eating habits needs a visit to the veterinarian! It’s important to weigh your lizard weekly and monitor his eating habits to help you pick up on any changes.

Bladder stones will need an operation to remove them.