Kidney problems in tortoises

Mammals and tortoises 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 tortoise has developed unique ways to keep the body hydrated. Tortoises are unusual as they have a large bladder connected to the urodeum which can hold almost a third of their bodyweight. There is a small flap inside the urodeum that can move water into the large bowel where it is reabsorbed into the body. The tortoise can also absorb water up through the vent whilst bathing. 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 these hard crystals deposit themselves in the muscles, joints and organs causing damage.

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

Gout is a serious condition and is likely to need veterinary treatment.

Many different diseases affect the kidneys. These include infections, inflammation, toxic damage and parasites. A tortoise with kidney failure will be less active than usual, lose his appetite, suffer weight loss and become dehydrated. Learning about your tortoise’s normal activity and appetite level will help early detection to any changes. You should also weigh your tortoise weekly to spot any weight loss which  again can indicate ill health.

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

During hibernation, the body uses up water stored in the bladder. A tortoise has to be healthy before starting hibernation. If dehydrated before hibernation, the tortoise may develop kidney failure.

Any weight loss or change in eating habits needs a visit to the vet! Ensure to weigh your tortoise weekly to help you spot any changes that may indicate ill health.

Yes!

Bladder stones are made up of uric acid, protein and mucus (slime) from the bladder and can grow to be very large. When a tortoise develops a stone they may strain when going to the toilet you may see signs of blood in the vivarium and the back legs may be stretched out lifting the shell from the floor. Sometimes a bladder stone will cause other organs to prolapse through the vent.

Good housing with an excellent temperature range helps to prevent bladder stones. Ensure you research the temperature you need to keep your species of tortoise.  Keeping your tortoise hydrated is also very important as it flushes the uric acid from the bladder. Ensure you provide fresh drinking water at all times. Your tortoise may defecate in its own water so ensure to clean it out often. Do not be tempted to feed your tortoise cat food or other inappropriate foods as these often have high levels of protein and calcium that can lead to bladder stone formation.

It is important to make sure your tortoise is in good health to prevent bladder stone formation during hibernation. You could take your tortoise for a health check up at the veterinary practice before hibernating him.

Bladder stones often need to be removed by having an operation under general anesthesia and this means that the shell has to be opened. Bladder stone formation is a very serious condition for tortoises.