Exotic Animal Formulary5

Table 4-12
Urinalysis Values of Chelonians. 116,163,203,205
Measurement Normal Values Abnormal Values
Specific gravity
pH
Color
1.003-1.014 (mean,
1.008)
Herbivores: alkaline
Omnivores: 5-8
Colorless to pale
yellow with white
urates
Up to 1.034
Acidic a
Dark yellow, yellow-brown, yellow-green
Turbidity Clear Cloudy
Protein Trace proteinuria Increased proteinuria
Glucose
Glucosuria up to
30 mg/dL
Glucosuria can be higher than 50 mg/dL with
anorexia
Renal casts None Various types present
Calcium,
phosphorus,
ammonia, urea,
creatinine
Detectable in urine
Significantly increased in urine of Testudo spp.
with renal disease
AST, CK, LDH Detectable in urine Significantly increased in urine of Testudo spp.
with renal disease
Crystals
Amorphous
urates/ammonium
biurates
Many other crystals found in renal failure;
uric acid crystals in gout; bilirubin and
tyrosine crystals in liver disease
a
May be associated with hibernation, anorexia, and improper diet.
Table 4-13
Selected Products and Guidelines Used in Force-Feeding Anorectic or Debilitated
Reptiles. a,b
Agent Guidelines Species/Comments
Alfalfa pellets
(e.g.,
iguana or
rabbit
pellets) or
powder
(Alfalfa
Blend (1:4) with
electrolyte
solution or
water; 20-
30 mL/kg PO
q48h (lizards)
to q84h
Herbivorous reptiles/administer via gavage or
esophagostomy tube; may clog feeding tube; for
iguanas, may gavage equal volume of water on
alternate days until patient is stable and eating; 359
soaked pellets can also be hand-fed (especially by
owner)
207