Kidneys. Uric acid is a by-product of protien metabolism, and its production is a very efficient way of getting rid of nitrogenous waste without using a lot of water in the process. Mammals excrete urea, which is much more soluble in water. We use a lot more water in getting rid of waste than birds and reptiles do. :pee:
-Evan
could the animal have kidney failure? Would that cause hardened preexpailed urates
09-28-2006, 02:04 PM
Evan Jamison
Re: Rock-hard Urates?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Freakie_frog
could the animal have kidney failure? Would that cause hardened preexpailed urates
If the animal is producing urates, the kidneys would be functioning fine, as that is where the uric acid would be concentrated before being released into the urogenital canal. Excess water may or may not be released with the urate depending on how hydrated the animal is. The snake may be slightly dehydrated, and is concentrating the uric acid more than normal and not expelling excess water with the urate. The urates of severely dehydrated snakes will often look greenish-yellow colored, small, and have a more of a bumpy appearance. I wouldn't be overly concerned if it was a urate (I don't know what else it could be).
-Evan
10-05-2006, 10:57 AM
slartibartfast
Update
This happened a few days ago, but I keep forgetting to post it, LOL.
He got a nice long soak in a warm bath, and two days later passed the remaining "urolith" and a positively unreal volume of stool. It looked like a 30lb dog had snuck into his tub. I weighed him and he'd gone from 1150-ish a couple of weeks ago to 1054g post-pooping!
I offered food on his next scheduled day and he ate readily, so I think the problem has resolved.
