Surgical treatment of renal gout in monocellate cobra, Naja kaouthia

Abstract

A wild captured, male Monocellate cobra, Naja kaouthia of unknown age was observed with anorexia, imbalance of swimming and mild swelling in the distal fourth of the body. Physical examination revealed a palpable firm mass in the coelomic cavity, of which radiographic examination was suspicious as an obstruction of large intestine by a foreign body. Removal of the foreign body through its cloaca was attempted by enema and digital manipulation, but was not successful. Thereafter, an exploratory surgery was performed and revealed an abnormality in the left kidney that was compressing the large intestine. Nephrectomy was performed and histopathologically identified as renal gout. The snake fully recovered within three months after surgery. The function of the remaining right kidney was monitored using BUN and creatinine weekly for six months. The result indicated that snake could compensate for living with one kidney and unilateral gout in snake could be treated by nephrectomy of the affected kidney.