Reptiles do get orange urates with kidney failure. I'm not sure what the mechanism is but it does happen. Our kidneys are quite different than reptile kidneys are. They vary from species to species as well. For instance, they don't process salt the way ours does. Iguana's snort salt out their nostrils with liquid on a daily basis (I have two adults and they spray the stuff on the window next to their cage). In people it passes out through urine and maybe sweat (not sure of the sweat thing). The white crust one sometimes sees on Veiled nostrils is salts/minerals. It does not go out through the kidneys into urine like ours. Renal failure is due to several causes. Old age is one cause like it is with cats. Excess supplementation can cause damage over time. Exposure to toxins or poisons. Prolonged dehydration damages the kidneys. The orange urates will remain (to some degree) after proper hydration if the kidneys are damaged. Because of the history of this particular lizard I feel that it probably experienced chronic dehydration. This would cause me not to rule out kidney damage and potential failure now or in the future. Slight damage now can cause a more rapid decline in function as it ages than what would normally occur. Until kidney damage is ruled out by a blood test and observation of the urates as time goes by, I would go light on the supplements. Even if it has kidney damage it does not mean that it can't have a good life. It just means extra efforts to hydrate, very light supplementation, avoiding anything known to be hard on the kidneys and knowing that it's life may be shortened a bit.

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Catherine Adams - Currently breeding most of the Pardalis locales, Veileds, K. Uthmoelleri, C. Laterispinis, B. Thamnobates and C. Melleri.

As you may know by now, chameleons aren't vaccinated. To help with hydration, subcutaneous fluids with electrolytes can be injected. Many of the vets I provided to you will show you how to do it properly. But they don't usually have you do it more than two or three days. Orally is much better.

I don't want to dump a bunch of information on you because already so much is being put in your face. You don't want to disturb the chameleon too much. Hydrating it while it's in its own cage is best. Don't drag it off to a shower. Just don't bother it unless you absolutely have to.

They love houseflies so if you can, order a small amount from www.spiderpharm.com and have them sent immediately. By putting a few flies into the cage a day, it will excite him and may help keep him alert. Don't overwhelm him with feeders though.

Pedialyte is a good way to help hydrate him if you can offer it to him with a pipette. Once you get him to start drinking, you can put the pipette close to his mouth and put a drop in each time he takes a drink/swallow.

If he doesn't have a lot of damage to his organs, you'll be able to recover him. But you're on the right track. Call me if you need some guidance and I'll help where I can.

Also working against him are the parasites. A die off after treatment could cause problems. But keep him hydrated and he should push things through his digestive track. Let's hope the parasites in his blood don't cause problems.

Please consult with a known exotics vet. You have a better chance with one.

This advice is offered as I've had to do this for rescues received here. I consult vets for this advice. It is second hand, but to me it fits the situation. That's my 2 or 3 cents. Thanks for listening.

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Elisa Hinkle
ChamEO, Inc.

Thanks Catharine. Like I said I've never dealt with it in a reptile. It just didn't make sense to me for there to be color in failed kidney urate. I'm still a little confused as to how this is possible, and I guess it would take a vet to explain it. But if you say you've seen it then of course I am going to believe you. I just wanted a little clarification.

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Life is what you make of it.

I've actually got some "veterinarian" books on reptiles. When I get a chance I will go through the sections dealing with the kidneys and see if I can explain the process better. Won't hurt to refresh my memory