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1 September 2014 NEPHRECTOMY IN AN ASIAN SMALL-CLAWED OTTER (AMBLONYX CINEREUS) WITH PYELONEPHRITIS AND HYDRONEPHROSIS SECONDARY TO URETERAL OBSTRUCTION
Christine T. Higbie, James W. Carpenter, Laura J. Armbrust, Emily Klocke, Kelli Almes
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

A 10-yr-old, captive, intact male Asian small-clawed otter (Amblonyx cinereus) with a history of bilateral nephrolithiasis was presented for acute-onset lethargy and inappetance of 5 days duration. On physical examination, the otter was about 8% dehydrated and a palpable fluid wave was present in the abdomen. An abdominal ultrasound revealed hydronephrosis of the left kidney and a hyperechoic structure present within the lumen of the left ureter, causing an obstruction. A urinalysis revealed struvite crystalluria, bacteriuria, and an elevated pH. Following 4 days of antibiotic therapy, a left ureteronephrectomy was performed. Upon opening the kidney to retrieve calculi, a large amount of purulent material was noted within the renal pelvis. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first documented case of a nephrectomy in an Asian small-clawed otter. Nephrectomy should be considered as a viable option for treatment of ureteral obstruction, hydronephrosis, or severe pyelonephritis.

American Association of Zoo Veterinarians
Christine T. Higbie, James W. Carpenter, Laura J. Armbrust, Emily Klocke, and Kelli Almes "NEPHRECTOMY IN AN ASIAN SMALL-CLAWED OTTER (AMBLONYX CINEREUS) WITH PYELONEPHRITIS AND HYDRONEPHROSIS SECONDARY TO URETERAL OBSTRUCTION," Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 45(3), 690-695, (1 September 2014). https://doi.org/10.1638/2013-0237R2.1
Received: 21 November 2013; Published: 1 September 2014
KEYWORDS
Amblonyx cinereus
hydronephrosis
nephrectomy
otter
ureteral obstruction
urolith
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