Title
Dilated ureters, renal dysplasia, and chronic renal failure in an African elephant (Loxodonta africana)
Abstract
An ultrasonographic reproductive health examination of a 26-yr-old female African elephant (Loxodonta africana) revealed bilateral ureteral wall thickening and dilatation. On ultrasonographic examination, the bladder and both ureters were normal near the trigone; however, the cranial-most aspect of each ureter was dilated and thickened for a length of 3050 cm. The same month, elevated blood creatinine (3.0 mg/dl), and urine protein-creatinine ratio (4.0) were observed. Chronic renal failure was diagnosed based on these abnormalities, and the persistent ureteral dilatation was seen on subsequent ultrasound examinations. Complete blood cell counts, serum chemistries, and urinalyses remained relatively unchanged until 24 mo after diagnosis, at which time azotemia, hypophosphatemia, and hypercalcemia (including elevated ionized calcium) developed. Hydronephrosis of both kidneys and prominent sacculation of the left ureter were noted on ultrasonographic examination. Lethargy, ventral edema, and oral mucosal ulceration acutely developed 30 mo after diagnosis. Although blood urea nitrogen remained elevated, creatinine, total calcium, and ionized calcium returned to within reference ranges at that time. Due to rapid clinical decline and grave prognosis, humane euthanasia was elected. Bilateral ureteral dilatation, dysplasia of the right kidney, and chronic nephritis of the left kidney were identified postmortem.
Department(s)
Animal Science
Document Type
Article
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1638/2011-0191.1
Keywords
African elephant, chronic renal failure, congenital, dysplasia, Loxodonta africana, ureter
Publication Date
3-1-2012
Recommended Citation
Jankowski, Gwen, Jennifer N. Langan, Michael J. Adkesson, Karen A. Terio, Natalie D. Mylniczenko, Tom Meehan, and Dennis Schmitt. "Dilated ureters, renal dysplasia, and chronic renal failure in an African elephant (Loxodonta africana)." Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 43, no. 1 (2012): 153-158.
Journal Title
Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine