Cloacally Located Kidney Prolapsing in a Kingsnake Species (Lampropeltis spp.)
An 8½-yr-old female kingsnake (Lampropeltis spp.) presented for apparent constipation of 1-month duration. The physical exam revealed moderate constipation based on coelomic palpation. Radiographs confirmed probable follicular tissue in the mid-coelomic region and more radiodense fecal material within the distal colon. The snake was given an enema and, in the process, prolapsed a firm mass on a pedunculated stalk. The stalk was immediately ligated and transected due to mild hemorrhaging. Histopathology confirmed that the mass consisted of kidney tissue affected with a bacterial nephritis and contained granulomas and gouty tophi. Necropsy of the animal confirmed that the left kidney was missing within the coelomic cavity and had migrated to within the cloacal lumen. Additionally, the animal had severe folliculostasis and a bacterial cloacitis with foreign material (hair shafts) imbedded within the colonic body wall.Abstract
Lateral radiograph of a kingsnake (Lampropeltis spp.) with a soft tissue density in mid-coelom (blue circle) and less radiodense material just cranial to the vent (blue arrow).
A 3-cm pedunculated mass that was expelled from the cloaca of a kingsnake (Lampropeltis spp.) following an enema.
Histologic and gross images of different tissue samples from an 8 1/2yr-old female kingsnake (Lampropeltis spp.). (A) Prolapsed kidney with bacterial granuloma (arrow) within the center and gouty tophi (*) at the top. Hematoxylin and eosin, bar = 1 mm. (B) Necropsy revealed stalk of the pedunculated tissue present within the cloacal lumen at the level of the suspected urodeum. Ligating suture was present at the base of the tissue (arrow). Histopathology of tissue was confirmed to be kidney tissue. (C) Renal gouty tophi (*) expanding tubules and interstitium surrounded by inflammation. Hematoxylin and eosin, bar = 100 µm. (D) One of the hair shafts (*) embedded in the cloacal serosa surrounded by fibrosis and inflammation. Hematoxylin and eosin, bar = 50 µm.
Contributor Notes
* Current address: Biosphere Lab, Louisville, KY 40222, USA
† Current address: Western University of Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, 309 East Second St., Pomona, CA 91766, USA
