Effects of allopurinol on plasma uric acid levels in normouricaemic and hyperuricaemic green iguanas (Iguana iguana)

Abstract

A two-phase cross-over therapeutic study was performed with 19 green iguanas (Iguana iguana) maintained within a preferred optimum temperature range of 26 to 37°C. During phase 1, they were fed a normal vegetarian diet and medicated orally with either allopurinol or a placebo control once a day for seven days. Uric acid concentrations, total protein, packed-cell volumes (PCV) and bodyweights were recorded from each lizard before and after treatment to determine the effects of allopurinol. In phase 2, after a 10-day washout period, the iguanas were fed a high protein diet to induce hyperuricaemia. Normoand hyperuricaemic iguanas that received 24·2 (3·2) mg/kg allopurinol had significantly lower mean (sd) uric acid concentrations (100·3 [53·1] µmol/l) than the controls (159·3 [100·3] µmol/l). There were no detectable interactions between the doses of allopurinol or placebo, and the iguanas' diet, weight, PCV or total protein. The allopurinol was well tolerated, and there was no significant clinical, gross or histological evidence of hepatic or renal toxicity in the iguanas that received the drug. However, in the kidneys of the hyperuricaemic iguanas that did not receive allopurinol there were proliferative changes in the glomeruli and degeneration of tubular epithelia. Allopurinol given orally at 25 mg/kg daily is able to reduce plasma uric acid levels by 41 to 45 per cent, and is therefore recommended for the treatment of hyperuricaemia in the green iguana.Veterinary Record (2008) 162, 112-115

Postprandial effects following a semielemental critical-care diet lead to changes in uric acid, bile acids, and glucose in the central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps)

“…Establishment of baseline values, time to peak levels postfeeding, and alteration in values in response to quantity of food is important in order to allow appropriate diagnostic assessment and case management. 3,12,13,21 The bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps), of the family Agamidae, is one of the most common pet reptiles and species found in zoological collections and can be affected by both renal and hepatic disease. 4,5,22 The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of feeding a semielemental omnivore critical-care diet on plasma uric acid and bile acid levels in bearded dragons.…”