Hematuria and transitional cell papilloma of the renal pelvis treated via unilateral nephrectomy in an alpaca

Abstract

Although anemia is common in South American camelids, hematuria is an uncommon sign of this condition. Chronic urinary tract infection, toxin ingestion, and neoplasia causing hematuria or hemoglobinuria should be considered in South American camelids with pigmenturia. Thorough and systematic evaluation of the urinary tract should be performed to locate the site of hemorrhage to treat hematuria appropriately.

Case report: Urolithiasis, nephrolithiasis and a urinary bladder malformation in a seven-month-old alpaca cria

“…A case report in cattle showed that unilateral nephrolithiasis might not be associated with azotemia ( 23 ), which might be possible as long as there is no obstruction of the distal urinary passages. There is evidence showing that alpacas can live without restrictions after unilateral nephrectomy ( 24 ) as other ruminants do ( 25 ). In these two previously mentioned case reports, unilateral nephrectomy was not associated with azotemia.…”

Laparoscopic Cystotomy for Removal of a Large Bladder Polyp in a Juvenile Alpaca with Polypoid Cystitis

“…Urinalysis did reveal struvite crystals and urine culture yielded light growth of Enteroccoccus sp. Other considerations for bladder masses in ruminants include exposure to environmental toxins, viral associated papilloma, and neoplasia 18–22 . Bovine papilloma virus Type 2 has been associated with development of bladder neoplasia in cattle especially when grazing bracken fern plants 19 .…”

Urogenital Surgery in Camelids

“…Hematuria was the presenting complaint in an 11-year-old alpaca having transitional cell papilloma of the renal pelvis. 45 Nephrectomy was successful to resolve clinical signs. Also, unilateral nephrectomy was successful for treatment for ectopic ureter in a juvenile llama.…”