Leopard Urates

Lyn W

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Jul 22, 2014
Messages
23,497
Location (City and/or State)
UK
Lola has been passing more urates than usual the last couple of days - it's very rare I see them. They are white but jelly like which I believe means her hydration is OK. She has a long soak everyday and is eating mainly dandies plantains clover etc with some kale,greens added when I've not found many weeds. Her urine looks clear apart from the urates. Poop as usual.
I have been doing a search to check this was normal and was a bit concerned to see a comment that Leopards don't have urates, so just wondering if this is something I should be concerned about.
Thanks in advance for any advice or reassurance.
 

Jodie

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Jul 11, 2014
Messages
4,359
Location (City and/or State)
Spokane Valley WA
When my leopards are inside where I keep humidity up, I don't see urates. Both of mine are passing urates regularly now that they are outside full time. It is normal. As you know, as long as not gritty.
 

Lyn W

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Jul 22, 2014
Messages
23,497
Location (City and/or State)
UK
When my leopards are inside where I keep humidity up, I don't see urates. Both of mine are passing urates regularly now that they are outside full time. It is normal. As you know, as long as not gritty.
Thanks Jodie
Lola isn't out full time as we haven't had many warm enough days yet but she is out as often as possible.
When she is in everything is the same as usual, apart from her diet which is basically weeds now.
I will carry on as normal and keep an eye on her.
I was worried the increase in urates could be abnormal kidney activity.
 

EricaYee

New Member
Joined
Jul 2, 2018
Messages
7
Location (City and/or State)
Malaysia
I am having this issue as well. Got scared off when I found out Leopard doesn’t really excrete Urates. But I saw mine started to have urates in the poo every day.
 

Markw84

Well-Known Member
10 Year Member!
Platinum Tortoise Club
Joined
Jan 17, 2012
Messages
5,042
Location (City and/or State)
Sacramento, CA (Central Valley)
I believe temperature is a factor in the presence of urates. Uric acid is extremely effected by temperature as far as solubility. At cooler temperature it precipitates into semi-solid urates much, much quicker. So when we keep our tortoises with their body temps never going below 80° we will rarely see urates if well hydrated, and no unusual protein intake. But when their body temps cool to just 70° you will see much more urates forming.
 

Minority2

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 30, 2018
Messages
1,052
Location (City and/or State)
Tortoise Hell
I believe temperature is a factor in the presence of urates. Uric acid is extremely effected by temperature as far as solubility. At cooler temperature it precipitates into semi-solid urates much, much quicker. So when we keep our tortoises with their body temps never going below 80° we will rarely see urates if well hydrated, and no unusual protein intake. But when their body temps cool to just 70° you will see much more urates forming.

1. What about Mediterranean tortoises such Greeks and Russians?

2. How do you feel about the cool night time temperatures that are often suggested?

3. Do you believe keeping body temperatures levels above 80F at all times would also be beneficial for these tortoises?
 

EricaYee

New Member
Joined
Jul 2, 2018
Messages
7
Location (City and/or State)
Malaysia
I m from South East Asia with hot humid weather. My temperature never goes below 80 and humidity never below 60. I soak mine Every day in warm water at least 15min.
Still I see urate. But that was when I switched it’s diet to Pellet.
 

wellington

Well-Known Member
Moderator
10 Year Member!
Tortoise Club
Joined
Sep 6, 2011
Messages
49,660
Location (City and/or State)
Chicago, Illinois, USA
I believe temperature is a factor in the presence of urates. Uric acid is extremely effected by temperature as far as solubility. At cooler temperature it precipitates into semi-solid urates much, much quicker. So when we keep our tortoises with their body temps never going below 80° we will rarely see urates if well hydrated, and no unusual protein intake. But when their body temps cool to just 70° you will see much more urates forming.[/QUOT
Wouldn't you say then if they are seeing urates they need to raise their temps? Leopards shouldn't really be in low temps. I have never had a urate with my leopards. However, their temps are never below 80. They do have cooler spots in the winter that can/will be in the mid to upper 70's but that's just a corner or two.
 
Top