Cloacally Located Kidney Prolapsing in a Kingsnake Species (Lampropeltis spp.)

Abstract 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.