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What would you have done? Be the vet and treat this case yourself at "Vet Stories."
Spotlight on Vet Medicine
August 25, 2004
Seeing Stones in Small-clawed Otters
National Zoo veterinarians diagnose kidney stones in small-clawed otters.
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| Small-clawed otters are native to Asia. |
The Asian small-clawed otter (Amblonyx cinereus) is the smallest of the 13 species of otter, weighing just six to 12 pounds and stretching two to three feet from nose to tail tip. As its name implies, this species, also known as the Oriental small-clawed otter, is native to Asian wetlands from India to the Philippines. In the wild, these otters hunt in shallow waters for a variety of mollusks and crustaceans.
Small-clawed otters, with their sociable, playful nature, are popular in zoos, and the National Zoo exhibits a pair in the Small Mammal House. In the wild, however, the species’ range is shrinking due to loss of wetland habitats, and is threatened by water pollution, hunting for fur, and fish traps in which they become caught and drown.
Just Routine
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| The Zoo's small-clawed otters. |
Wheezie, the Zoo’s 16-year-old female, and Bert, a ten-year-old male, went to the Zoo’s Department of Animal Health for health exams—routine exams because the animals had been alert, active, and exhibited healthy appetites.
Zoo veterinarians anesthetized the otters, then drew blood samples, administered vaccines, took x-rays, and did a general physical exam. They also used ultrasound to get a better look at the animals’ kidneys and other internal organs.
Diagnosis
The diagnostic procedures revealed the presence of kidney stones in both Wheezie and Bert.
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| An x-ray reveals the presence of kidney stones. |
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| An ultrasound image also shows the kidney stones. |
Treatment
The kidneys filter out waste products from the body so that they can be eliminated. Sometimes these products mineralize and form stones within the kidney. In captive small-clawed otters these are a common finding. Both Wheezie and Bert are closely monitored by keepers and curators. In addition, they receive a carefully controlled diet and regular examinations with radiographs (x-rays).
Come see these amazing and active creatures for yourself at the Small Mammal House and at Asia Trail.
What would you have done? Be the vet and treat this case yourself at "Vet Stories."
Note to Media: If you would like more information about this project, or any of the Zoo's animal health programs, please contact the Zoo's Office of Public Affairs.
