Management of nephrolithiasis by pyelotomy and pyeloscopy in an Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus).

CASE DESCRIPTION: A captive adult sexually intact female Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus) was evaluated because of diarrhea and signs of abdominal discomfort on arrival at the quarantine area of a zoological park. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations revealed the presence of a large nephrolith in the left kidney. Mild nephrolithiasis was detected in the right kidney. Results of hematologic and serum biochemical analyses were within references intervals. Intravenous pyelography was used for functional assessment of the urinary system and revealed normal renal excretory function bilaterally. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Unilateral (left-sided) pyelotomy was selected as a treatment option to preserve maximal functional renal tissue. Pyeloscopy was successfully used for detection of some small nephroliths that were not removed by repeated flushing of the renal pelvis. Surgical treatment of the right kidney was not considered necessary. The otter recovered fully from anesthesia and surgery. Renal function was considered normal when assessed at 3 and 7 days and at 1 and 12 months after surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: To the authors' knowledge, pyelonephrotomy in otters has not been reported and may be considered as a potential surgical solution for nephrolithiasis. Pyeloscopy allowed the identification of small uroliths that were not removed by repeated flushing of the left renal pelvis following removal of the large nephroliths.

Perchloroethylene: acute occupational poisoning and a proposal for its replacement with other less toxic substances.

Perchloroethylene is used mainly as a solvent in dry cleaning, cleaning of electrical equipment, and degreasing of metal parts. The authors report a case of acute poisoning with perchloroethylene contracted by a maintenance worker when cleaning an electric transformer. Since perchloroethylene may cause severe poisoning and the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified it as a probable carcinogen for humans, the authors have revised the main substances that may replace perchloroethylene in the workplace. Med Pr. 2019;70(3):393-5.