Avian renal system: clinical implications.

The avian renal system differs anatomically and physiologically from the mammalian renal system. However, it is affected by similar disease categories such as infectious, nutritional, degenerative, congenital, metabolic, and neoplastic conditions. The diagnosis of renal disease in birds can be challenging and, in many cases, diagnosis is made on postmortem examination. Successful treatment of avian renal disease requires early recognition of clinical signs and correct interpretation of diagnostic tools. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.