We do know in mammals that phosphate (phosphorus combines with oxygen in the blood to create phosphate) is eliminated through the kidneys. If the kidneys are functioning correctly this normally will keep things in balance. High phosphate/low calcium levels trigger the release of parathyroid hormone which tells the kidneys to expel more phosphate and increase the active vitamin D levels. It will also trigger calcium to be released from the bones to compensate. If the kidneys are not functioning properly or there is just too much phosphates, excess phosphate in the blood will bind with calcium. That is then stored in the cells. A buildup of these deposits causes calcification in the cells which then can disrupt normal organ functions.
To what extent all of this can apply directly to chelonians and impressa in particular with their dietary adaptations????
Thanks Mark. Your sharing makes me think it’s probably a combination of the two or more(as usual). If kidneys were already stressed from either phosphorus or dehydration, the addition of the other would probably exacerbate kidney problems, right?
I lost a male Hermanni to kidney failure early this year. It’s really awful. Slow death, with what appears to be involuntary movements. Chris Leone shared that they are sometimes known to abandon drinking when in the presence of females.
@Will have you seen symptoms in line with kidney failure?