There is some debate on whether snakes have kidneys or not. Some say that they do not have traditional kidneys while others say that they have a pair of small kidneys located near the back of the animal just before the cloaca.
The main function of the kidney is to filter blood and produce urine. Urine is composed of water and waste products that need to be eliminated from the body. The waste products in urine come from the breakdown of food muscles and other tissues.
The kidney is made up of two bean-shaped organs each about the size of a fist. They are located just below the rib cage one on each side of the spine. The left kidney is usually slightly smaller than the right one.
The kidneys filter about a half a cup of blood every minute and produces about a cup of urine each day. Urine flows from the kidney through a tube called the ureter to the bladder where it is stored until it is eliminated from the body.
While snakes do have some sort of filtering system it is still debated as to whether this is considered a traditional kidney or not. It is believed that snakes may have evolved from primitive lizards who did not have kidneys. Over time as they evolved and grew in size they may have developed this filtration system to help them eliminate waste products from their bodies.
How many kidneys do snakes have?
Snakes have two kidneys.
What function do kidneys have in snakes?
Kidneys filter waste from the blood and produce urine in snakes.
Do all snakes have functioning kidneys?
No some snakes may have one or both kidneys non-functional.
if a snake only has one functioning kidney will it still be able to survive?
Yes a snake can survive with only one functioning kidney.
How do snakes with non-functional kidneys get rid of waste?
Waste is eliminated through the cloaca in snakes with non-functional kidneys.
What happens if a snake’s kidneys are not functioning properly?
If a snake’s kidneys are not functioning properly waste will build up in the blood and the snake will eventually die.
How can you tell if a snake’s kidneys are not functioning properly?
If a snake’s kidneys are not functioning properly the snake will appear lethargic and may have difficulty shedding its skin.
What is the treatment for a snake with non-functional kidneys?
There is no treatment for a snake with non-functional kidneys.
Is there any way to prevent a snake from getting non-functional kidneys?
There is no known way to prevent a snake from getting non-functional kidneys.
What other organs do snakes have that help them to get rid of waste?
Snakes have a liver and a gallbladder that help them to get rid of waste.
How do the liver and gallbladder help snakes to get rid of waste?
The liver and gallbladder help to break down and process waste before it is eliminated through the cloaca.
Do all snakes have a liver and gallbladder?
No some snakes may not have both a liver and a gallbladder.
If a snake does not have a liver and gallbladder how does it get rid of waste?
If a snake does not have a liver and gallbladder waste is eliminated through the cloaca without being processed.
What is the treatment for a snake without a liver and gallbladder?
There is no treatment for a snake without a liver and gallbladder.
Is there any way to prevent a snake from not having a liver and gallbladder?
There is no known way to prevent a snake from not having a liver and gallbladder.
