Weird kidneys

Miss M · Jul 28, 2013

We butchered 19 rabbits last weekend. One of them had odd kidneys.

Normal kidneys on the left, abnormal on right:

As you can see (hopefully), the normal kidney at left is about half the size, darker throughout, with a smooth exterior. The abnormal kidney at right is lighter, enlarged, with an exterior texture like orange peel, except soft.

The abnormal kidneys were discarded. No other abnormalities were found in any of the rabbits.

MaggieJ · Jul 28, 2013

Definitely looks "off". I quickly googled rabbit enlarged kidney but there was too much to sift through at this stage of a very long, busy day. I'm exhausted and going to pack it in even earlier than usual.

Hope you find some answers, Miss M. If it was only one rabbit out of 19, chances are it is nothing to get worried about. Doesn't sound contagious.

Kyle@theWintertime · Jul 28, 2013

Kidney failure or disease can cause kidney enlargement. Not sure if that is what is going on there though.

Miss M · Jul 28, 2013

Do you think it's something I should look into? I posted the picture really as a reference available for comment... I didn't figure it was really worrisome.