» Urinary System
The kidneys are not lobated and resemble those of the small ruminant, with a traditional bean shape and a smooth exterior. They are of equal size and relatively slightly more caudal than in other species; the right one is ventral to the transverse processes of the fourth to sixth lumbar vertebrae, and the left one is ventral to the transverse processes of the fifth to seventh lumbar vertebrae.
The kidneys are easily accessible for ultrasound. The ureter and bladder are similar to those in other species.In the male camelid there is a urethral recess at the level of the ischial arch, presenting the same difficulty in catheterization of the urinary bladder in camelids as in ruminants, although it theoretically may be possible to guide the catheter past the urethral diverticulum by digital palpation through the rectum. There is a suburethral diverticulum in the female where the urethra enters the vestibule; this can also cause difficulty when catheterizing a female if it is not actively avoided.
Male camelids may be affected by urethral calculi, either at the distal end of the penis where the urethra narrows as it enters the glans or a similar site of narrowing of the urethra as it leaves the pelvis and travels into the penis, just cranial to the opening of the urethral recess. Camelids are not commonly affected with urethral obstruction in the sigmoid flexure of the penis, as often occurs in cattle. The female urethra is relatively wide and not prone to obstruction.