Cranial cavity filled with cerebrospinal fluid in an otter (Lontra longicaudis) - case report

Abstract

Computed tomography of the head of an otter with a history of incoordination, visual deficits, and seizures was performed. Intracranial images revealed a large non-enhancing fluid attenuating cystic lesion in the left frontoparietal region communicating with the left lateral ventricle and subarachnoid space. These findings are consistent with a congenital brain cavity filled by cerebrospinal fluid, with porencephaly being the most probable diagnosis based on the clinical and tomographic findings. The authors highlight the rarity of such a cystic lesion in wild animals, with this being the first report in otters.

Congenital renal hypoplasia and contralateral kidney failure in a giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) ex situ in Southeastern Brazil

“…Furthermore, reports of kidney diseases in giant otters are scarce, with one case of bilateral nephrolithiasis associated with tubular necrosis (1), and one report of leptospirosis by Leptospira interrogans (10). Congenital diseases in mustelids are restricted to rare case reports of porencephaly in Lontra longicaudis (4), cardiomyopathy in Mephites mephites (2), polycystic kidney disease in Mustela sp. (6) and other tegument, reproductive, and ophthalmological conditions (14).…”

Computed tomography and cross‐sectional anatomy of the head in the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)

“…The knowledge of anatomy is extremely important for the diagnosis and prognosis of wild animals, with imaging diagnostic being an important tool in diagnosis and treatment since it allows observing the topography of animals in a non‐invasive way (Borges et al., 2017; Cunha et al., 2018; Costa et al., 2019). The computed tomography (CT) is adequate to measure, study and distinguish different types of tissues and structures, in addition to providing more accurate diagnoses in a shorter time.…”