Urolithiasis in a chinchilla

Caesarean surgery and ovariohysterectomy in a precocial rodent Octodon degus

“…Studying and describing these procedures is essential for implementing efficient reproductive management programs in captive settings such as research colonies, zoo colonies, breeding programs, and pet trade (Malbrue et al, 2019). Procedures such as OVH and CS have been described in other rodent species including hamsters (Fleischman, 1981), rats (Redobre, 2002), guinea pigs (Richardson & Flecknell, 2006;Prior, 1986;Jones, 1990), gerbils (Mighell & Baker, 1990) and rabbits (Richardson & Flecknell, 2006). These reports concluded that there are four critical aspects to consider during OVH and CS procedures: i) respiratory compromise due to presaustral Journal of Veterinary sCienCe sure of the visceral organs on the diaphragm, ii) difficulty in maintaining proper body temperature during the procedure due to decreased thermoregulatory ability under anesthesia, exacerbated by incision of the abdominal cavity and small body size, iii) suture dehiscence due to gnawing behavior, and iv) cessation or decreased motility of the small intestine (paralytic ileus) as a consequence of abdominal pain (Redobre, 2002;Richardson & Flecknell, 2006;Malbrue et al, 2019).…”

Urolithiasis in chinchillas: 15 cases (2007 to 2011)

“…) but only about 4% of cases of urolithiasis in chinchillas reported in the literature are females (Jones et al . , Spence & Skae , Mans & Donnelly ). Risk factors and outcome for urolithiasis in chinchillas are currently unknown and therefore providing pet owners with a prognosis prior to therapeutic intervention is challenging.…”

“…Chinchillas diagnosed with urolithiasis were reported to be predominately mature male animals and uroliths were composed predominately of calcium carbonate (Jones et al . , Spence & Skae , Osborne et al . , Mans & Donnelly ).…”

“…Urogenital problems in chinchillas are relatively uncommon and urolithiasis in this species has only been reported sparingly and incompletely in the literature in form of "letters to the editor" and as part of a retrospective study of urolith submissions to a diagnostic laboratory. Chinchillas diagnosed with urolithiasis were reported to be predominately mature male animals and uroliths were composed predominately of calcium carbonate (Jones et al . 1995, Spence & Skae 1995, Osborne et al .…”

“…In guinea pigs about 40% of the animals diagnosed with urolithiasis are females (Hawkins et al . 2009 ) but only about 4% of cases of urolithiasis in chinchillas reported in the literature are females (Jones et al . 1995, Spence & Skae 1995, Mans & Donnelly 2013.…”