Mammary adenocarcinoma with pulmonary, hepatic and renal metastasis in a chinchilla (Chinchilla laniger)

Background: Chinchillas are small, long-lived hystricomorph rodents closely related to guinea pigs, porcupines and agoutis. Used extensively in scientific research and fur production, its use as a pet has grown exponentially in the last decade, increasing their presence in veterinary clinics and hospitals. The most common health conditions for chinchillas kept as pets are a result of husbandry or dietary deficiencies, and they rarely develop neoplasia. Although rare, neoplasias do occur in these animals and should be included as differential diagnosis. This report describes the occurrence of mammary adenocarcinoma in a companion chinchilla with several metastatic foci in lungs, liver and kidneys.Case: A 6-year-old female chinchilla (Chinchilla laniger) was presented with progressive hyporexia, apathy and a volume increase in the right axillary region. Since the owner noted purulent secretion in the ulcerated mass, he began treatment, without veterinarian consent, using topic rifampicin, 0.5 mL dipyrone sodium oral and 1.5 mL of enrofloxacin. All of which were used orally, once a day, for five days. On presentation at the veterinary hospital, the animal was poorly responsive, mildly dehydrated and had moderate body condition. Physical examination revealed pale mucous membranes, body temperature of 36.4°C and an increased volume, soft upon palpation, near inguinal area. The mass in the right axillary region was adhered, soft and ulcerated. A fine-needle aspiration was performed and the animal was sent home with instructions to perform forced feeding until the citology results were obtained, which were inconclusive. At the owners request, no other diagnostic tests were performed. Six days after initial examination the animal lost 5% of its body weight as anorexy, lethargy and locomotion difficulties progressed, at which point the owner requested euthanasia. The animal was sent for postmortem examination.[...](AU)

Mammary adenocarcinoma with pulmonary, hepatic and renal metastasis in a chinchilla (Chinchilla laniger)

Background: Chinchillas are small, long-lived hystricomorph rodents closely related to guinea pigs, porcupines and agoutis. Used extensively in scientific research and fur production, its use as a pet has grown exponentially in the last decade, increasing their presence in veterinary clinics and hospitals. The most common health conditions for chinchillas kept as pets are a result of husbandry or dietary deficiencies, and they rarely develop neoplasia. Although rare, neoplasias do occur in these animals and should be included as differential diagnosis. This report describes the occurrence of mammary adenocarcinoma in a companion chinchilla with several metastatic foci in lungs, liver and kidneys.Case: A 6-year-old female chinchilla (Chinchilla laniger) was presented with progressive hyporexia, apathy and a volume increase in the right axillary region. Since the owner noted purulent secretion in the ulcerated mass, he began treatment, without veterinarian consent, using topic rifampicin, 0.5 mL dipyrone sodium oral and 1.5 mL of enrofloxacin. All of which were used orally, once a day, for five days. On presentation at the veterinary hospital, the animal was poorly responsive, mildly dehydrated and had moderate body condition. Physical examination revealed pale mucous membranes, body temperature of 36.4°C and an increased volume, soft upon palpation, near inguinal area. The mass in the right axillary region was adhered, soft and ulcerated. A fine-needle aspiration was performed and the animal was sent home with instructions to perform forced feeding until the citology results were obtained, which were inconclusive. At the owner’s request, no other diagnostic tests were performed. Six days after initial examination the animal lost 5% of its body weight as anorexy, lethargy and locomotion difficulties progressed, at which point the owner requested euthanasia. The animal was sent for postmortem examination.[...]