Evaluation of Orchiectomy and Ovariectomy Surgical Techniques in Degus (Octodon degus)
In this study, two previously described surgical techniques for performing an orchiectomy in the adult male degu (Octodon degus) were evaluated: (1) prescrotal open technique and (2) scrotal open technique. Additionally an ovariectomy procedure was assessed in female degus using the bilateral (dorsolateral) technique similar to that performed in related species. Twenty-two animals (n=14 males; 8 females) from a local small mammal shelter group, that were presented for routine surgical castration for population control measures, were included in this study. (Source: Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine)
Source: Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine - September 14, 2018 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Raphael A. Malbrue, Carmen B. Arsuaga-Zorrilla, Willie Bidot, Laure E. Molitor, Kriscelle A. Mendoza, Shateenah K. Barnes, Derecka J. Alexander, Jonathan F. Bova, Dawn E. Evans Tags: Research Source Type: research

A case of preputial cystostomy performed on an African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) with urethral obstruction
While urogenital diseases of the female African hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) are common, such diseases in male animals appear rare. This case report describes a male African pygmy hedgehog presenting with urethral obstruction due to accessory gland enlargement. Preputial cystostomy provided effective treatment, and enabled maintenance of good quality of life over the long term. This suggests that preputial cystostomy may offer an effective salvage technique for African pygmy hedgehogs with unresolvable urethral obstruction. (Source: Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine)
Source: Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine - September 6, 2018 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Iori Koizumi, Hirotaka Kondo Source Type: research

Cutaneous botryomycosis in two pet rabbits
A 5-year-old male neutered rabbit was presented for assessment of multiple abscesses, which had appeared suddenly over the ventrum, perineum and hindlimbs over the previous few days. Thirteen abscesses were surgically excised. Culture revealed Pseudomonas aeruginosa and histopathological examination confirmed a diagnosis of botryomycosis. However, despite follow up antimicrobial treatment and repeat surgeries, lesions continued to recur. The second case, a 3-year-old male neutered rabbit presented for routine vaccination. (Source: Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine)
Source: Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine - August 28, 2018 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Joanna Hedley, Nadene Stapleton, Clare Muir, Simon Priestnall, Ken Smith Tags: Case Report Source Type: research

Comparison of Body Temperature Acquired via Auricular and Rectal Methods in Ferrets
Body temperature is a fundamental parameter for evaluating the health status of an animal, since it is an indicator of metabolism and organic function.1 In small animal practice, the most commonly used thermometers are rectal. Nevertheless, the use of rectal thermometers is uncomfortable and often requires prolonged restraint with multiple handlers, which can be stressful.2 Struggling during rectal temperature measurement can result in patient injury as well as erroneously elevated temperature measurements. (Source: Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine)
Source: Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine - August 28, 2018 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Laura A.B. Aguilar, Javier Ojeda Ch ávez, Andrés Ducoing Watty Tags: Research Source Type: research

Assessment of the respiratory tract distribution of fluorescein by nebulization in rats (Rattus norvegicus)
Most pet rats have chronic respiratory disease, and end-stage complications are frequently fatal. Drug aerosol delivery in the form of nebulization of antibiotics, expectorants and bronchodilators is often used as part of their treatment. As rats are obligate nasal breathers, aerosol delivery must be achieved by nasal inhalation, which has the anatomical limitation of a narrower airway lumen. In humans, aerosol delivery of many respiratory drugs is achieved by oral inhalation as it allows administration of very small particles with a concentration loss of only 20% in comparison with 85% by the nasal route. (Source: Journal...
Source: Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine - August 28, 2018 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Isabelle Desprez, Charlotte Boyer, Jean-Luc Servely, Audrey Carlet-Lejall é, Edouard Reyes-Gomez, Thomas M. Donnelly, Charly Pignon Tags: Research Source Type: research

Primary intraocular osteosarcoma with pulmonary metastasis in a guinea pig (Cavia porcellus)
A three-year-old male guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) presented to the UNAM Exotic Pet and Wildlife Teaching Hospital. Clinical signs included hyphema, buphthalmos, goniosynechiae, anterior uveitis and hypopyon of the ventral iridocorneal angle of the right eye. The right globe was enucleated and submitted for histopathology and the histopathologic findings were consistent with osteosarcoma. Thoracic radiographs did not reveal evidence of other primary tumors or metastasis. Four months later, the patient had pleural friction rub sounds upon auscultation of the lung fields and pre-scapular lymphadenomegaly. (Source: Journal of...
Source: Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine - August 27, 2018 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: A. Gomez-Rios, A.A. Rodr íguez-Reyes, J. Ramírez-Lezama, I. Maldonado-Reséndiz Tags: Case Report Source Type: research

Open Reduction and Stabilization of a Luxated Coxofemoral Joint in a Domestic Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) Using a Toggle-Pin Fixation
A 4-year-old intact female Holland lop rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was referred for evaluation of a luxated right coxofemoral joint. Cranioventral luxation of the right femoral head was confirmed with pelvic radiographs at the referring veterinarian three days prior. On presentation, a non-weight bearing right pelvic limb lameness was appreciated. A closed hip reduction under anesthesia was attempted but not successful. The rabbit underwent an open coxofemoral reduction and the reduction was protected using a toggle rod stabilization method. (Source: Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine)
Source: Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine - August 27, 2018 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Matt Marinkovich, David Sanchez-Migallon Guzman, Michelle G. Hawkins, Molly Gleeson, Po-Yen Chou Tags: Case Report Source Type: research

A retrospective study of diaphragmatic hernia in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus): 16 cases (2009 –2016)
The objective of this study was to describe clinical information associated with diaphragmatic hernias in rabbits and assess the effect of different treatments. Sixteen pet rabbits were included in this study. Sex, age at provisional diagnosis, clinical signs, results of various medical examinations, treatments, and prognosis were recorded. Evaluation included physical examination, radiography, ultrasonography, computed tomography, exploratory laparotomy, and histopathology. Females represented 15/16 cases. (Source: Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine)
Source: Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine - August 27, 2018 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Haruka Takimoto, Yasutsugu Miwa Tags: Case Report Source Type: research

Perivaginal Vascular Hamartoma In Two European Rabbits (Oryctolagus Cuniculus)
Two domestic European rabbits were diagnosed with perivaginal vascular hamartomas. Only one rabbit exhibited clinical signs attributed to the vascular lesion. This rabbit presented laterally recumbent and in cardiovascular shock after a three-day history of hematuria with blood clots. The other rabbit was euthanized for an unrelated condition. In both cases, perivaginal vascular hamartomas were identified at necropsy and confirmed by microscopic examination and use of immunohistochemistry. Vascular hamartoma of the vaginal and uterine tissue should be included in the differential diagnoses for hematuria in female rabbits. ...
Source: Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine - August 25, 2018 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Lynnette Waugh, Sara Rostad, Keith L. Bailey, Jo ão Brandão Source Type: research

Results of a Modified Neurological Examination in 26 Healthy Rabbits
Up to 11% of rabbit cases in clinical practice present with suspected neurological disease, necessitating a detailed neurological examination. However, neurological evaluations of rabbits are usually based on protocols developed for dogs, and fail to take into account the differences in reaction patterns between prey and predator species. The aim of this study was to report the results of a neurological examination modified for rabbits, so that clinicians might avoid misinterpretation of test results and reduce both the length of the examination and related stress. (Source: Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine)
Source: Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine - August 25, 2018 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: E. Warnefors, M.L. Ruel økke, H. Gredal Source Type: research

Uterine horn torsion in a pregnant dwarf hamster (Phodopus sungorus) - Case report.
A pregnant dwarf hamster (Phodopus sungorus), of approximately one year old, was attended at a veterinary clinic of a higher education institution with clinical suspicion of dystocia. According to the owner, the patient presented signs of labor but failed to deliver. During labor, conservative pharmacological therapy with intramuscular oxytocin was attempted, but without success, resorting to laparotomy. When peritoneal cavity was accessed, twisting of the right uterine horn was observed, which was congested and with hematomas. (Source: Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine)
Source: Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine - August 25, 2018 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Cinthya Dessaune Neves, Camila Barbosa Amaral, Ana Maria Reis Ferreira, Leonardo Serafim da Silveira Tags: Brief Communication Source Type: research

Cystoscopic-guided lithotripsy for the removal of a urethral stone in a guinea pig
A 2-year-old female guinea pig was referred for management of a urethral stone. The stone was diagnosed on radiographs following a 10-day history of stranguria, dysuria and hematuria. Attempts to remove the stone by urethral catheterization and flushing were unsuccessful. The stone was successfully fragmented and removed by cystoscopic-guided transurethral laser lithotripsy, performed under general anesthesia. The postoperative recovery was uneventful, and hematuria and stranguria resolved 24 hours after the procedure. (Source: Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine)
Source: Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine - August 25, 2018 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Thomas Coutant, Marilyn Dunn, Isabelle Langlois, Edouard Maccolini Source Type: research

Diagnostic Challenge
A 4-year-old sexually intact female bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) presented to the Kansas State University Veterinary Health Center (Manhattan, Kansas USA) for lethargy and a swelling on the right side of her head. On physical examination, the bearded dragon was depressed, thin (body condition score 1.5/5) at 453 grams, and had pale, tacky mucous membranes. A prominent swelling was present on the right side of her head and extended to involve the periocular region (Fig  1). On oral exam, a 2.5 centimeter dark-purple mass was visible, extending from the base of the tongue to the roof of the mouth (Fig. 1). (Source: Jo...
Source: Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine - August 25, 2018 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Beverly M. Finneburgh, David Eshar Tags: Case Report Source Type: research

Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor in the Pelvic Limb of a Domestic Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
A 3-year-old, 4.0 kg, female, spayed Silver Marten cross rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was presented for evaluation of a suspected recurring spindle cell sarcoma following primary excision by the referring veterinarian. Physical examination revealed a large subcutaneous mass on the left metatarsus and a fine needle aspirate revealed suspected neoplastic spindle cells. Hematologic evaluation was unremarkable and a computed tomography scan revealed invasion of the mass into skeletal muscles but showed no evidence of metastatic disease. (Source: Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine)
Source: Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine - August 25, 2018 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Lauren Reimnitz, David Sanchez-Migallon Guzman, Elise LaDouceur, Sarah Stevens, No émie Summa, Sara Gardhouse, Amir Kol, Kelsey Brust, Michelle G. Hawkins Tags: Case Report Source Type: research

Post-traumatic ocular lymphoma in three rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
This report describes post-traumatic ocular lymphoma in three companion rabbits; 2 rabbits with unilateral disease and one with bilateral disease. Historical findings suggestive of a traumatic event included either external unilateral ocular trauma or bilateral phacoemulsification. Severe corneal changes, presence of an anterior chamber mass(es), low intraocular pressures and ocular discomfort were noted on ophthalmic examinations. All eyes were treated for variable courses with standard ophthalmic topical medications (antibiotic, anti-inflammatories, steroid) and systemic anti-inflammatories. (Source: Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine)
Source: Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine - August 25, 2018 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Krista A Keller, David Sanchez-Migallon Guzman, Christopher Reilly, Beth Valentine, Felicia D Duke Boynton, Erin M Scott, Richard R Dubielzig Tags: Case Report Source Type: research