Lumbar osteosarcoma in a chinchilla (Chinchilla laniger)

Authors: Simova-Curd; Nitzl¹; Pospischil²; Hatt

Source: The Journal of Small Animal Practice, Volume 49, Number 9, September 2008 , pp. 483-485(3)

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Abstract:

An 11-year-old male chinchilla was presented for investigation of progressive weight loss, apathy, anorexia, changes in faecal quality and alopecia on the tip of the tail. On clinical examination, a stiffness of the back legs was noted. Abdominal palpation revealed a hard immobile, irregular structure in the region of the last lumbar vertebrae. Subsequent radiography and ultrasonography suggested the presence of neoplasia. The following day the chinchilla was showing hindlimb paralysis, and there was severe self-trauma to the distal 5 cm of the tail. In view of the rapid clinical deterioration, the chinchilla was euthanased with the owner's consent. Macroscopic examination supported the clinical suspicion of neoplasia. Histopathological examination revealed a reactive osteoblastic osteosarcoma. To the author's knowledge, this is the first report of osteosarcoma in chinchillas.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-5827.2008.00584.x

Affiliations: 1: Section of Diagnostic Imaging and Radio-Oncology 2: Institute for Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland

Publication date: 2008-09-01