Subcutaneous oedema in a chinchilla

Re: Subcutaneous oedema in a chinchilla

Georgia Owen — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:32:52 GMT

Any further development with the chinchilla- interested as I have seen a 7yo F today with the same problem. The owner actually thought that the swelling under the chin was an abscess but it turned out to be subcut tissue oedema. No other signs eating well etc so just monitoring for now but would be interested how your one got on!

Thanks

Georgia

Re: Subcutaneous oedema in a chinchilla

Richard Rice-Grubb — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:21:59 GMT

Thanks for all the advice, I really appreciate it! I'll try to get him back in for skull X-rays (think I was fooled by the teeth looking fine intra-orally!) and try again to get some blood. Any idea why dental disease could lead to subcut oedema? Hypoproteinaemia due to inadequate intake (though would have expected this to have to be pretty severe to cause oedema)? Just an odd presentation for dental disease in my (admittedly limited) experience.

Re: Subcutaneous oedema in a chinchilla

Richard Fox — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:53:05 GMT

Well that's my lack of knowledge shown up isn't it [commits to memory] Gets coat...............

Re: Subcutaneous oedema in a chinchilla

mariette asselbergs — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:21:04 GMT

"Also given the age neoplasia might also warrant consideration "

But a 5 year old chinchilla is still a young one, they often get to 20 years old!

Mariette

Re: Subcutaneous oedema in a chinchilla

Mark Rowland — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:29:43 GMT

I think from what I can see of the teeth that this chinchilla has molar root issues and I would recommend further head radiography as well as the blood sample. The DV looks underexposed to me. The lateral view doesnt convince me of significant heart disease. I suspect the weight loss to be dental but would want the reassurance of further head radiographs and the bloods before I went onto significant meloxicam doses.

Goodluck

Re: Subcutaneous oedema in a chinchilla

Richard Fox — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:58:36 GMT

Yeah - of course - I had not thought about practicalities being a pathologist

Re: Subcutaneous oedema in a chinchilla

Richard Rice-Grubb — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:47:34 GMT

Here's the lateral xray. Can't clearly make out the cardiac silhouette and there appears to be some lung changes. The owner has informed me since first posting that she rescued the chinchilla from a smoking household - this possibly could be a contributing factor in the lung changes!

Re: Subcutaneous oedema in a chinchilla

Richard Rice-Grubb — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:44:41 GMT

Mark,

I tried the CVC for bloods under GA - first time I've been unable to get a sample from this vein in a rodent. Not sure if it was due to the oedema or just me having an off day! I have used this technique successfully in guinea pigs, rats and hamsters before, but any tips for chinchillas you have would be appreciated! I've (hopefully) attached the xrays.

Richard,

Haematology would be great but as stated I couldn't get a blood sample at all. The owner has gone for symptomatic frusemide therapy while considering referral so if the frusemide reduces the oedema I might try grabbing a blood sample again then. Of course I'm basing my current therapy solely on the oedema and the possibility of cardiac disease.

Re: Subcutaneous oedema in a chinchilla

Richard Fox — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:45:49 GMT

Also given the age neoplasia might also warrant consideration - lymphoma? Any haematological abnormalities?

Re: Subcutaneous oedema in a chinchilla

Mark Rowland — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:23:34 GMT

Cardiac issues are certainly a possibility. Bloods would be the next step to rule out metabolic disease. Ga and cranial vena cava is the best way, send me a message if you want more info on how to do this

Posting the rads would sure help also so give it another shot or send them to Arlo.

Goodluck