• Hello, Vetaheader! We are back with a brand new newsletter. This month, it’s all about mammals.

First, we have a case report on the surgical correction of a comminuted fracture of the humerus of a golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus). Orthopedic lesions due to trauma and accidents are very common in small species, but successful orthopedic surgery cases are rarely reported, right?

The case describes that a 1.5-yr-old golden hamster was seen with a history of trauma, and a static orthopedic evaluation revealed an increase of tissue volume on the left humerus, while walk/trot grade IV lameness of the left forelimb was seen. Radiographs were taken under anesthesia using midazolam (1.5 mg/kg SC) and buprenorphine (0.02 mg/kg SC), along with isoflurane (1.5%) showed a complete comminuted diaphyseal, closed fracture of the proximal third of the left humerus and a slightly displaced short oblique simple fracture of the distal radius.

Surgery was performed on the left humerus using a tie-in fixator – a combination of an intramedullary pin linked to a Type 1 unilateral-uniplanar external skeletal fixator. Tie-in fixators are lightweight and very versatile, which make this a very good option for small mammals! The surgery is described in detail in the paper manuscript, but highlights are in the abstract. The radial fracture was not surgically corrected. The patient was kept hospitalized for a week with meloxicam (0.5 mg/kg PO q 24 hr x 7 days). The skin sutures were removed at 7 days and incision was healed. 

Proprioceptive improvement was noted from the third week following surgery, and the hamster showed normal support of the affected limb 4 weeks post-surgery. The radial fracture healed with just rest.

Second, we have a paper on the neurological examination in healthy chinchillas. Little information was available back when the manuscript was published, partially because the neurological examination had not been standardized in chinchillas and the expected physiological findings in healthy chinchillas had not been reported. 

In this study, a standardized neurological examination was performed on 30 clinically normal adult chinchillas. Mentation, cranial nerve tests, spinal reflexes, and postural reactions were all extrapolated from small animal neurological examination and assessed for feasibility in a pilot. Here are the highlights of their findings:

• Positive in all: oculocephalic reflex; maxillary, mandibular, auricular sensation; withdrawal, pelvic paw replacement, thoracic placement, hemiwalking, wheelbarrowing reflexes;

• Positive in most: corneal stimulation, palpebral, direct PLR, patellar, hopping, external postural thrust;

  • Not all had a complete blink with the palpebral;

  • Consensual PLR was not possible to assess;

• Variable: cutaneous trunci reflex, pelvic limb paw replacement;

  • Thickness of the fur made it hard to evaluate cutaneous trunci reflex;

• Absent: menace response, perineal reflex.

The take home message is: tests varied in their feasibility and consistency of results, and it is hoped that data will help clinicians to prioritize the least stressful, most reliable tests. Normal findings of note: lack of menace response, lack of perineal reflex.

Lastly, we have paper reporting the removal of lower urinary tract stones by modified percutaneous cystolithotomy (PCCL) in male ferrets (Mustela putorius furo). Urinary tract stones occur commonly in male ferrets, and can lead to urinary tract obstruction. Cystine is most prevalent stone in NA ferrets, and dissolution has not been proven to be successful. The traditional approach for urolith removal is cystotomy, but a minimally invasive approach had not been described yet.

Four male ferrets presented with obstructive urethral stones. Common clinical signs to all ferrets were depression, dehydration, and lower urinary tract signs including dysuria, stranguria, pollakiuria or complete urethral obstruction, and bladder distention. 

The patients were submitted to modified PCCL, which successfully relieved the obstruction in all 4 ferrets. In one ferret, the technique was used following an unsuccessful surgical cystotomy. Postoperative radiographs confirmed the removal of all lower urinary tract stones. All uroliths were found to be composed of 100% cystine. 

Vetaheader, thank you so much for being with us this year! Look forward to more exciting new content from us in the upcoming year.

Sincerely,