Background Vatinoxan is a peripherally acting alpha-2 adrenergic antagonist evaluated in many species for effects on cardiovascular parameters and sedation. This study evaluated the benefits and side effects of vatinoxan in New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) sedated with dexmedetomidine. Methods In this blinded, randomized, crossover study, five healthy juvenile female NZW rabbits received intramuscular dexmedetomidine (0.05 mg/kg) with saline control (C), low-dose vatinoxan (LV; 0.5 mg/kg), or high-dose vatinoxan (HV; 1 mg/kg). Sedation was reversed with atipamezole (0.5 mg/kg) after 60 min. Cardiovascular variables, sedation scores, glucose concentrations, and blood gas parameters were evaluated during sedation and recovery. Physiological measurements were obtained throughout sedation. Results Invasive mean arterial pressure (MAP) at T40 was significantly lower for HV (50.0 mmHg; 95% CI, 42.4–57.6 mmHg) than C (64.1 mmHg; 95% CI, 55.5–72.6 mmHg; p = 0.045). Hypotension occurred in all groups and resolved during recovery. Noninvasive MAP at T15 was significantly lower for HV (54.0 mmHg; 95% CI, 20.9–87.1 mmHg) than C (109.2 mmHg; 95% CI, 82.6–137.3 mmHg; p = 0.032). Heart rates and sedation scores did not differ significantly among treatments. Glucose concentrations were significantly lower for HV than C 60 min after administration (163.8 ± 39.9 vs. 250.5 ± 56.5 mg/dL; p = 0.014). No significant differences were detected among groups for blood gas parameters. Conclusions and clinical relevance Vatinoxan did not significantly affect heart rate but caused hypotension, particularly at the higher dose. Further studies are warranted before its use with dexmedetomidine for rabbit sedation in this rabbit population.
Background No previous studies have described the diagnosis and surgical management of tracheal adenocarcinoma in golden hamsters. Case description A 2-year-old male golden hamster presented with wheezing and dyspnea. Survey radiography revealed no apparent abnormalities. The patient’s response to medical management was poor, and rigid endoscopy and cervicothoracic micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) were performed under general anesthesia. Micro-CT revealed a mass within the cervical trachea that resulted in narrowing of the tracheal lumen. Partial tracheal resection, including the mass, was performed to relieve obstruction and remove the lesion. The excised mass was diagnosed as a tracheal adenocarcinoma. Postoperative improvement in clinical signs was noted, but the hamster died 9 days postoperatively. Necropsy revealed no obvious tracheal stenosis, but severe suppurative bronchopneumonia, which is considered the most likely cause of death, was identified. Conclusions and case relevance This report describes the diagnosis and surgical treatment of tracheal adenocarcinoma in a golden hamster. Micro-CT is useful for evaluating intratracheal lesions in golden hamsters and surgical intervention may be considered in selected cases, although further cases are needed to establish its role.
Background Primary hyperparathyroidism is rarely reported in rabbits. Case description A 9-year-old spayed female rabbit was referred for chronic rhinitis, head tilt, and a palpable abdominal mass previously identified via radiographs. Physical examination confirmed a large cranial abdominal mass. Bloodwork revealed moderate hypercalcemia; other parameters were unremarkable. Computed tomography identified a large, fluid- and mineral-filled mid-abdominal cystic structure suspected to be hepatic in origin. Fluid analysis and cytology was consistent with marked calcification; bacterial culture was negative. Surgical excision was performed and histopathology identified the structure as a biliary cyst. Three weeks post-operatively, the rabbit developed limb splaying, progressive hypercalcemia, and mild hyperphosphatemia and azotemia. The patient presented four days later with an acute left femoral fracture. Radiographs showed diffusely decreased osseous density and patchy remodeling of the cancellous bone of all imaged long bones, consistent with osteopenia. Bloodwork revealed progressive hyperphosphatemia, azotemia, and elevated symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) and normocalcemia. Due to poor prognosis and multiple comorbidities, euthanasia was elected. Postmortem findings included a parathyroid adenoma, bilateral femoral fractures, fibrous osteodystrophy of the femurs and mandible, chronic interstitial nephritis with fibrosis, widespread soft tissue mineralization, and multifocal Encephalitozoon cuniculi encephalitis. Parathyroid hormone levels were measured using banked heparinized plasma and found to be mildly elevated at initial presentation and markedly elevated at the time of necropsy, compared to an age- and sex-matched control and other reported values. Conclusions and clinical relevance This case highlights a presentation of parathyroid gland adenoma in conjunction with chronic renal disease in a rabbit that developed progressive fibrous osteodystrophy and soft tissue mineralization. Clinicians should consider both primary hyperparathyroidism and renal secondary hyperparathyroidism in rabbits presenting with unexplained hypercalcemia, especially with skeletal pathology or soft tissue mineralization.
Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common, fast-growing, typically locally invasive and aggressive epithelial cell tumor in African pygmy hedgehogs, with previously reported treatments showing limited success. Case description: A 4-year-old, female intact, African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) was presented with an acute history of painful right-sided swelling of the right lateral face. A mass originated from the lateral margin of the right-sided body of the mandible. Biopsy of the mass confirmed OSCC. Computed tomographic (CT) scan confirmed a bone lesion of the right mandible, with focal lysis of the lateral mandibular aspect with non-contrast enhancing mild soft tissue swelling. A hemimandibulectomy was performed, and strontium-90 radiation therapy (RT) was prescribed at 120 Gy delivered in one fraction to the healed site. There were no apparent early adverse events of radiation; possible ocular late effects were seen. Further occurrences of OSCC outside of the prior treatment site were treated with a linear accelerator, delivering 8 Gy in 3 fractions for a total of 24 Gy. The hedgehog died 343 days post-diagnosis from multisystemic lymphoma without regrowth of any treated OSCC masses. Conclusions and case relevance: In this hedgehog, the combination of surgical hemimandibulectomy and adjuvant strontium-90 radiotherapy resulted in apparent clinical cure of OSCC for approximately 281 days. Further studies are required for full understanding of clinical side effects and long-term outcomes.
