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Companion exotic mammal herbivores may be diagnosed with chronic disease that the owner believes is causing acute clinical illness. It is generally believed that because of the enhanced disease-masking ability of these “prey” species, numerous disease states may go unnoticed for a significant period. A veterinarian should be knowledgeable about this behavior trait and consider its possible effects when assessing the patient's health status. In some cases, the chronic disease condition may respond rapidly to treatment, whereas with other diagnoses, treatment is more frustrating. This article describes a selection of chronic disease conditions that one may diagnose in guinea pigs (e.g., hypovitaminosis C, trixacariasis, urolithiasis, dental disease), chinchillas (e.g., dental disease), and rabbits (e.g., dental disease, renal failure, cranial thoracic mass disease). Gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disease problems diagnosed in companion exotic mammal herbivores are covered elsewhere in this journal issue. |
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