Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus) submitted to enucleation - case report

Abstract

Ophthalmic diseases in rodents are uncommon, but clinically importante. Eye diseases can cause pain and compromise the well-being of these patients. Roptosis of the eyeball may occur due to anatomical characteristics of rodents, which have a thin scler; and inadequate clinical management can also result in proptosis. We report the treatment of left eyeball proptosis of unknown etiology in a male cub Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus). Transconjunctival enucleation with adequate anesthetic protocol and perioperative care,resulted in a successful outcome. We emphasize the importance of understanding the peculiarities of a species still infrequently seen in clinical routine of small animal practice.