Spontaneous intranasal tumours in degus (Octodon degus): 20 cases (2007-2020).

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this retrospective study was to describe the clinical and histopathological findings associated with intranasal tumours in degus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Medical records of degus diagnosed with intranasal neoplasms on histopathological examination between the years 2007 and 2020 at one hospital were included in the study.

RESULTS MEDICAL RECORDS OF DEGUS

Twenty degus (10 males and 10 females) were eligible for inclusion. Initial clinical signs included sneezing, abnormal nasal sounds, and nasal discharge, followed by anorexia and frequent nose rubbing. On radiography, 15 out of 20 animals showed space-occupying lesions in the nasal cavity. CT was performed in 16 animals and revealed various degrees of changes, including abnormal radiopacity within the nasal cavity and damaged nasal septum. Rhinostomy and excisional biopsy was performed in all 20 animals. Six out of 20 patients died during the perioperative period. Six and seven degus survived for 3 months and 1 year, respectively. One animal was lost to follow-up. In 16 cases the histological diagnosis was consistent with fibromas, while in 4 cases with osteomas.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Intranasal neoplasms in degus are mostly benign mesenchymal tumours with various degrees of bone formation, which is unique to this animal species. This occurrence should be considered as an important differential diagnosis for upper respiratory tract disease in degus.