Phacoemulsification in a chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera)

Abstract

Background: A cataract is one of the underlying causes blindness in animals. Phacoemulsification is the standard procedure in cataract surgery for humans and animals. This procedure has been used to restore vision in cataracts in a variety of animals. However, this technique is difficult in very small animals, such as rodents, due to their small eyes. Case Description: A 4-year-old male domestic chinchilla was presented with cloudiness in the lenses for 1 month. The ophthalmic examination revealed cataracts OU (oculus uterque: both eyes). Positive dazzle reflex OS (oculus sinister; left eye) and negative reflex OD (oculus dexter; right eye) were noted. The electroretinography was low amplitude OS whereas a flat wave form presented OD. In this case, cataract surgery was performed using phacoemulsification without intraocular lenses implantation OS. Postoperative, the chinchilla was alert and could jump on and jump off the ledge in a house. When the veterinarian approached closely to OS, the chinchilla displayed erect body posture and open eyes, whereas the chinchilla was ignored when the veterinarian doing the same OD. The chinchilla was alert and had improved vision observe by this chinchilla can jump on and jump off the ledge in his house throughout the follow-up period 18 months later. Conclusion: In this chinchilla, phacoemulsification was successfully performed and resulted in better overall vision. The chinchilla was alert and could jump on and jump off the ledge in a house after cataract surgery throughout the follow-up period of 18 months.