Hyperthyroidism in connection with suspected diabetes mellitus in a chinchilla ( <i>Chinchilla laniger</i> )

Abstract

A six year-old female chinchilla was presented because of progressive weight loss. At the clinic, a yeast-stomatitis, a severely elevated glucose level and glucosuria were found. However, 10 days of diabetes mellitus therapy with glipizide did not halt weight loss. Evaluation of T4 level indicated the presence of hyperthyroidism. Treatment of the hyperthyroid state with locally applied thiamazole ointment was successful in that the animal gained weight. This case illustrates that hyperthyroidism can also occur in chinchillas and should be included in the differential diagnoses for a diabetic state in this species, especially in the absence of ketonuria and presence of low fructosamine blood levels