Phacoemulsification in a chinchilla (<i>Chinchilla lanigera</i>)

Abstract

Background: A cataract is one of the underlying causes of 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 (oculus uterque: both eyes). Positive dazzle reflex oculus sinister; left
eye (OS) and negative reflex oculus dexter; right eye (OD) were noted. The electroretinography was low amplitude OS
whereas a flat waveform presented OD. In this case, cataract surgery was performed using phacoemulsification without
intraocular lens 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 an 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.