Glomerulonephropathy in aged captive Key Largo woodrats (Neotoma floridana smalli)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Nephrology
• Wildlife Biology

Background:

• Key Largo woodrats (Neotoma floridana smalli) in captivity exhibit high mortality rates due to renal disease.
• Chronic renal disease was observed in a significant proportion of older woodrats within a captive breeding program.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the pathology and potential causes of chronic renal disease in Key Largo woodrats.
• To compare the observed kidney pathology with known renal diseases in other rodent species.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of mortality records and necropsy findings.
• Histopathological examination (light microscopy, histochemistry, immunohistochemistry) of kidney tissues.
• Transmission electron microscopy of affected kidneys.
• Analysis of dietary histories of affected woodrats.

Main Results:

• Chronic renal disease, characterized by glomerulonephropathy, glomerulosclerosis, and protein casts, was prevalent in woodrats over 4 years old.
• Kidney pathology in woodrats shared similarities with chronic progressive nephropathy observed in laboratory rats.
• Affected woodrats were fed a high-protein diet, a factor known to exacerbate nephropathy in laboratory rats.

Conclusions:

• Key Largo woodrats develop glomerulonephropathy with features similar to chronic progressive nephropathy in laboratory rats.
• Dietary factors, particularly high-protein intake, may contribute to the development and severity of renal disease in this species.
• Age and other diseases are potential contributing factors to this age-limiting condition in Key Largo woodrats.