Surgical removal of a cecal enterolith in a Rock Hyrax (Procavia capensis)

The rock hyrax (Procavia capensis) is a small herbivorous mammal, and reports on gastrointestinal disease in this species are limited. Here, we describe the case of a 3-year-old female with intermittent anorexia. Computed tomography revealed a high-attenuation structure in the cecum, which gradually increased in size over time, as confirmed by serial radiography. Exploratory laparotomy was performed, and a multilobulated enterolith primarily composed of magnesium ammonium phosphate was surgically removed. The animal recovered without complications, and all clinical signs resolved. This is the first detailed report of enterolithiasis in a rock hyrax, emphasizing the importance of considering this condition in the differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal symptoms and demonstrating that surgical removal is an effective treatment option.