Fulminant necrotizing pancreatitis in 2 chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera)

Two pet chinchillas were presented with acute anorexia and lethargy. Biochemistry revealed severe hyperglycemia and azotemia in both cases, with severe hyperkalemia in Case 1 and hyperphosphatemia in Case 2. Acidic urine with glucosuria and ketonuria was also observed in Case 1. Despite medical treatment including insulin therapy, both animals experienced a fulminant clinical course and died. Postmortem examination identified severe necrotizing pancreatitis with pulmonary congestion and edema in both cases. In addition, the chinchilla in Case 1 showed vasodilation with vascular necrosis and thrombosis in the pancreas and surrounding adipose tissues, whereas the animal in Case 2 displayed extensive renal medullary tubular necrosis with hemorrhage. The pathological findings suggested systemic inflammatory response syndrome with secondary hypotensive shock, acute renal failure, and multiple-organ dysfunction as the presumed causes of death. Key clinical message: Necrotizing pancreatitis should be considered early as a differential diagnosis in a chinchilla presented with acute circulatory compromise, renal dysfunction, and marked debilitation, particularly when severe hyperglycemia or diabetic-like metabolic abnormalities are present.