Changes in body weight, hematology and serum chemistry in captive plains viscachas (Lagostomus maximus) with presumptive diabetes type II after a diet change

Abstract

Changes in body weight, hematology and serum chemistry in captive plains viscachas (Lagostomus maximus) with presumptive diabetes type II after a diet change We report body weights (BW) and blood and serum analyses for 6 fully mature and 8 not-yet-mature captive plains viscachas before and 3, 6 and 9 months after switching from a low-fi ber, high-energy diet to a high-fi ber, low-energy diet. Initially, body weights, serum glucose, fructosamine and cholesterol levels were above the reference range in the fully mature animals. Furthermore, 4 of these animals had bilateral cataracts. After the diet change, these parameters dropped into the reference range. However, 9 months later, a slightly increased BW became evident again. The fi ndings are consistent with a type II diabetes mellitus and underline the importance of dietary prevention. We report body weights (BW) and blood and serum analyses for 6 fully mature and 8 not-yetmature captive plains viscachas before and 3, 6 and 9 months after switching from a low-fiber, high-energy diet to a high-fiber, low-energy diet. Initially, body weights, serum glucose, fructosamine and cholesterol levels were above the reference range i n the fully mature animals. Furthermore, 4 of these animals had bilateral cataracts. After the diet change, these parameters dropped into the reference range. However, 9 months later, a slightly increased BW became evident again. The findings are consistent with a type II diabetes mellitus and underline the importance of dietary prevention.

Occurrence of Cataract and Fatty Liver in Captive Plains Viscachas (Lagostomus maximus) in Relation to Diet

“…This interpretation is supported by elevated fructosamine, glucose, and cholesterol values recorded in animals before the diet change, 34 and implies that cataract is caused by diabetes. This is in accord with literature reports in other rodents e.g.…”

“…34 It was suggested that these findings were consistent with (but not necessarily proof of) a non-insulin dependent (type 2) diabetes mellitus.…”

“…The diet was changed to contain a higher proportion of roughage and a lower proportion of easily digestible carbohydrates such as fruits, grains, and bread. 34 4. A group of animals was bled 3, 6 and 9 months before and after the initial diet change.…”

Digestive physiology of the plains viscacha (Lagostomus maximus): A large herbivorous hystricomorph rodent

“…This comparison indicates that the concentrate diets used in the present study are more digestible than the diets plains viscachas probably have adapted to over evolution. The relevance of maintaining rodents susceptible to diabetic conditions on high‐fiber diets without concentrates has been repeatedly recommended in order to prevent obesity and diabetes, and this not only with respect to viscachas [Gull et al, ; Wenker et al, ] but also for degus [Edwards, ], tuco‐tucos ( Ctenomys talarum ) [Wise et al, ], agoutis ( Dasyprocta spp.) [McWilliams, ], and sand rats [Kalman et al, ].…”

“…They are herbivorous [Campos et al, ], with an apparent preference for grasses [Giulietti and Jackson, ; Branch et al, ; Puig et al, ; Bontti et al, ; Pereira et al, ], and have been reported to have a low metabolic rate [Kohl, ]. Nevertheless, their diet in captivity has traditionally contained varied amounts of energy dense feeds, which may trigger diet‐induced diabetes mellitus with cataract formation, similar to degus ( Octodon degus ) [Rübel et al, ; Gull et al, ; Wenker et al, ].…”