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CT dacryocystorhinography in chinchilla nasolacrimal disease
Vet Ophthalmol. 2025
Obi Veterinary Education
February 01, 2026
E. A. Hisey, P. Rodriguez, D. K. Tarbert, J. R. Paul-Murphy, C. Hendrickson, K. Brust, D. J. Maggs, B. C. Leonard
Introduction
Chinchillas commonly develop chronic dental disease due to continuously growing teeth. The nasolacrimal duct lies adjacent to the maxillary dental arcade, making obstruction a suspected cause of ocular discharge, though this relationship had not been confirmed with advanced imaging.
Materials and Methods
Two geriatric chinchillas with chronic dental disease and ocular discharge underwent contrast CT dacryocystorhinography under general anesthesia. Imaging findings were correlated with dental pathology and clinical signs.
Results
CT demonstrated duct deviation, focal narrowing, dilation, and obstruction directly associated with apical dental disease and periapical abscessation. One case showed partial patency; the other had complete obstruction. Ocular surface disease, including corneal fibrosis, was associated with chronic obstruction. Medical and dental management led to only temporary or partial improvement.
Limitations
Very small sample size and lack of interventional treatment (e.g., duct stenting or tooth extraction) limit assessment of reversibility and long-term outcomes.
Conclusion
Contrast CT dacryocystorhinography is feasible in chinchillas and provides definitive evidence linking dental disease to nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Early dental intervention is critical, as chronic obstruction may be irreversible.
Contrast dacryocystorhinography of Chinchilla 2. The nasolacrimal punctum of the right eye could not be cannulated for contrast infusion (A). However, a small amount of contrast can be seen in the proximal duct (red arrow). Periapical abscessation of the retained left maxillary incisor extended into the nasal cavity and was associated with focal narrowing of the nasolacrimal duct (B), evident by the attenuation of the contrast column at this point (blue arrow) along with dilation of the nasolacrimal duct proximal to this point.
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