Update on Lower Urinary Disorders of Exotic Companion Mammals.

Abstract

Exotic companion mammals, including ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, and hedgehogs, often suffer from lower urinary track pathology. This article focuses on advancements over the past decade, highlighting urolithiasis, relationships to accessory sex gland pathology, and new clinical information on urinary diagnostics. This article highlights recent advances in understanding lower urinary tract diseases in exotic mammals, emphasizing species-specific presentations, diagnostics, and management. Urolithiasis remains prevalent, with notable shifts in stone composition in ferrets and high-complication rates in guinea pigs post-cystotomy. Advances include improved imaging techniques, such as ultrasonography, computed tomography, and MRI, alongside species-specific urinalysis reference values.