Scrotal hernia in a doguera baboon with diabetes mellitus.

Abstract

We describe a case of scrotal hernia in an aging, vasectomized male doguera baboon with diabetes mellitus. The animal presented with anorexia and collapsed and was diagnosed with severe hyperglycemia. Despite the initiation of insulin therapy, its condition progressively deteriorated, finally culminating in death. Necropsy revealed a large scrotal hernia containing a necrotic and perforated segment of the small intestine. Histopathological examination demonstrated amyloid deposition within the pancreatic islets and glomerulosclerosis, consistent with chronic diabetes mellitus. This case highlights the occurrence of a scrotal hernia associated with diabetes in a non-human primate, and suggests that, as in humans, diabetes may serve as a risk factor for hernia development.