Case Report
Obesity and Gastrointestinal Impaction in Giant Burrowing Cockroaches (Macropanesthia rhinoceros): A Potential Effect of the Thrifty Phenotype

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Abstract

Two 2 captive giant burrowing cockroaches (Macropanesthia rhinoceros) with unusual conformation developed progressive obesity followed by faecal impaction in the absence of changes in husbandry. Fluid therapy and removal of the faecal impaction under general anaesthesia was successful in the treatment of 1 case. Radiography was a useful diagnostic tool for evaluating M. rhinoceros whereas ultrasonography was unrewarding. The potential for obesity associated with the “thrifty” phenotype in pet cockroaches has implications for the commercial rearing of cockroaches for sale and for veterinarians approaching obesity and its complications in this and similar species.

Section snippets

Case Study

Two adult M. rhinoceros were presented to the Melbourne Zoo Veterinary Hospital following progressive abdominal distension. The first case developed over a period of 2 months and the second over 2 weeks. The diet of both invertebrates consisted of eucalyptus leaves that had been collected from a singular tree for the entire history of the insect collection, supplemented with occasional apple and banana pieces. The 2 female cockroaches had been housed from birth in a group with other adults

Discussion

Abdominal distension, obesity and gastrointestinal impaction were observed exclusively in female cockroaches demonstrating an elongated body conformation. Altered conformation may represent metabolic or dietary differences from unaffected individuals, or conversely, congenital deformation causing reduced intracoelomic space to accommodate fat reserves.

The diagnostic procedures applied to bloated M. rhinoceros required only minor modification for physical size and respiratory physiology compared

Acknowledgements

The advice and assistance of the Melbourne Zoo invertebrate and veterinary departments is gratefully acknowledged.

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