Postmortem findings in captive cane rats (Thryonomys swinderianus) in Gabon

The causes of morbidity and mortality in a population of cane rats (Thryono mys swinderianus) on an experimental farm in Gabon were monitored for 21 mo nths; 94 of 546 animals (17-2 per cent) died and were examined postmortem, and complementary laboratory examinations were carried out on 23 of the cas es together with samples from 13 other animals kept elsewhere in similar co nditions. Twenty-six (28 per cent) of the deaths occurred in preweaned kits , 40 (42 per cent) in subadults and 28 (30 per cent) in adults. The average monthly mortality was 2-5 per cent. Trauma was responsible for 29 of the d eaths, 12 were due to septicaemia, 10 to primary respiratory lesions, five to digestive disorders, four to urinary lesions, three to reproductive prob lems and three to other causes; no diagnosis could be reached in 28 cases.