Chinchilla Reproduction - Anatomy & Physiology

MALE

Only a very slight scrotal region is visible externally (no true scrotum).
Thin-walled scrotal diverticula extend cranially on either side of the base of the penis.
Each diverticulum is occupied by the tail of the epididymis.
On either side of the anus are two postanal sacs.
- Caudal epididymis can lie in the postanal sacs.
Testes and head of the epididymis is in the region of the inguinal ring.
Large fat body extends cranially into the abdominal cavity from the cranial pole of each testis.

Dorsolateral to ischiocavernosus muscles.
- Ischiocavernosus muscles are enormous, swelling on either side of the rectum and meeting over its top.

Penis points caudally when relaxed and cranially when erect.
1.5cm in length
Sigmoid flexure
Os penis in the distal portion.
- The small supporting bone is known as the baculum.

Ovaries are just caudolateral to the kidneys.
Bicornuate duplex uterus.
Uterine lumena do not fuse.
- The two uterine horns continue into seperate cervices
- Open separately into a single vagina.
Membrane covers vaginal opening except at oestrus and during parturition.

Puberty at ~8 months
- Puberty can be same year as birth, but if the chinchilla is born late in the year it will not reach puberty until the next breading season.