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

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.