Procyonidae

This chapter covers unique anatomical differences, as well as common disease processes and associated imaging within Procyonidae. Members of the family Procyonidae have evolved to be frugivores and omnivores. Thyroid disease, primarily neoplasia, has been documented in a number of raccoons and seems to be among the most commonly described pathology of raccoons. Despite being primarily terrestrial, coatis and raccoons also spend a great deal of time in trees. Kinkajous are unique as they have a prehensile tail. They also have a highly flexible axial and appendicular skeleton that facilitates their arboreal nature and foraging strategies, such as terminal branch feeding. Procyonids are mostly omnivorous with the exception of more frugivorous species such as the kinkajou, which also eats insects and small invertebrates. Chronic renal disease is common in older procyonids.