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» 首頁 » Zoological Medicine » 課堂講稿
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Author: Gretchen Kaufman, DVM
| Color Key |
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Important key words or phrases. |
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Important concepts or main ideas.
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1. Learning Objectives and Review
1.1. Learning Objectives
- Understand the management of dental malocclusion in the
guinea pig and chinchilla
- Know the importance of closing the inguinal ring in
surgical castration of the male guinea pig and chinchilla
- Know the antibiotics that are safe to use in
the guinea pig, chinchilla, and hamster and why this is an important
issue
- Be familiar with the following diseases in the guinea pig
- Vitamin C deficiency
- Dystocia
- Lymphadenitis
- Be familiar with the following diseases of the pet rat
- Mycoplasma
- Mammary tumors
- Chronic progressive nephropathy
- Obesity
- Be familiar with the zoonotic diseases associated with
rodents
- Understand the major issues involved in keeping wild
animals such as prairie dogs, hedgehogs and sugar gliders as pets
1.2. Review and Resources on Laboratory Animal
Medicine
Please review relevant material from 1st year
Comparative anatomy before attending these lectures. Additional material can be
found in
- A Colour Atlas of the Anatomy of Small Laboratory Animals:
Rabbit Guinea Pig by Peter Popesko, et al. available in the Wildlife Library
(not for circulation).
The ICE First Step Program on Exotic Small
Mammal Medicine, developed by Theresa Lightfoot, is a great supplement
to this syllabus.
The following material is presented with an emphasis
on companion rodents and small mammals. Information on laboratory animal
medicine can be obtained from the references listed in the Introduction to
Zoological Medicine course and listed below.
An excellent review of the diseases of laboratory
animals can be found at: Baker, David G. Natural pathogens of laboratory mice,
rats, and rabbits and their effects on research. Clinical Microbiology
Reviews, vol. 11 (2), April 1998:231-266.
There is also an on-line book on the IVIS website:
Laboratory
Animal Medicine and Management edited by J.D. Reuter and
M.A.Suckow.
The Webster library also has an excellent CD-ROM on
the local network server for your review: ACLAM Lab Animal Medicine and Science
Series II.
1.3. 'Pocket Pets?'
A quote from David L. Graham, D.V.M. PhD.
"Now, ponder, please that thought of the Bard's 'what's in a
name?' Like, for example, 'Pocket Pets'? In my humble opinion all veterinarians
should abjure use of the term 'pocket pets.'it is (at least to me and few
colleagues) offensive and denigrating to the inherent uniqueness and dignity of
those creatures that happen to be of such small size that they can fit into a
pocket. The term suggests that such pets can be maintained in a more casual and
less careful, less caring, and less thoughtful manner than is required for
maintenance of other, more traditional companion animal species. Such creatures
are of no lesser biological and moral consequence than are larger, more
traditional pets. I'm sure that the cute alliteration of the term is a major
reason for its acceptance, but I urge that some other rubric(s) be coined under
which to group these relatively diminutive companion animals. Please, they are
sugar gliders, gerbils, hedgehogs, mice ('wee sleekit beasties' - R. Burns),
small pets, little small animals (to differentiate them from dogs and cats
which are merely 'small animals'), minipets ...but please...not 'pocket
pets.'"
2. Rodents
2.1. Introduction
2.1.1. Taxonomy (abbreviated list)
| Order
Rodentia |
| Suborder Sciurognathi |
Family Sciuridae |
squirrels, marmots, chipmunks,
gophers, beavers, kangaroo rats, springhaas |
| Family Muridae |
rats, mice,
hamsters, lemmings, voles |
| Suborder Hystricognathi |
porcupines, cavies (guinea pigs), capybaras, chinchilllas,
agoutis |
Free-ranging rodents are distributed worldwide and
act as important members of the foodchain. They also often act as vectors of
disease.
Captive rodents seen most often:
- Zoos - capybara, Patagonian cavy, agouti, prairie dogs,
kangaroo rat, etc. guinea pigs, pacas (aguoti paca), hutias, tree porcupine,
porcupines, woodchucks, naked mole-rats, degus, etc.
- Pets - Norway rats, mice, guinea pigs, chinchillas,
hamsters, gerbils, degus, prairie dogs
- Research Laboratory - Norway rat (varieties), mice,
guinea pigs, hamsters, etc.
|
Critically Endangered RODENTS from IUCN
http://www.redlist.org
|
| Acomys
cilicicus |
Gerbillus dalloni |
Leptomys elegans |
Oryzomys gorgasi
|
| Allactaga firouz |
Gerbillus
floweri |
Leptomys signatus |
Pappogeomys neglectus |
| Namdapha flying squirrel |
Gerbillus
grobbeni |
Macrotarsomys
ingens |
White-eared pocket mouse |
| Short-tailed chinchilla |
Gerbillus
hoogstraali |
Lesser small-toothed rat |
Pacific pocket mouse |
| Mt. Isarog striped rat |
Gerbillus
lowei |
Makalata
occasius |
Perdido Key beach mouse |
| Crateromys paulus |
Gerbillus mauritaniae |
Mallomys gunung |
Peromyscus pseudocrinitus |
| Crunomys fallax
|
Gerbillus occiduus |
Melomys rubicola |
Peromyscus slevini
|
| Dendromus
vernayi |
Gerbillus quadrimaculatus |
Meriones chengi |
Pogonomelomys bruijni |
| Dicrostonyx vinogradovi
|
Gerbillus syrticus |
Cabrera's hutia |
Pseudohydromys murinus |
| Morro Bay kangaroo rat |
Heteromys
nelsoni |
Large-eared hutia |
Alice Springs mouse |
| Giant kangaroo rat |
Hylopetes
winstoni |
Dwarf hutia
|
Pseudomys glaucus |
| Dipodomys insularis |
Isolobodon portoricensis |
Little earth hutia
|
Rattus enganus |
| Dipodomys margaritae |
MacDonnel
range rock-rat |
Microtus evoronensis
|
Rattus montanus |
| Fresno kangaroo rat |
Northern Idaho ground squirrel
|
Microtus
mujanensis
|
Rhagomys
rufescens |
| Tipton kangaroo rat |
New Mexico least chipmunk
|
Mus kasaicus
|
Sicista armenica |
| Gerbillus principulus |
Hidden
Forest chipmunk |
Garrido's hutia |
Sigmodontomys aphrastus |
| Eliurus penicillatus |
Mount
Graham red squirrel |
Nectomys
parvipes |
Tokudaia muenninki
|
| Gerbillus bilensis |
Cathlamet
pocket gopher |
Orthogeomys
cuniculus
|
Tylomys bullaris
|
| Gerbillus
burtoni |
Zyzomys palatilis
|
Oryzomys
galapagoensis |
Tylomys
tumbalensis |
| Gerbillus
cosensis |
Leimacomys
buettneri
|
- |
Typhlomys chapensis |
2.1.2. Anatomical/Physiological features of
note
-
Teeth
- open rooted incisors
- open rooted molars in cavies, chinchilla, capybara,
etc.
- closed molars in sciuridae, new world porcupines,
rats and mice
- Coprophagy
-
Hibernation in some species
2.2. General Health Issues
2.2.1. Non-infectious diseases
- Dental ds./malocclusion
- Woodchucks with vascular ds. - arteriosclerosis, aortic
rupture, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease etc.
- Hypervitaminosis D in captive beaver, woodchucks, pacas
and agoutis eating monkey chow
- Urinary tract ds. - calculi, chronic
interstitial nephritis, chronic progressive nephrosis (rats),
amyloidosis, nephrotic syndrome
- Diabetes in degus, ground squirrels, sand rats, spiny
mice, chinese hamsters
2.2.2. Infectious diseases
- Rabies? rare, but possible, woodchuck is most
commonly reported
-
Hantavirus reservoirs (see below)
- Encephalomyocarditis virus (rat as reservoir?)
- Parvovirus in porcupines
- Squirrel fibromatosis - pox virus in gray squirrels
- Woodchuck hepatitis/hepatocellular carcinoma - seen in
captive animals, viral cause
-
Leptospirosis reservoirs (cotton rats,
coypus, beavers, muskrats, woodchucks, voles, P. cavies, squirrels, deer mice),
does not produce disease in the rodent but act as vectors for spread of the
organism
-
Borreliosis reservoirs (mice)
- Pseudotuberculosis Y.
pseudotuberculosis, Y. enterocolitica
(chinchillas, agoutis, beavers, lemmings, voles, mice, muskrats, coypus,
prairie dogs, ground squirrels)
-
Yersinia pestis
(prairie dogs)
- Tyzzers ds. occurs in many
- Fungal dermatitis
- Aspergillosis (capybaras)
- Parasites - variety of mites, tick, fleas, lice and fly
larvae (myiasis, cuterebra), variety of helminths common, protozoa usually
without disease, coccidia most likely to cause disease.
 |
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2.2.2.1. FOCUS ON Hantavirus
Bunyavirus >>> Hantaviruses
| Characteristics of some recognized
Hantaviruses |
| Hantavirus strain |
Geographic
distribution |
Primary wild reseveoir |
Primary disease syndrome
|
| Hantaan |
China, Korea, East Russia |
Striped field mouse |
Classic disease (below) |
| Rat-borne (Seoul) |
Worldwide
(incl.US) |
Rats |
Milder disease |
| Puumala |
Europe |
Vole, House
mouse |
Mild nephropathy |
| Sin Nombre |
US |
Deer
mouse |
Pulmonary syndrome |
Hantaviruses are an extremely diverse group of
viruses which have probably been around for a long time, many as yet
undescribed. The primary wild reservoir host is always a rodent
species. Hantavirus does not cause disease in the rodent host.
Virus is found in rodent kidney and lungs, and the rodent will produce
antibodies to the virus. Virus is shed in the saliva, urine and feces. It is
transferred horizontally from rodent to rodent. The virus likely occurs in many
different rodent species and may be capable of moving from one to another
rodent species but each strain seems to prefer a single species host.
Hantaviral antigen has also been detected in non-rodent species such as birds
of prey, cats, and the desert cottontail associated with the recent "Four
Corner's" outbreak. Transmission from the non-rodent hosts is unlikely.
The classical human disease associated
with hantavirus infection is a renal and hemorrhagic syndrome first
described in the1930's in Korea (especially prominent during the Korean War).
The virus was not isolated until 1978. Now recognized all over the globe with
hotspots in Scandinavia and northeastern Asia.
Currently 100,000 - 150,000 cases/year recorded in
China alone! Likely attributable to rice farming techniques?
2.2.2.1.1. North American forms of the virus
The first Hantavirus identified in the US was
the "Prospect Hill" strain found in the meadow voles, Microtus
pennsylvanicus in Maryland and the Midwest. No human disease
produced.
Human disease first recognized in the US in
May, 1993 as the "Four Corner's" strain: this New Mexico
disease was seen in previously healthy adults with sudden onset of fever and
ARDS. Most patients died quickly with pulmonary edema and respiratory failure.
These are atypical symptoms of the other known hanataviruses. PCR testing of
patients and local rodents implicated the deer mouse
Peromyscus maniculatusas the major vector/reservoir
of the Southwestern outbreak. 20-30% of trapped animals proved positive for
serology or PCR. Serologic evidence also confirms the virus in the pinon mouse
(P.truei), brush mouse (P.boylii), house
mouse (Mus musculus), harvest mouse
(Reithrodontomys sp.), rock squirrel (Spermophalus
vaiegatus), white-throated wood rat (Neotoma
albigula), the western chipmunk (Tamias sp.) and
others.
By December 1993: 48 confirmed cases of human
hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in the US from 14 different states (majority in
N. Mexico, Arizona, Colorado and Utah). 60% mortality.
Investigation into previous cases with similar
clinical presentation: earliest confirmed in 1975 (N.Mexico)1991, Oregon,
Louisiana (slightly different virus from Peromysicus
gossypinus, the cotton mouse)
The "Four Corner's" and Louisiana strain are
genetically related to the Prospect Hill strain, but are very different from
the other strains (indicating that it is not a recent mutation). Three new
strains have since been identified in various parts of the US and
Canada.
Predisposing factors leading to the "Four
Corner's" outbreak: El Nino produced an extremely wet winter - large rodent
food supply - large rodent reproductive year. 10-fold increase in rodents from
May 1992- May1993.
2.2.2.1.2. Disease in humans
Virus is transmitted to humans through contact
(via inhalation) with rodents or rodent excreta - feces and
urine. Rodent bites may also result in infection. Human to human transmission
has not been documented.
Classic disease (old world) in humans is
hemorrhagic fever and renal complications.
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome:
history of contact, several days later development of fever, mylagia, headache,
gastrointestinal signs followed by cough, cardiopulmonary dysfunction,
respiratory failure and shock. No renal involvement in any of the cases!! Mean
time from first symptoms to death 7 days.
Early diagnosis is obviously important for
successful treatment. Incubation period for HPS is felt to be from 1-3 weeks.
Symptoms including flu-like signs without upper respiratory component but
including a GI complication and a typical hematologic profile should alert
medical personnel. History of exposure helps. Rapid serology is available (U.
of New Mexico) and PCR has been instrumental in confirming cases (Rockefeller
University Laboratory Animal Research Center). The CDC has very strict
guidelines for diagnosis of potential and confirmed cases.
See their website for more information at:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hanta/hantvrus.htm
This disease is now being diagnosed on a
regular basis in humans in both North and South America. The mortality
rate has drastically reduced since wider recognition and early intervention has
become possible.
2.3. Guinea Pigs
| Cavia porcellus |
 |
The guinea pig is an herbivorous
rodent originating in South America. It was domesticated as early as 1000
BC.
Guinea pigs are still raised for food in South
America, and used as pets and research animals around the world.
2.3.1. Basic physiologic and anatomic
parameters
| LIFE SPAN |
4-6 yrs. |
| HEART RATE |
230 - 380 bpm |
| RESP RATE |
42 - 104/min. |
| RECTAL TEMP. |
98.8 - 103.1 |
| SEXUAL MATURITY |
3 mo.(M), 2 mo.(F) |
Guinea pigs have classic rodent
dentition with two upper and lower incisors designed for gnawing and 1
premolar and 3 molar teeth on either side of the maxilla and mandible designed
for grinding rough vegetation. All teeth are open rooted. Guinea pigs
are monogastric hindgut fermenters as the rabbit.
- Incisors 1/1
- Canines 0/0
- Premolars 1/1
- Molars 3/3
Anatomic and physiologic peculiarities
include:
- no tail
- only 2 inguinal nipples
- large adrenal glands
- very large vesicular accessory sex glands in the male
- large open inguinal ring
- Kurloff bodies
- extended gestation period (59-72 days)
- precocial young
- yeast is normal GI flora
2.3.2. Special considerations for husbandry and
nutrition
Guinea pigs are easy to care for. They can
be kept in open cages since they are poor climbers or jumpers. They are
normally kept on pine shavings.The more appealing cedar
shavings should never be used for small animal bedding due to the potential
hepatotoxicity from the phenol compounds in the shavings. Shavings
must be changed frequently since urine buildup may produce ammonia
toxicity with resultant increased susceptibility to respiratory
infections or contribute to pododermatitis.
Guinea pigs are normally fed a diet including fresh
good quality Guinea pig pellets and fresh fruits and vegetables. Course
roughage such as hay may predispose the pig to lymphadenitis. Guinea
pigs have an absolute dietary vitamin C requirement. Like some other
New World species they are unable to make vitamin C. A deficiency will result
in scurvy and eventual death from secondary complications.
Clinical signs of scurvy include a
poor hair coat, anorexia, gingivitis, generalized pain, arthropathy especially
at costochondral junctions, diarrhea, and respiratory infections. Vitamin C is
normally added to all good quality guinea pig diets (pellets). Some owners will
also supplement their pigs with fresh citrus fruit daily, or give OTC vitamin C
supplements. Pelleted diets must be stored adequately (dry and cool, 22C) to
preserve the vitamin content. 3 months after the date of manufacture, the
vitamin C content cannot be guaranteed. Often times, the date of manufacture
and the storage history prior to purchase of the pellets is unknown, allowing
for problems to arise. Always supplement with vitamin C for any disease
condition. Subclinical deficiency likely contributes to many disease
states. Guinea pigs should never be fed rabbit pellets because they do
not have vitamin C added.
| Vitamin C
Supplementation in the Guinea Pig |
| 200-1000 mg/L in drinking
water (fresh daily) |
| 800 mg/kg of pelleted diet
(milled) |
| OR |
| 50 mg/guinea pig/day |
2.3.3. Basic diagnostic approaches
-
Blood collection in the guinea pig can
be performed at various sites including the jugular (difficult), pre-caval,
lateral saphenous vein and the cephalic vein.
- Radiographs can be performed with manual restraint or
light sedation (see formulary).
-
Ketamine and
valium work well for sedation.
-
Oral examinations (malocclusion) may
initially be performed with an ear speculum, but a complete examination must be
performed under sedation.
2.3.4. Basic therapeutic approaches
Guinea pigs are even more sensitive and
susceptible to antibiotic induced enterotoxemia than rabbits. Great
care must be taken to choose appropriate antibiotics and use them only when
necessary. The drugs listed as "safe" for rabbits are also safe in the
guinea pig. Guinea pigs are often infected with Gram (+ ) infections
and selection of antibiotics should take this into account.
Oral medication is commonly prescribed for home use
and is easy for the owner to administer (antibiotic precautions hold especially
for oral meds). IM, SQ administration is similar to rabbits and other small
mammals. IV access is challenging utilizing the saphenous or cephalic sites. IO
catheters chould be considered when appropriate.
Injectable vitamin C can be given to guinea pigs in
the hospital setting. Vitamin C supplementation is recommended for all disease
states to eliminate the possibility of subclinical deficiency.
2.3.5. Common problems/diseases
-
Scurvy (see above)
-
Cystic calculi/urolithiasis
- Calcium usually involved
- Surgical removal of urinary calculi not
uncommon
- Diabetes - similar to adult onset diabetes in
humans
Gastrointestinal disorders
- Molar malocclusion "slobbers"
- Very common in chinchillas and guinea
pigs
- Most likely dietary cause, type of roughage being
offered
- Clinical signs - anorexia, weight loss, appearing
hungry but dropping food, salivation
- Tongue (lower arcade) or cheek (upper arcade)
lacerations causing pain
- Requires examination and regular trimming under
sedation (see end of chapter for special dental instrument pack) ; use of a
dental bur is best method
- Cecal impaction
- Gastrointestinal ileus
- Following fasting or anorexia
- Following GI surgery (terminal?)
- Challenging to return motility
- Cloacal impactions
-
Diarrhea (dietary, parasitic,
bacterial)
- Early dx. and aggressive supportive care
needed
- Life threatening enterotoxemia
Reproductive disorders
-
dystocia
- must breed before 7 mos. of age
- pubic symphysis calcifies after this age and large
offspring cannot fit
- may present as surgical emergency
- Pregnancy toxemia (relationship to obesity, fatty
liver)
- Cystic ovaries
Dermatitis
- Fungal (ringworm, yeast)
- Trichophyton
mentagrophytes
- Microsporum canis
- Mites
- Cheyletiella
- Trixacarus cavaie
- Treat with Ivermectin
- Lice
- Fleas
- Barbering
- Pododermatitis
Viral diseases
- Adenovirus
- Cytomegalovirus (Herpes)
- Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCM) - Guinea pigs
not reported to transmit to people (see other rodents)
- Parainfluenzavirus
Bacterial diseases
-
"Lumps" cervical lymphadenopathy
(Streptococcus zooepidemicus, Streptobacillus
moniliformis)
- Pneumonia and rhinitis (Bordatella
bronchiseptica, Streptococcus zooepidemicus,
others)
- Conjuncitivitis (above pathogens and
Chlamydophila caviae)
- Enterotoxemia
- Tyzzer's disease
- Pododermititis
Parasitic diseases
- Ectoparasites (above)
- Eimeria caviae
- Cryptosporidium wrairi
- Balisascaris procyonis
- Encephalitozoon
Neoplastic diseases
- Benign skin tumors
- Fibrosarcoma
- Lipomas
- Mammary fibroadenoma or adenocarcinoma
- Leukemia/lymphosarcoma
2.3.6. Surgery and Anesthesia
Sedation is often used for restraint or minor
procedures in the guinea pig. Injectable anesthetics such as
Ketamine, diazepam,
xylazine are very effective. Major surgical procedures
should be performed under inhalation anesthesia. Intubation is
difficult in the guinea pig, except in the hands of experienced
personnel. Therefore it is not recommended for the occasional surgery. In
general, guinea pigs do very well with mask administration of
isoflurane. Procedures such as neutering, caesarian section,
tumor removal, etc. are usually safely carried out with mask anesthesia. An
intravenous or intraosseous catheter and fluid support is
recommended. Catheters can be placed in the saphenous or cephalic
veins. Subcuticular closures without external skin sutures are
recommended since guinea pigs like to chew their incisions.
 |
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Neutering is occasionally performed for birth
control reasons. The inguinal ring in the guinea pig is very large.
Castration must include closure of the inguinal ring.
Dystocias may also involve herniation into the inguinal ring. Caesarian
section is probably the most common cause for emergency surgery in the guinea
pig.
Gastrointestinal surgery is sometimes required for
removal of foreign bodies such as trichobezoars. An enterotomy carries with it
a grave prognosis. The gut of the guinea pig does not tolerate much invasion
and usually responds with an intractable ileus.
2.4. Chinchillas
2.4.1. Basic physiologic and anatomic
parameters
The chinchilla is closely related
to the Guinea Pig. They differ in that they are generally
smaller in size, have a long furry tail, and live a lot longer. They were bred
for their wonderful soft coats for the fur coat industry, but have since become
very popular pets. They are currently protected as wild animals in
their natural range in the Andes mountains.
| LIFE SPAN |
8-12 yrs. |
| HEART RATE |
180 - 380 bpm |
| RESP RATE |
N/A |
| RECTAL TEMP. |
96.8 - 100 |
| SEXUAL MATURITY |
3 mo. |
- Chinchillas have an even longer gestation period than
the guinea pig (111-128 days)
- Very precocial young
- They are nocturnal and like to burrow
during the day.
- They are very intolerant of hot weather.
2.4.2. Special considerations for husbandry and
nutrition
Chinchillas are generally kept caged in a large
enclosure in the house. They are very attracted to chewing
electric cords and should not be left out unsupervised. They should have a
place to burrow or hide in the cage. Unlike the guinea pig, chinchillas can
jump and climb fairly well. Chinchillas must have a dust bath,
preferably daily. This consists of a bowl with a special mixture of silver sand
and Fuller's earth (available at pet stores). The dust bath can be witheld or
limited in situations with open wounds or conjunctivitis, etc.
The chinchilla is normally fed chinchilla pellets,
hay and a variety of fresh greens, nuts and fruits. They can also be fed rabbit
pellets since they do not have a special requirement for Vitamin
C. They like raisins and yogurt drops especially and care should be
taken not to overdo the treats.
2.4.3. Basic diagnostic approaches
- Venipuncture sites are as in the guinea pig.
- Radiology is also very similar to the guinea pig.
- Normal blood values are listed at the end of this
chapter.
2.4.4. Basic therapeutic approaches
Chinchillas also have a very sensitive GI flora and
are susceptible to enterotoxemia. They also suffer from Gram
(+) infections. The same medications recommended for the rabbit and the guinea
pig are recommended for the chinchilla.
2.4.5. Common problems/diseases
- "Slobbers" molar malocclusion (more
common than in the guinea pig)
-
Heat stroke (optimal ambient
temperature 65-80F)
- Electrocution
- Thiamine deficiency (neurologic)
Dermatitis
- Barbering
- Fungal (Trichopyton mentagrophytes),
yeast
- Fur mites
- Fur slip
Gastrointestinal disorders
- Intestinal ileus
- Constipation (dehydration)
- Trichobezoar (hairball)
- Intussusception
- Mucoid enteritis, enterotoxemia
- Bacterial enteritis
- Protozoal enteritis (Giardia)
Bacterial disorders
- Pneumonia
-
Salmonella enteritis
-
Listeria enteritis and encephalitis
-
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
(diarrhea, encephalitis)
- Abscesses following fighting
Parasitic disorders
- Ectoparasites (above)
- Giardia
- Cryptosporidia
- Balisascaris procyonis
2.5. Hamsters, Gerbils, Rats and Mice
| Species |
Life
span |
Heart rate |
Resp rate |
Rectal
temp |
Sexual maturity |
Gestation |
Weaning age |
| Hamster |
1.5-2 yrs. |
250-500/min. |
35-135/min. |
98.6- 100.4 |
10 wk (M) 6 wk
(F) |
15-16 d. |
20-25 d. |
| Gerbil |
3-4 yrs. |
360/min. |
90/min. |
98.6- 101.3 |
70 d.(M) 65 d. (F)
|
27-48 d. |
20-26 d. |
| Rat |
2-3 yrs. |
250-450/min. |
70-115/min. |
96.8- 99.5 |
65 days |
21-23 d. |
21
d. |
| Mouse |
1.5-3 yrs. |
325-780/min. |
60-220/min. |
97.7- 100.4 |
50 days |
19-21
d. |
21-28 d. |
2.5.1. Hamsters
- Syrian (golden) Mesocricetus
auratus
- Chinese (Siberian) Cricetus
griseus
- Armenian
- European
- Teddy Bear
|
 |
Hamsters should be kept
alone. Fighting is common. They are nocturnal
and will hibernate at temperatures below 5 degrees C. They
possess large bilateral flank scent glands that can become impacted. They are
used extensively in research due to their immune system peculiarities (cheek
pouches).
2.5.1.1. Common problems and diseases
-
Ammonia toxicity (poor cage hygiene),
and phenol toxicity (cedar shavings)
-
Enterotoxemia :
- most acutely sensitive of the rodents
- Use only SAFE antibiotics as listed for rabbits
and guinea pigs
-
Proliferative ileitis "wet tail"
(Lawsonia intracellularis), often with prolapse
- Agressive supportive therapy
- Antibiotics
- Tyzzer's disease (Cl. piliformes)
- Diabetes mellitus (hereditary)
- Renal amyloidosis
- Urolithiasis
- Neoplasia, impaction of the flank glands
-
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus
(LCM)ZOONOTIC mice are natural host
-
Tapeworms (hymenolepis nana)
ZOONOTIC
- Demodex
- Lymphosarcoma
- Adrenocortical adenomas (Cushings, hairloss) Lysodren
therapy
- Malnutrition (low protein) induced hairloss
- Staph pyoderma
2.5.2. Gerbils
Gerbils are generally less
aggressive and more compatible then hamsters. They are still best kept
alone. They are hardier than hamsters. Gerbils have
tails.
2.5.2.1. Common problems and diseases
- Tyzzer's disease
- Salmonellosis
-
Hymenolepis nana tapeworms
- Demodex
- Cystic ovaries
- Multiple tumors (> 2years of age)
- Hereditary epilepsy, precipitated by stress
2.5.3. Rats
Rattus
norvegicus - laboratory rat (albino), hooded rat ("Long
Evans stock") ... many strains!!
Rats are a surprisingly good companion animal:
intelligent and responsive. However they have a short life span ( 2-3 years).
Rats are omnivorous and have a tendancy for obesity.
Chromodacryorrhea can be very pronounced in the rat
(porphyrins in the urine and other glandular secretions such as tears and nasal
discharge).
2.5.3.1. Common problems and diseases
-
Mycoplasma - pneumonia,
reproductive disease, arthritis, encephalitis
- Tyzzer's disease
- Subcutaneous abscesses
- Staph pyoderma
- Ringworm - trichophyton
spp.
- Ammonia toxicity
- Self-mutilation
-
Chronic progressive nephropathy (old
age disease)
- Obesity
Viral diseases
- Parvovirus
- Sialodacryoadenitis virus (coronavirus) - respiratory
- Sendai virus (PI I virus, more important in mice) -
respiratory
- Bunya virus - Hanta virus
Parasitic diseases
-
PinwormsSyphacia muris
-
Aspicularis teraptera, another
oxyurid
- Tapeworms - Taenia taeniaformis
(intermediate host for cat)
-
Hymenolepis
nanaZOONOTIC
- Mites (several species)
- Fleas
Neoplasia
-
Mammary fibroadenoma
- Both males and females
- Grow rapidly!
- Easily resected, but may recur
-
- Mammary adenocarcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Pituitary adenoma
- Uterine, ovarian and vaginal carcinomas
- MANY strain specific tumors
2.5.4. Mice
Mice are rarely seen in small animal practice. They
are extensively used in research and well understood from a laboratory animal
perspective.
2.5.4.1. Common problems and diseases
- Barbering
- Neoplasia (variety)
Bacterial diseases
- Tyzzer's disease (first described in mice!) - death,
diarrhea
- Salmonella
- Streptococcus - respiratory
- Mycoplasma - respiratory, encephalitis
Viral diseases
- Mousepox
- Cytomegalovirus (worse for young)
-
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus
(arenavirus) - ZOONOTIC, neurologic, sudden death
- Sendai virus - respiratory
- Pneumonia virus of mice (Paramyxovirus)
- MANY other viruses of importance to lab animal
medicine
Parasitic diseases
- Toxoplasmosis (intermediate host)
- Pinworms Syphacia obvelata
-
Aspicularis teraptera, another
oxyurid
- Tapeworms - Taenia taeniaformis
(intermediate host for cat)
-
Hymenolepis
nanaZOONOTIC
- Mites (several species)
- Ringworm
2.6. Prairie Dogs
2.6.1. Basic data
- Rodents in the Sciuridae
family
-
Ethical issues surrounding management
of wild populations and taking for pets
- Legal in many states to take from wild; large export
market to Japan
- Black tailed prairie dog (Cynomys
ludovicianus) being considered for protection
- Utah prairie dog (Cynomys parvidens)
listed as threatened
- Mexican prairie dog (Cynomys
mexicanus) listed as endangered
- Dangers of Yersinia
pestis
2.6.2. Care and husbandry tips
- Do not keep in wire cages - dental
injuries
- Main diet of rodent block, grass hay
- AVOID dog food or monkey chow, excessive Vitamin D
2.6.3. Health issues
- Ectoparasites, fleas
- Ringworm
- Pasteurella abscesses
- Pododermatitis
- Yersinia pestis plague, high
mortality, ZOONOTIC
- Other zoonoses: Tuleremia, Monkey Pox
- Dental disease
- Obesity
- Respiratory problems due to pasteurella, pulmonary
mites, dental disease
- Baylisascaris
- Antibiotic choices as for rabbits and guinea
pigs
For more information on prairie dogs see
references
2.7. Tables of Normal Values for Various Rodent
Species
2.7.1. COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT
|
Red
blood cells
|
Guinea pig |
Chinchilla |
Hamsters |
Gerbil |
Rat |
Mouse |
| PCV (%) |
35 - 50 |
25 - 54 |
40 -
52 |
35 - 45 |
40 - 50 |
35 - 50 |
| RBC (106/弮l) |
4.5 - 7.0 |
5.2 -
10.3 |
4 - 9.3 |
8.3 - 9.3 |
7.2 - 9.6 |
9.3 -
10.5 |
| Hb (g/dl) |
11 - 15 |
8.0 - 15.4 |
9.7 -
16.8 |
10 - 16 |
14.8 |
12 - 14.9 |
| MCV (fl) |
81 |
32.1 - 69.2 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| MCHC (%) |
30 |
20 - 38.5 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| MCH (pg) |
25 |
10.4 - 19.8 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| White blood cells |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| WBC (103/弮l) |
5 - 12 |
1.6 - 45.1 |
7
- 15 |
9 - 14 |
8 - 14 |
8 - 14 |
| Neutrophil (%) |
28 - 34 |
1 - 78 |
16
- 28 |
10 - 20 |
30 |
26 |
| Lymphocyte (%) |
39 - 72 |
19 - 98 |
64
- 78 |
70 - 89 |
65 - 77 |
55 - 80 |
| Monocyte (%) |
3 - 12 |
0 -
5 |
2 |
0 |
4 |
5 |
| Eosinophil (%) |
1 - 5 |
0 - 9
|
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
| Basophil (%) |
0 - 3 |
0 -
11 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2.7.2. SERUM BIOCHEMISTRY
| Chemistry compound |
Guinea pig
|
Chinchilla |
Hamster |
Gerbil |
Rat |
Mouse |
| ALT (U/l) |
10 - 25 |
- |
22 - 122 |
- |
25 - 42 |
32 - 41 |
| AST (U/l) |
- |
- |
22 - 128 |
- |
- |
- |
| CPK (U/l) |
- |
- |
263 - 793 |
- |
- |
- |
| LDH (U/l) |
- |
406 - 636 |
148 - 412 |
- |
- |
- |
| Total protein (g/dl) |
4.6 - 6.2 |
3.29 -
4.61 |
5.8 - 7.0 |
4.8 - 16.8 |
- |
- |
| Albumin (g/dl) |
2.1 - 3.9 |
- |
3.5 - 4.9 |
- |
- |
- |
| Globulin (g/dl) |
1.7
- 2.6 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| BUN (mg/dl) |
9 - 31.5 |
- |
10 - 40 |
16.8 - 31.3 |
10 - 20
|
8 - 30 |
| Creatinine (mg/dl) |
0.6 - 2.2 |
- |
0.4 - 1.0 |
0.50 - 1.40
|
- |
- |
| Total Bilirubin (mg/dl) |
0.3 - 0.9 |
0 -
0.23 |
0.3 - 0.4 |
0.20 - 0.60 |
0.42 |
0.18 -
0.54 |
| Glucose (mg/dl) |
60 - 125 |
89.0 -
163.0 |
32.6 - 118.4 |
69 - 141 |
50 - 115 |
108 -
192 |
| Cholesterol (mg/dl) |
20 - 43 |
96.0 - 147.0
|
55 - 181 |
90.0 - 130.0 |
- |
- |
| Triglycerides (mg/dl) |
0 - 145 |
- |
72 -
227 |
- |
- |
- |
| Sodium (mEq/l) |
146
- 152 |
- |
106 - 185 |
144 - 158 |
144 |
114
- 154 |
| Chloride (mEq/l) |
98
- 115 |
96.6 - 113.0 |
- |
93.0 - 118.0 |
- |
- |
| Potassium (mEq/l) |
6.8 - 8.9 |
3.3 - 6.3
|
2.3 - 9.8 |
3.0 - 4.6 |
5.9 |
3.0 - 9.6 |
| Calcium (mg/dl) |
5.3 |
4.40 - 10.0
|
9.8 - 13.2 |
3.70 - 6.20 |
- |
- |
| Phosphorus (mg/dl) |
5.3 |
4.70 - 7.0
|
3.0 - 9.9 |
3.7 - 7.2 |
- |
- |
3. Other Small Mammals
3.1. Hedgehogs
There currently exists a "fad" with captive bred
African Pygmy or Central African hedgehogs (Atelerix
albiventris). Other species (14) of hedgehog also occur in
Africa, Europe and Asia. Much is written about the widely protected European
hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), but little is known about
the others.
3.1.1. Basic data
- Weight 250 - 600g, live 5-10 years in captivity, 3-4
years in the wild
- Rectal temp. 95.2F
- Temperate climate, lots of cover,
hibernate at low temperatures < 65F (discourage in
captivity)
- Solitary and nocturnal
-
Insectivores (with rare vegetation)
- Roll up as a defensive reaction
- "self-anointing" or "anting" behavior in response to
foreign materials
- Exquisite sense of smell
3.1.2. Husbandry
- Need secure cage (can climb) with
smooth walls and bottom
- Clean frequently
- Bedding of shredded newspaper, pine or aspen shavings
- Hide box
- Cover preferred
- 75-85F, will hibernate at low temps., suffer
heat stress at higher temps.
-
Exercise/environmental enrichment
important (special exercise wheel)
- Keep solitary, rarely can be housed in compatible
groups if cage is large enough
3.1.3. Diet
- Natural diet of insects, crustaceans and vegetable
matter.
- Captive diet
-
Commercial diet (preferred) or dry
cat food (high protein, low cal)
- Worms, mealworms, crickets, etc.
- Fruits and vegetables.
- Learn to drink from a sipper bottle.
- Prone to obesity.
3.1.4. Restraint
- Examination difficult: usually need drugs!
- Isoflurane is recommended.
- Use gloves for handling.
3.1.5. Health issues
- MANY internal parasites (esp. in wild-caught),
including lungworm
-
Ectoparasites extremely common -
mites, ticks and fleas
- OK to use ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg) and
pyrethrin based shampoos
- Papillomas
-
Fungal dermititis,
Trychophyton mentagrophytes var. echinacei
- Bordetella and Pastuerella rhinitis and pneumonia
- Salmonella, Yersinia
pseudotuberculosis and GI infections
- Abscesses (incl. mycobacterium)
- Foot and mouth disease virus - oral lesions (native
African animals only)
-
Neoplasia very common - multiple
organs: squamous cell carcinoma, mast cell, fibrosarcoma
-
Obesity, hepatic lipidosis, skin
fold dermatitis
- Oral foreign bodies, dental ds.
- Congestive heart failure/cardiomyopathy
- Interstitital nephritis
- Neurologic demyelinating disease (NEW)
3.2. Sugar Gliders
The sugar glider has recently become a popular exotic
pet, available in many states, but still illegal in MA. It is
a true marsupial in the possum family from Australia and New Guinea:
Petaurus brevicepts. Animals available in the US are
captive bred.
3.2.1. Basic data
- Nocturnal
- Marsupial reproduction
- Social habits (6-10 in a group in the wild) DO
NOT KEEP THEM ALONE
- Patagium forms the gliding membrane as in a flying
squirrel
- Body weight 90-130 g., males > females
- Cloacal temperature 90 F
- Life span 10-12 yrs. in captivity
3.2.2. Husbandry and nutrition
- Need lots of space and lots of socialization/attention
(min. cage 20"x20"x36")
- Wire caging OK, with climbing structures and nest box
or sleeping pouch high in cage
- Ideal ambient temperature 75-80 F
- Natural diet
- Sap/gum from eucalyptus and acacia
- Nectar/pollen, manna, honeydew
- Insects and spiders
- Variable with the season
-
Captive diet (beware of erroneous literature)
- Nectar
- Insects and other protein (eggs, pinkies, high
quality cat food)
- Limited fruits and vegetables
- Commercial sugar glider diets
- Vitamin and mineral supplement (esp.
calcium)
3.2.3. Health issues
- Malnutrition
- Obesity
- Metabolic bone disease
- Dental disease; DO NOT trim incisors, these
are not rodents!
- Infectious diseases
- Pasteurellosis
- C. piliforme
- Giardiasis
- Cryptosporidiosis
- Toxoplasmosis
- Lymphoid neoplasias
- Self mutilation, stress associated
- Trauma
4. Ancillary Material
4.1. Readings
4.1.1. Articles and Texts
Lightfoot, Teresa L. ICE First Step Program
2003
ACLAM Lab Animal Medicine and Science Series
II CD-Rom available on the local network in the computer lab in the
Webster library. Great resource!!
Baker, David G. Natural pathogens of laboratory
mice, rats, and rabbits and their effects on research. Clinical
Microbiology Reviews, vol. 11 (2), April 1998:231-266.
Bennett, R. Avery. Husbandry and medicine of prairie
dogs. Proceedings of the Annual Convention and Expo of the Association
of Avian Veterinarinas, 2000, pp. 79-83.
Bennett, R. Avery. Husbandry and medicine of
hedgehogs. Proceedings of the Annual Convention and Expo of the
Association of Avian Veterinarinas, 2000, pp. 109-114.
Booth, RJ. General husbandry and medical care of
sugar gliders. IN Kirk's Current Veterinary Therapy XIII.
Bonagura JD, ed. Philadelphia : W.B. Sauders, 2000, pp. 1157-1163.
Capello, Vittorio. Pet Hamster Medicine and Surgery
- Part II: Clinical evaluation and therapeutics. Exotic DVM, v. 3.4, 2001:
33-39.
Capello, Vittorio. Dental diseases and surgical
treatment in pet rodents. Exotic DVM, 5.3 July 2003: 21-27.
Childs, James E., et al. Surveillance and
spatiotemporal associations of rabies in rodents and lagomorphs in the United
States, 1985-1994. Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 33 (1), 1997,
pp. 20-27.
Done LB, et al. Necropsy lesions by body systems in
African hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris): clues to clinical
diagnosis. Proc Joint Meeting AAZV/AAWV 1992, pp. 110-112.
Fowler, Murray E. and Miller, R. Eric. Zoo and Wild
Animal Medicine, 5th ed. Saunders, 2003. Chapters: 34, 35, 43.
Fox, JG, Cohen, BJ, Loew, FM. Laboratory
Animal Medicine, 2nd ed. Orlando, Florida: Academic Press, 2002.
Fudge, Alan M. Laboratory Medicine, Avian and
Exotic Pets. Philadelphia : W.B. Saunders Co., 2000.
Harkness, JE, and JE Wagner. The Biology and
Medicine of Rabbits and Rodents. 3rd ed. Lea &
Febiger, 1989.
Quesenberry, Katherine E., James W.
Carpenter, Peter Quesenberry. Ferrets, Rabbits and Rodents: Clinical
Medicine and Surgery Includes Sugar Gliders and Hedgehogs. 2nd ed.
Philadelphia: WB Saunders Co., c2003
Hoefer HL. Hedgehogs. Vet Clin of North
America Small Animal Practice, vol. 24, 1994, pp. 113-120.
Isenbugel E., Baumgartener, RA. Disease of the
hedgehog. IN Fowler, Murray E. Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine, Current
Therapy 3. Philadelphia, WB Saunders, 1993, pp. 294-302.
Johnson-Delaney, Cathy A. Exotic Companion
Medicine Handbook for Veterinarians. Wingers Pub. Inc., 1996.
Laboratory Animal Medicine
and Management edited by J.D. Reuter and M.A.Suckow.
2003-.
Levy, Howard and Steven Q. Simpson. Hantavirus
pulmonary syndrome. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care
Medicine, 149, 1994, pp.1710-1713.
Lightfoot, TL. Clinical examination of chinchillas,
hedgehogs, prairies dogs, and sugar gliders. Vet Clinics of North
America, Exotic Animal Practice, Vol. 2, 1999, pp. 447-469.
Malecki, Tinalyn M., et al. Serologic survey for
hantavirus infection in domestic animals and coyotes from New Mexico and
northeastern Arizona. JAVMA, Vol 212 (7), 1998, pp. 970-973.
Mills, James N., et al. Guidelines for working with
rodents potentially infected with hantavirus. Journal of
Mammalogy, 76 (3), 1995, pp.716-722.
Morse, Stephen S. Hantaviruses and the Hantavirus
outbreak in the United States. Annals of the New York Academy of
Sciences. 740, Dec. 15, 1995. pp. 199-207.
Ness, Robert D. Sugar glider (Petaurus
bevideps): general husbandry and medicine. Proceedings of the
Annual Conference of the Association of Avian Veterinarians, 2000, pp.
99-107.
Palmer, AC, et al. Paralysis in hedgehogs
(erinaceus europaeus) associated with demyelination.
Vet Record, Vol 143, 1998, pp. 550-552.
Pye, GW, Carpenter JW. A guide to medicine and
surgery in sugar gliders. Veterinary Medicine, 1999: 891-905.
Rand, Michael S. Hantavirus: an overview and update.
Laboratory Animal Science, 44 (4), 1994, pp.301-304.
Raymond, James T., and M. R. White. Necropsy and
histopathologic findings in 14 African Hedgehogs (Atelerix
albiventris): a retrospective study. JZWM, v. 30 (2),
1999: 273-277.
Raymond, James T. and Michael M. Garner.
Cardiomyopathy in captive African hedgehogs (Atelerix
albiventris). Proceedings of the AAZV and IAAAM Joint
Conference, 2000, p. 245.
Reeve H. Hedghogs. London, T & AD
Poyser Ltd, 1994.
Schmaljohn, Connie and Brian Hjelle. Hantaviruses: a
global disease problem. Emergning Infectious Diseases, 3 (2),
1997: 95-104,
Smith, AJ. Husbandry and nutrition of
hedgehogs. Vet Clinical of North American, Exotic Animal
Practice, vol. 2, 1999, pp. 127-141.
Veterinary Clinics of North America. Exotic
Animal Practice. Philadelphia, PA : W.B. Saunders Co., 1998-
Wheler, Colette L., Grahn, Bruce H., Pocknell, Ann
M. UNILATERAL PROPTOSIS AND ORBITAL CELLULITIS IN EIGHT AFRICAN HEDGEHOGS
(ATELERIX ALBIVENTRIS) Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 2001 32: 236-241
Wrobel D, Brown SA. The Hedgehog, an Owner's
Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet. New York, Howell Book House, 1997.
Yablonsky, Terri. The mystery of the hantavirus.
Laboratory Medicine, 25 (9), 1994, pp. 557-560
4.3. Products mentioned in the text
Special rabbit/rodent dental pack is available from:
Spectrum 4575 Hudson Drive Stow, OH 44224 Phone 800-444-5644 Fax 330-686-4555
spectrumsurgical.com Rabbit
Dental Pack order #54-800
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