17. Guinea Pigs and Hamsters: Husbandry and Repro

Question 1

Can hamsters be housed outside?

Answer 1

No

Question 2

5 functions of vocalization of GPs

Answer 2

1. Increase proximity
2. Greeting
3. Proximity-maintaining
4. Proximity-regaining
5. Distress/alarm

Question 3

Scruffing GPs

Answer 3

Not recommended - can cause hair depilation

Question 4

Temp for housing GP

Answer 4

68-79 F

Question 5

Recommended height for GP

Answer 5

7 in

Question 6

Why are cedar shavings not recommended?

Answer 6

Microsomal enzymes and cytotoxicity

Question 7

Why are untreated softwood shavings not recommended?

Answer 7

Can affect animals’ metabolism via cytochrome p450

Question 8

Sanitation of GP cages

Answer 8

at least once every 2 weeks

Question 9

Enrichment used in mice may not work with GPs for what reason?

Answer 9

GPs have neophobia

Question 10

5 accessory sex glands in GPs

Answer 10

1. Seminal vesicles
2. Prostate gland
3. Coagulating gland
4. Bulbourethral gland
5. Preputial gland

Question 11

Inguinal canals in GPs

Answer 11

Remain open

Question 12

Do GP boars have an os penis?

Answer 12

Yes

Question 13

Repro system of female GP

Answer 13

Bicornate uterus, single os cervis

Question 14

What kind of placenta do GPs have

Answer 14

Discoidal, hemomonochorial

Question 15

When to breed female GPs

Answer 15

Breed as early as 2-3 months, but no later than 6-7 months

Question 16

When does vaginal closure membrane in GPs open/

Answer 16

Estrus and parturition

Question 17

Estrous cycle in GPs - length

Answer 17

16 days

Question 18

Proestrus in GPs

Answer 18

Vaginal swelling, rupture of membrane, increased activity. Nucleated and cornified epithelial cells

Question 19

Estrus in GPs

Answer 19

Vaginal swelling, perforation of membrane, lordosis, cornified epithelial cells

Question 20

Are GPs polygamous?

Answer 20

Monogamous OR polygamous

Question 21

Gestation length in Gps

Answer 21

68 days

Question 22

GP litter size

Answer 22

2-5 piglets

Question 23

Weaning age in Gps

Answer 23

7 days

Question 24

Ketoacidosis (pregnancy toxemia common in GPs is due to what?

Answer 24

Reduced carbohydrate intake and mobilization of fat stores

Question 25

C/S of ketoacidosis

Answer 25

Fasting hypoglycemia, hyperlipidemia, ketonemia, proteinuria, aciduria Death

Question 26

Circulatory forms of pregnancy toxemia (pre-eclampsia)

Answer 26

Vascular insufficiency/ischemia, hemorrhage/necrosis, thrombosis, coagulopathy

Question 27

Prevention of pregnancy toxemia

Answer 27

Keep weight under 500g Avoid stress/fasting Don't transport pregnant GP High energy diet near end of pregnancy

Question 28

Tx of pregnancy toxemia

Answer 28

Treat electrolyte and glucose abnormalities Fluids Steroids

Question 29

When do you see ovarian cysts in GPs (what age)

Answer 29

1-4 years

Question 30

C/S of ovarian cysts in GPs

Answer 30

Anorexia, depression, abdominal distension, bilateral hairloss over flanks and rump, infertility

Question 31

Ovarian cysts in GPs are associated with which other issues?

Answer 31

Uterine leiomyomas, endometritis, cystic endometrial hyperplasia

Question 32

Tx of ovarian cysts in GPs

Answer 32

Sx removal or OHE

Question 33

Causes of mastitis in GPs

Answer 33

E. coli, Klebsiella, Staph zoo, Pasteurella, Proteus

Question 34

Which hamsters don't hibernate?

Answer 34

Phodopus sungorus (Djungarian)

Question 35

Hibernation vs estivation

Answer 35

Hibernation: Lack of activity and metabolic depression Estivation: State of dormancy caused by high temps

Question 36

Height requirement for hamsters

Answer 36

6 inches

Question 37

Housing temp of hamsters

Answer 37

68-79 F

Question 38

Pellet placement for hamsters

Answer 38

On the floor - broad muzzle prevents them from eating from normal hoppers

Question 39

Female repro tract

Answer 39

Bicornate uterus | Two cervices but single cervical os

Question 40

4 accessory sex glands of hamsters

Answer 40

1. Vesicular glands 2. Coagulating glands 3. Prostate gland 4. Bulbourethral gland

Question 41

Length of estrus in hamsters

Answer 41

4 days

Question 42

Gestation length in hamsteres

Answer 42

16

Question 43

Hamsters are prone to which repro issues?

Answer 43

Granulosa cell tumors Uterine adenocarcinomas (Chinese hamsters) Cystic ovaries (Dwarf hamsters) Mastitis

Question 44

Syrian hamster

Answer 44

Mesocricetus auratus

Question 45

Chinese hamster

Answer 45

Cricetulus griseus

Question 46

Armenian hamster

Answer 46

Cricetulus migratorius

Question 47

European hamster

Answer 47

Cricetus cricetus

Question 48

Djungarian hamster

Answer 48

Phodopus

Question 49

Siberian hamster

Answer 49

Phodopus sungorus

Question 50

Russian dwarf hamster

Answer 50

Phodopus campbelli

Question 51

Desert hamster

Answer 51

Phodopus roborovski

Question 52

Which hamster has the most chromosomes?

Answer 52

Mesocricetus auratus (44 as opposed to 20's)