3 - approach to GI disorders in NTCAs

Question 1

Why are NTCAs so hard to deal with?

Answer 1

Because they have a large diversity and variety in anatomy, physiology, and husbandry including diet

Question 2

What is the primary and most important thing to do if a NTCA comes in to you and you dont really know what to do?

Answer 2

You need to provide first aid treatment for all species - may be euthenasia or pain relief.
Also apply basic principles you would for other species

Question 3

Quickly describe the teeth of rodents

Answer 3

They have continuously erupting incisors.
Most dental disease is acquired, not genetic due to what they are being fed.
Some have continuously erupting cheek teeth which may be a factor in the presenting problem.

Question 4

Which rodents are hindgut fermenters and what does this mean they do?

Answer 4

Guinea pig and chinchilla.

means they engage in coprophagy

Question 5

What is the consideration with fur and chinchillas?

Answer 5

They have lots of dense fur so may ingest it which causes fur balls.

Question 6

Which rodents have a compound stomach and what does this mean?

Answer 6

Mice and rats - it means that they have glandular and muscular components

Question 7

Can rodents vomit?

Answer 7

No

Question 8

What are the 2 classifications of rodents?

And which rodents are in each?

Answer 8

Myomorphs - rat, mouse, gerbil, hamster

Hystricomorphs (caviomorphs) - guinea pig, chinchilla

Question 9

List the presentations you may see in rodents with GI issues

Where appropriate describe

Answer 9

1. Diarrhoea, reduced faecal output, lack of coprophagy
2. Porphyrin staining (rats) - they get red stains on eyes - it may be stress related but may be a presenting sign.
3. Hypersalivation, dysphagia, desire but inability to eat (caused by dental issues)
4. Wet tail - especially seen in hamsters
5. Non specific findings: hunched posture, lethargy

Question 10

What are the differentials for mice and rats presenting with GIT issues?
(excluding parasites)

Answer 10

• Non infectious diarrhoea (typically diet related)
• Tyzzers disease (caused by Clostridium piliforme which is intracellular, difficult to diagnose, predisposed by stress, and the spores last a long time in the environment. Its common in gerbils and can present as sudden death - do PCR)
• Other bacterial enteritis
• Viral enteritis/hepatitis - in lab animals but the prevelence in pets is unknown because its not measured as it is in lab animals

In rats:

• Infectious diarrhoea of infant rats (IDIR) caused by rotavirus - its zoonotic.
• Sialodacryoadenitis virus and Parkers rat coronavirus are common. Have low mortality and treatment isnt usually needed