Degus Flashcards
What is the scientific name of degus? Where did the trumpet-tail rat common name arise from?
Octodon degus
Black brush at the tip of the tail
Where are degus found?
Northern and western Chile, on the west slope of the Andes. In open areas near thickets, rocks, or stone walls. Construct an elaborate communal burrow system, with main section under rocks or shrubs.
Describe the social structure of degus.
Live in small colonies with a strong social organization based on group territoriality. Burrow is center of defended territory. Females of same social group often rear young in a common burrow.
What unique aspects of degus make them popular lab animals?
Precocious neonates - Neurobiological development patterns and neurodegenerative conditions of aging
Diurnal - Investigate human sleep/wake and circadian behavior. Alteration of light cycle, feeding, and/or social organization can create circadian equivalent of jet lag.
What is unique regarding the testes of degus? Adrenal gland? Spleen?
Intra-abdominal
Adrenals are large
Spleen sinusoids lined by endothelial cells having a cuboidal appearance gives the spleen a glandular appearance
Describe degu reproduction in captivity.
Breed throughout the year and may have more than one annual litter
What aspect of degu behavior is important for husbandry?
Social behavior. Fare better with social housing, especially juveniles. Animals raised in isolation develop lethargy and behavioral deficits that cannot be remedied with enrichment. Short solo housing (<4 weeks) followed by re-homing can be used successfully.
How are mature degus typically maintained?
As breeding pairs, or one male with multiple females. Females are induced ovulators that require the presence of a male to ovulate.
How tolerate are female and male degus to pairing?
Females very tolerable, males less so once they have been individually housed, but may tolerate housing with a male litter-mate following individual housing.
What are degus fed in captivity?
Breeder diet for juvenile and lactating animals and a higher fiber, lower energy diet for adults to avoid obesity, diabetes, and insulin resistance.
What water is recommended for degus?
Acidified, to prevent opportunistic infections with Pseudomonas. May not drink much water.
How long is gestation in degus? How many pups are born?
90 days. Average of 7 precocial pups.
How long do pups nurse?
Nurse for 4-5 weeks, but begin eating slid foods by 2 weeks. Generally weaned at 5-6 weeks.
When do degus become sexually mature? How is sexual maturity in males assessed?
45 days - 6 months, averages 3 months. Males have penile spines.
What enrichment items are recommended for degus?
Dust baths. Running wheels are preferred enrichment as animals do not use PVC tubes or nest boxes.
What was the most common disease reported in privately owned degus? How does this compare to another rodent?
Dental conditions. Develop elondontomas like prairie dogs.
What diets have been associated with spontaneous diabetes in degus? What clinical sign develops?
Feeding guinea pig chow, fresh fruits, or other causes of hyperglycemia. Develop cataracts within 4 weeks.
Why have degus been proposed as a molder for Alzheimer’s disease?
Cerebral amyloid deposition, as seen in vascular manifestations of Alzheimer’s.
