Ferrets, rabbits and rodents Flashcards
Ferrets are what classs
Class Mammalia; Order Carnivora; Family Mustelidae (related to weasels, mink, badgers and skunks)
What is the anatomy and physiology of ferrets
True Carnivores
Most anatomy/physiology similar to that of cats (although elongated)
Heart is very caudal in the thorax; sinus arrhythmia common
Spleen often very large and palpable, if smooth, not clinically significant
What vaccines are given to ferrets
Need to be vaccinated for Rabies and Canine Distemper
Rabies given annually
Distemper - 3 sets at 8, 12, 16 weeks, then annually
Vaccine reactions somewhat common – monitor for 20 min post vaccine
What is commonly removed from ferrets before being sold
Most ferrets are sold already spayed/neutered and have had anal glands removed
Why do ferrets smell
Most of the smell comes from scent glands in the skin, not anal glands, and the smell decreases significantly after spay/neuter
What kind of ovulators are ferrets
Induced ovulators, so can stay in heat for extended periods of time – increased estrogen can lead to pancytopenia
Anemia/thrombocytopenia can be fatal
What are the normal values for a ferret
Temperature – 37.8C–40.0C
HR – 250-300bpm
RR – 33-36/min
Urine pH – 6.5-7.5
Average Lifespan – 6-10 years
What are common diesases affecting ferrets
Adrenal disease
Insulinoma
foreign bodies
Human influenza
Lymphoma
Ear mites
COVID 19
What are common adrenal disases for ferrets
Hyperadrenocorticism
Hypertrophy/adenoma/adenocarcinoma of adrenal glands
Not Cushings – not overproducing cortisol
Overproduction of sex hormones
What are the clincial signs of adrenal disease of ferrets
Bilateral alopecia (may be seasonal/cyclic) most common c/s
Others include increased odor, sexual/dominant behaviour, vulvar swelling, prostate enlargement (difficult urination), or pruritis
How do you diagnose adrenal disase with ferrets
Blood test for hormone levels, US to look for enlarged adrenals
Often based on C/S
How do you treat ferrets with adrenal disease
Surgical – expensive, risky and not always effective
Medical – Monthly injections; implant put under the skin
What is insulioma with ferrets
Functional tumour of the beta cells of the pancreas
Causes an overproduction of insulin which leads to hypoglycemia
What are the clinical signs with insulinoma for ferrets
Episodic/acute weakness or periods of unresponsiveness/glazed expression
Salivation, chomping/pawing at mouth or seizures can occur
How do you diagnose insulinoma in ferrets
Blood glucose during a weakness episode; can test insulin levels, but not usually necessary
How do you treat ferrets with insulinoma
Feed a high protein diet, avoid sugary treats
Surgical – removal of part or half of the pancreas may increase time before medical treatment is required
Medical
Acute – IV/oral glucose, diazepam for seizures
Prednisone daily
Are foreign bodies common in ferrets and why
Like to chew on everything; foreign bodies quite common
Surgical
What does human infleunza look like in a ferret
Can catch from Owners and vice versa
Sneezing, nasal discharge, fever, etc
Where is lymphoma common in ferrets and how to treat
Can occur in any organ
Chemotherapy possible
When do you check for ear mites on ferrets
Very common – always check at first appointment
How do ferrets get COVID 19
Ferrets, like cats, are susceptible to COVID 19
Can catch it, but unlikely to transmit it to people
What is the ferrets natural routine
Do NOT require elaborate enclosures
Ground dwellers
Naturally will go down and under things to sleep
Enjoy sleeping sacs on cage floor – safer and easier to access
If using hammocks or condo style enclosure need to pad floors and ramps
Poor vision – results in injury
What should a ferrets cage be made with
Medium to large dog kennels are often fine
Do not usually play in den so set it up for sleeping
Water bottle, full food cup, soft bedding, litter box at the opposite end
When they are out to play leave door open to ensure constant access to food and water
What should a ferrets substrate look like
Substrates: NO wood shavings, corn cob, recycled paper, etc.
Line floor with newspaper or use pile of soft towels/clothes
What should you not make a ferrets cage from
NO glass tanks – inadequate ventilation
What is an apropriate temp for a ferrets enclosure
Do not allow temperature to go below 20 degrees Fahrenheit or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit
How often and how to bathe a ferret
Bathe monthly at the most with ferret specific or kitten shampoo
If bathe more often than this will actually increase sebaceous gland secretions = increased odor
To decrease odor – clean cage and change bedding often
Will a ferret use a litterbox
Will use litter box IF it is in the right place at the right time
If “busy” or playing will back into nearest corner
Elevate hind end to eliminate
LB should be triangular to fit into corners and have a high back
Use basic, unscented litter
Often will just refuse to use LB
How do ferrets naturally behave
Very curious, known troublemakers
Choose toys carefully and monitor regularly
Supervise ALL free time
FOREIGN BODIES!
How do you handle a ferret
Pick up with one hand behind shoulders
Usually relax with all 4 feet away from surface
If doing more than removing/replacing in cage should support hind end and hold close to body
Fall risk
VERY flexible and quick
Scruff – will relax, yawn reflex
Calm handling and as little restraint as possible
What happens if you scruff a ferret
Scruff – will relax, yawn reflex
Not recommended if they are very scared, injured, painful
Hold over surface
How do you give medication to ferrets
PO as often as possible
Very reactive to IM injections
Very wiggly – high chance of injury
Where can you collect blood from a ferret
Lateral saphenous
Cephalic*
Right jugular for larger amounts
Cranial vena cava – use GA to prevent movement and potential laceration
How do you perform a blood collection on a ferret
All blood collections may need GA/sedation if patient non compliant
Dorsal recumbency with 2 handlers and 1 collector
Stretch head forward and pull front legs back
Restrain hind end
25g needle and 3 ml syringe
What is the maintenace rate of fluid for ferrets
Maintenance: 75-100 ml/kg/day
How do you give fluids to ferrets
LRS or Normosol recommended for IV fluids
SQ Fluids – use extension set to allow for movement
How do you sedate a ferret
Gas/inhalant preferred
Similar to cats/dogs
Fast for no longer than 4 hours
Initially mask down or use induction chamber, then intubate
What ETT size and O2 flow rate do you use on ferrets
ET Tube: 2.0-3.5 mm
O2 flow rate: 0.8-1.0 L/min
What is unique to monitor for ferrets under anesthesia
Lose body heat quickly, need to maintain/support temperature
Use toe pinch/palpebral to measure depth
How do you take a radiograph for a ferret
Sedation often necessary
Symmetry is difficult – use positioning aides
Otherwise, similar to cats/dogs
How do you collect urine on a ferret
Cystocentesis
Catheters are difficult – require anesthesia
Rabbits are what familia
Class Mammalia; Order Lagomorpha; Family Leporidae not rodents
What is unique about rabbits teeth
2 lower incisors, 4 upper incisors (2 large front teeth and 2 small “peg teeth” behind)
Incisors and molars grow continuously throughout life
How do rabbits breathe
Primarily nasal breathers (very poor mouth breathers)
Small thoracic cavity (and therefore lungs), small heart
What does a rabbits digestive system look like
Large abdominal cavity
Very acidic stomach (pH 1.2-1.5)
Very long intestines, large cecum (hind gut fermenters)
Physically unable to vomit
Produce and ingest cecotrophs (night feces)
What is unique about a rabbits musculokeletal system
Fragile skeleton prone to fractures
Very strong musculature of hind limbs/back
Can break their own back if struggle hard during restraint
What does a male rabbits sex organs look like
Open inguinal rings, testes descend ~12 weeks (difficult to sex when young)
What does a female rabbits reproductive system look like
No uterine body; 2 cervices and 2 uterine horns
Induced ovulators
When does rabbits sexually mature
~4-7 months
How long is a rabbits gestation
29-35 days
How often do rabbit babies nurse and how are they born
Young nurse only 2-3 times/day (hares only once)
Rabbits born naked/helpless (hares precocial)
What are the urine properties of rabbits
Alkaline urine
Calcium carbonate crystals normal finding
What are the normal values of rabbits
Body Temp – 38.5C–40.0C
HR – 130–325
RR – 30-60
Urine pH ~8
Average Lifespan – 5-10 years
What are common disease and problems with rabbits
Snuffles
GI stasis
Dental malocclusion
Jaw/tooth root abscesses
Urolithiasis
Uterine Adenocarcinoma
Fur mites
Pododermatitis
What is snuffles for rabbits
Respiratory disease (Nasal/ocular discharge) caused by Pasteurella
Difficult to treat, recurrence common
What is GI stasis in rabbits
The GI motility stops or reduces
Fatal if not treated
Can see excessive gas and sometimes soft stool
What is dental malocclusion in rabbits
Teeth grow continuously, if not worn down they overgrow and can cause ulceration/laceration in the mouth and anorexia
Genetic component
Upper cheek teeth grow laterally; lower cheek teeth grow medially
Jaw/tooth root abscesses in rabbits is
Pus very thick/caseous
Extraction of affected tooth and surgical draining/debridement, antibiotics
What is urolithiasis in rabbits and how do you diagnose it
Stones/sludge common
Diet, obesity, limited exercise
dx: rads/UA; tx: surgical
Uterine Adenocarcinoma is how common in rabbits
very common (>90% if left unspayed)
What are the fur mites of rabbits
Cheyletiella (Potentially Zoonotic)
What is pododermatitis in rabbits
Painful, ulcerated dermatitis on weight bearing surface of feet
Soft bedding, enough space, weight management
Difficult to treat, can be very severe
How do you use antibiotics in rabbits
Very sensitive to many oral antibiotics
Avoid oral penicillins, cephalosporins, erythromycin, clindamycin, lincomycin
Antibiotic Associated Diarrhea (Enterotoxemia) can result from use of Oral antibiotics
From Clostridial overgrown (Clostridium dificile)
Produces a toxin
Severe, watery, often hemorrhagic diarrhea
Can be fatal
Treatment with metronidazole may help if started early
What are some common environmental issues for rabbits
Easily environmentally stressed
- Visual and olfactory stimuli
Need protection from heat/cold
- Especially heat intolerant
- 40-80 degrees Fahrenheit
How big should a rabbits space be
Space: minimum 3x the length of rabbit
3 Hop Rule
Like to stand up on hind limbs
What should the floor of a rabbits area be and what may it cause
Either NO wire bottom or at least an area without
Clean BUT causes trouble with cecotroph ingestion
Pododermatitis
- Common medical condition seen in rabbits
- AKA: Sore hocks, bumblefoot
- Ulcerative bacterial infection of the hocks
What should a rabbits area include
At LEAST one “hidey hole” or box
Sipper bottle for water
50-150 ml/kg/day
Wash and disinfect daily
Can be litter trained
What are rabbits likely to do in there area
Very territorial
May mark if left out free
Careful with pairings – known to fight
What should you do for rabbits when they free roam
Like to chew!
Bunny proof
Supervise free time
Allow free time to roam
Best/safest option is to make them an area for this
NEVER leave unsupervised with any predator species
What is important to remember about handling rabbits
Easily injured
Powerful hind legs and long, relatively inflexible spine
Force of their kick can fracture back
ALWAYS support hind limbs and securely restrain
NEVER scruff or lift/hold by ears
Hold close to body with head tucked under arm
How do you remove a rabbit from a cage
Removing from cage
One hand underneath grasping hind legs, other hand supports/holds front legs
How do you return a rabbit to a cage
Place in backwards (face towards you) to decrease danger of kicking out/bolting
What are some common things used to distract/reduce stress when handling rabbits
Use Bunny Burrito
Covering eyes often reduces stress/causes them to freeze
Do NOT tap nose as distraction
Why do you not tap a rabbits nose
Obligate nasal breathers
Causes aggression/avoidance/distress
How do you give medications to a rabbit
PO
-Can mix with fruit juice or puree
Avoid IM if possible, if have to use quadriceps
How do you collect urine form a rabbit and does it need sedation
Cystocentesis – no sedation required
Catheterization – sedation required
Sitting posture for male, sternal recumbence for female
How do you perform radiogprahs for rabbits
Sedation/GA help prevent injury/stress
How do you give fluid therapy to rabbits
IV – cephalic vein
IO – greater tubercle of humerus
For severely dehydrated patients
E-Collar may be needed – likely to chew out line/catheter
How do you perform GA and intubation in a rabbit
More challenging than other mammals
Mask down to induce
-Very sensitive to odor of inhalant anesthetics
Likely to hold breath
-Slow/calculated induction will reduce this
Difficult intubation
-Repeated attempts NOT recommended
Nasal intubation is an option
How much blood can you collect from a rabbit
Collect NO more than 1 ml/10g BW
What are some things to rememebr when doing blood collection on a rabbit
Skin easily torn – pluck, don’t shave
Veins thin walled and fragile – hematomas easily formed
What are soem routes of blood collection for a rabbit
Lateral saphenous or cephalic
Marginal ear vein and central ear artery
Jugular
How do you collect the blood from a rabbit and what supplies are used
25-27G needle
Heparinized needle
Can use NO needle and drip into tube
Sedation often a good choice to decrease stress and enable you to obtain enough sample
Marginal ear vein and central ear artery blood collection is not used why
Difficult to get
Increased hematoma risk
AVOID using (especially in pet rabbits)
How do you do a jugular blood draw in a rabbit
Stressful due to restraint
Sedation likely needed
What class are guinea pigs
Class Mammalia; Order Rodentia; Family Caviidae
What is unique about of rabbit teeth
Incisors and Molars grow continuously throughout life
What suppliments do guinea pigs need
Vit C
Where is the sebacous gland in guinea pigs
Sebaceous gland in dorsal tail area (no tail)
What is unique about guinea pigs poop
Produce and ingest cecotrophs
When does a guinea pigs pubic sythesis close and how long is gestation
Pubic symphysis closes at 6-9 months
If going to breed, best before 6 months or may have issues with dystocia
Gestation 59-72 days
What are the normals for guinea pigs
Weight – males 900-1200g; females 700-900g
Temp – 37.2-39.5
HR – 240-310
Lifespan – 5-6 years
What are common diseases and problems for guinea pigs
Scurvy
Antibiotic Associated Enterotoxemia
GI bloat
Cystic ovaries
What is scurvy and why is it common in guinea pigs
Vitamin C deficiency
Require 15-25mg/kg/day (up to 50-100mg/kg/day if treating deficiency)
Leads to defective collagen – bleeding into joints and SQ, loose teeth
Supplement diet with human grade Vitamin C
Antibiotic Associated Enterotoxemia is what and common in
antibiotic sensitivities and resultant diarrhea as in rabbits and guinea pigs
What is GI bloat with guinea pigs
Usually due to change in diet
Dx: Can see gas on radiographs or palpate
Tx: pain meds, force feeding, fluids
Px: guarded
C/s, dx, and tx of cystic ovaries in rabbits
Very common (>75% of females between 1.5 and 5 years)
C/S: Abdominal distension, possibly bilateral alopecia
Dx: ultrasound
Tx: US guided drainage; Surgical - OHE
How big should guinea pigs enclosure be
Enclosure at least 36” long
What should a guinea pigs house look like
Simple housing
No elaborate platforms
No wire floors
NEED at least one “hidey box”
Can be as simple as a cardboard box
Why are guinea pig cages wire sided
Good circulation
Easy to clean
Protection from other pets
NO aquariums – ammonia and nitrogen accumulation will cause respiratory issues
What should the substrate of a guinea pigs cage look like
newspaper or aspen shavings
NO cedar shavings
What type of bottle shoudl you use for a guinea pig
Use food hopper and sipper bottle
- Urinate and defecate without preference
- Leads to bowl contamination
Need large amounts of water
- Dehydrate quickly so monitor water intake
- Drink with mouth full of food so change water frequently and check for blockages
How to handle a guinea pig
Easy to handle and enjoy interactions/handling
- Do not commonly bite but can be very vocal
Fully support them when lifting/holding or they will struggle
- One hand under thorax and one cupped under bum
- Hold close to body
Can you scruff a guinea pig
NEVER scruff
Scary and painful
What hsould you do for surfaces when handling guinea pigs
Have very poor eyesight and depth perception – CAREFUL on surfaces
Use towels to wrap and to make surfaces have more grip
What are some issues with collecting blood from a rabbit
Small, fragile blood vessels – easily collapsed
Small volumes: lateral saphenous and cephalic
Larger volumes: jugular and cranial vena cava
Sedation required
Use insulin or tuberculin syringe
How do you administer fluid therapy to guinea pigs
IV catheters are very difficult
Use IO into greater trochanter of femur
SQ fluids are more painful than in other species due to fat pad between scapulae and little SQ space – will vocalize
What is the fluid rate for a guinea pg
50 – 100 ml /kg BW/day
What should you do when administering fludis to a guinea pig
Monitor for overhydration
Most commonly use isotonic fluids
How do you intubate and how long does sedation last in guinea pigs
Difficult to intubate
- Small and long/narrow oral cavity
- Mask down
Only fast for 2 – 4 hours
Once in proper GA plane need to swab out oral cavity
What can stress cause to guinea pigs and what shoudl you do
Stress can cause catastrophic results = death
Decrease induction time and handling
What do you do for guinea pig radiographs
Use sedation and positioning aids
What class is chinchilias
Class Mammalia; Order Rodentia; Family Chinchillidae
What is different about chinchillas anatomy
Incisors and molars grow continuously throughout life
Very dense haircoat; may ‘fur slip’ if frightened
Produce and ingest cecotrophs
What does female chinchillas reproductive system look like
Females – 2 cervices and 2 uterine horns
What does male chinchillas reproductive system look like
Males have no true scrotum, just outpocketing of abdomen
What is the same between both reproductive organs of chinchillas
Both sexes have 3 pairs of mammary glands and both sexes have a large urinary papillae (can be confused for a penis) which can make sex determination difficult
What are the normal values for a chinchilla
Weight – males 400-500g; females 400-600g
Temperature – 37-38C
HR 100-150bpm
Lifespan - ~10 years
What are some common disease and probelms with chinchillas
Malocclusion, jaw abscesses and GI problems same as for rabbits
Heat stroke
- Adapted to cool environment and can’t dissipate heat well
Trauma common as very flighty/active and bones are long with thin/brittle cortex
- Fractured tibia most common
What is the common behaviour of chinchillas
Very curious, quick, agile and can jump very well
What should the cage for a chinchilla look like and include
Need large cage – very active
Solid floor
Hidey box
Different levels with platforms for jumping
NO connective ladders between levels
Cause entanglement and injury
NO exercise balls
Cause stress and overheating, do not enable them to jump
CANNOT swim – be careful with toilets
Supervise all free time in an enclosed and safe area
Bathrooms work well as easy to enclose/proof and have many levels
What degree should a chinchilla cage be lkept at
Keep cage in cool/dry area with NO direct sunlight
65 – 75 degrees Fahrenheit
Where should you put a chinchillas cage
Put at least one side of the cage against a wall
Less exposure, feeling of safety
Why would you give a chinchilla a dust bath
NEED dust baths
Use a shallow bowl or pan they can run in/out of and roll in
Offer 2-3 times per week
Buy dust at pet store
What substrate should you use for chinchillas
Aspen shavings or newspaper
What should you use for a chinchillas water and food bowl
Use pottery dishes for food
- Easy to clean and they cannot chew them
Use a water bottle
- Clean and change daily
Why should you handle a chinchilla gently
Handle very gently!
FUR SLIP
How should you handle a chinchilla
Support body with one hand around thorax and other hand supporting rump with one finger wrapped around their tail
Can be lifted by tail if needed
May work better for frightened or less socialized patients
Will not cause fur slip
Use a towel on a table for better grip
How should NOT you handle a chinchilla
NEVER lift by ears
NEVER scruff
NEVER make a sudden grab
How do you give medication to a chinchilla
PO preferred over injections
If injection needed, use quadriceps
Wet fur with warm water at injection site to help avoid fur slip
How do you collect blood form a chinchilla
Veins difficult to access
Use lateral saphenous with 25G needle and tuberculin syringe
Collect maximum 0.5 ml/100 g BW
Can use jugular, femoral vein or cranial vena cava for larger volumes
All require sedation
How do you give fluid therapy to a chinchilla
IV catheters are difficult to place
SQ Fluids: 3 – 4 ml
IO Fluids: into femur, requires sedation
IP Cavity: careful to avoid ascites
How do you sedate a chinchilla
Mask down
Do not use premedication
- Causes muscle necrosis
How long shoudl you fast a chinchilla
2-4 hours
What should you do to a chinchilla prior to GA
Clean cheeks prior to GA
Difficult to intubate
How should you heat a chinchialla and when
Prone to hypothermia – provide heat source during GA and recovery
What hsould you do when a chinchilla is recovering from GA
Wrap in towel during recovery
Prevents them bolting before fully recovered
How do you collect urine from a chinchilla
Cystocentesis, free catch or floor collection
What should you do for radiographs of a chinchilla
Use sedation and positioning aides
What class is hamsters
Class Mammalia; Order Rodentia; Family Cricetidae
What is unique about a hamsters anatomy and physiology
Several different breeds
Nocturnal
Incisors and molars grow continuously throughout life
May hibernate at Temperatures less than 5C (sometimes even at 10-15C)
Distensible cheek pouches
can become impacted, develop tumours
Lifespan – 1.5-2 years
WHat is different about a male hamster
Hip/flank glands prominent in adult males (pigmented)
Can become infected, impacted, neoplastic
What does a female hamster do after ovulation
Females produce copious discharge after ovulation
What are common disease/probelms with hamsters
Antibiotic Associated Enterotoxemia
Wet tail
What is Antibiotic Associated Enterotoxemia in hamsters
Overgrowth of Clostridium difficile
Same sensitivities to antibiotics as rabbits and guinea pigs
Usually seen in adult hamsters
What is wet tail and when does it happen to hamsters
Young hamsters
Proliferative enteropathy caused by Lawsonia intracellularis
Treat aggressively with fluids, antibiotics, and force feeding
What class is gerbils
Class Mammalia; Order Rodentia; Family Muridae
What is different about a gerbils anatomy/physioilogy
Adapted for a desert environment; require very little water
Incisors grow continuously throughout life, molars do not
May slough tail if handled by tail (Tail Slip)
Both sexes have an orange/tan area of alopecia on ventral abdomen and a ventral marking gland
- Can become infected, neoplastic in older gerbils
Lifespan – 3-4 years
What are common diseases/problems with gerbils
Tail slip
Sore nose
Tumors
Head tilt
What is tail slip with gerbils
If picked up by tail tip, skin will slough
Requires amputation because bone is exposed
What is sore nose caused by in gerbils
Moist dermatitis
Likely due to an increase in porphyrin secretions (dt stress) which acts as an irritant – then secondary infections occur
What are the common tumors of gerbils
Common
Males – squamous cell carcinoma of ventral marking gland
Females – ovarian granulosa cell tumours
What causes head tilt in gerbils
Aural cholesteatoma (looks like a polyp)
What should the husbandry of hamsters look like
Nocturnal
Fastidious in maintaining/arranging habitat
- Make special areas for sleeping, food storage and waste
- Can place a litter box after they have designated a waste area
- When cleaning cage, put things back as they were – NEVER rearrange
Live alone – can be very aggressive in pairs/groups
>80 degrees Fahrenheit they will estivate
How does a gerbil act
Not nocturnal
More social, need/enjoy companions
Monogamous, do not separate once bonded
Very playful and active
Enjoy small toys, tubes, hide boxes, several entrances to hidey boxes
What should a gerbil/hamsters house look like
Solid floors and sides with secure lids
Gerbils are great jumpers
Both with climb
Hamsters enjoy elaborate homes with tubes, towers, etc
Provide hidey boxes
- Hamsters will only use if they are in their sleeping area
Clean cages weekly
Substrate: aspen shavings or recycled paper products
- Gerbils could use a fine sand
Water bottles that are cleaned and changed daily
- Gerbils drink less water than hamsters
Rodent wheels
- Solid surface
- Exercise balls – ALWAYS supervise
What should you do before handling a hamster
Easily startled
Aggressive when startled or when first awake
Gently prod from sleeping area to help them wake
Wait to pick up until fully awake
How do you handle a hamster
Scoop into hand
Do not tolerate much handling/restraint before trying to bite
Can scruff
- Empty cheek pouches first
- Include extra cheek skin in scruff
Extended periods of scruffing can cause exophthalmosis due to pressure behind eyes
How do you handle a gerbil
NEVER catch or restrain by tail
Very fast – often easier to catch by scooping into cup first
Can scruff – cheek skin not a problem like hamsters
Less likely to bite
How do you collect blood from a gerbil
lateral tail vein (with CAUTION)
- Mask down first
- Warm tail with warm water or cloth to dilate vessels
Cranial vena cava – Risky, need full GA
Where do you perform injections in a gerbil/hamster
SQ or IP
What are the issues with fluid therapy in hamsters and gerbils
Difficult
Hard to access veins
Cannot give large volumes
What are the issues with giving meds to gerbils/hamsters
Most medications are “extra label”
Hard to hide meds – “cautious eaters”
How do you induce a hamster/gerbil
Mask for induction and maintenance
Can convert syringe case
How do you take radiopgraphs of hamsters/gerbils
Use GA and tape/positioning aides
What class and family are mice/rates
Class Mammalia; Order Rodentia; Family Muridae
What is unique about rats anatmony/physiology
Incisors grow continuously, molars do not
Harderian glands behind eyes secrete porphyrins (tears look red)
Lifespan – 2-3 years (can live up to 5, but very unusual)
What is unique about mice anatmony/physiology
Incisors grow continuously, molars do not
Lifespan – 1-2 years
What are common disease/problems with rats
Chronic resp disease
Mammary tumors
Lice/fur mites
Red discharge from eyes/nose
What is chronic resp disease in rats and how to treat
Very common
Usually caused by Mycoplasma pulmonis (may also involve streptococcus and Corynebacterium)
Treat with antibiotics
- May kill organism, but the body’s response to mycoplasma causes respiratory damage
- Antibiotics may decrease clinical signs, but will not cure disease
Mammary tumors with rats
Usually benign (fibroadenoma)
Grow VERY quickly
Occurs in both sexes (mammary tissue present from neck to inguinal area
Surgical removal usually curative and straightforward
What are the signs and diagnostics for lice/fur mites in rats
Common
Scratching and fur loss
Skin scrape/scotch tape to diagnose
Red discharge from eyes/nose is caused by hwat in rats
Owners usually report bleeding from eyes/nose
Porphyrin secretion increases with stress/underlying disease
What are the common diseases/problems with mice
Mites
Mammary tumors
What does mites look like in mice
Alopecia
Pruritic with self trauma common (can scratch ears right off)
May also be an underlying skin condition and not mites??
What does mammary tumors look like and prognoisis of mice
Almost always malignant (adenocarcinoma) and metastatic
Prognosis poor
What are rats behaviour
Easily socialized, good with others, rarely bite, make better pets
Curious, intelligent
Bruxism and boggling = signs of contentment
What is the bahviour of mice
More active and nervous, quicker to bite
Do not allow much handling/interaction
Aggression with others
What is super important about mice/rats husbandry
Good ventilation VERY important
Ammonia fumes
What should a mice/rats husbandry look like
Solid floors
Be careful with wire sides for mice
Can use aquarium with fitted lid
Substrate: recycled paper or aspen shavings
Provide hidey boxes, wheels, tubes (PVC pipe, cardboard rolls)
Cardboard is good as they can play in/with and chew on
Check and change water twice daily
Provide appropriate wood blocks for gnawing
What important about a rats water bottle
Rodents may cannibalize if run out of water
Often chew the bottles, check for leaks often
How do you pick up a rat
Pick up with one hand then support with one hand around shoulders and one underneath
NEVER pick up or hold by the tail
- This may cause them to bite
For a potentially painful procedure hold in the same manner with thumb under mandible and stretching them out slightly
How should you pick up a mouse
Will bite
Can pick up by base of tail and be placed onto a rough surface
Only use tail for a quick transfer – they will bite their own tail to escape
When sat down they will try to run – can scruff at this time
Wrap tail around little finger to control
Do not just wear thick gloves and “squish”
Chance of injury, suffocation, dropping
How much blood shoudl you collect from a mouse/rat
Maximum 10% total blood volume can be taken
Average 70 ml/KG BW – convert to g and be careful, calculate ahead of time
Where shoudl you collect blood from a rat/mice
Use warmed lateral tail vein
Other vessels are small and difficult
What supplies do you need to collect a rat/mouse blood
Use 23G needle with tuberculin syringe or heparin microhematocrit tube directly from needle
Can use syringe case with breathing holes in the end to help with restraint
60 cc for rats, 3 cc for mice
Where can you give injections in mice/rats
SQ or IP
What is the max fluid you cna give a rat/mice
Fluid Therapy: 5 ml max fluids at one time
What is unique about a rat/mice under GA
Mask down, can use a syringe case or place them completely inside a K9 mask
Hypothermia is a concern, provide heat source during procedure
How do you take radiographs with mice/rats
Need GA
May be able to use dental x-ray unit
Use tape and positioning aides
What is the order and family of a hedgehog
Class Mammalia; Order Eulipotyphla; Family Erinaceinae
Anatomy and physiology of hedghogs
Nocturnal
Omnivores (mostly insectivores)
Males – no scrotal sac; testes are housed in a perianal recess surrounded in fat
Very sensitive smell and hearing
Poor vision
Thick fibrous dermal layer under spiny skin
- Lots of fat, few blood vessels – slow absorption of SQ injections
Self-Anointing (Anting) – frothy saliva rubbed over spines
- Often in response to strong odors
What are the normal values of hedgehogs
Weight – Male 400-600g; Female 300-600g
Temperature – 36-37.4C
HR - 180-280bmp
RR - 25-50/min
Lifespan – 4-6 years
What are common disease/probelms with hedgehogs
Mites
Trauma to feet/legs
Wobbly hedgehog syndrome
Tumors
What tumors are common in hedgehogs
Common (~30%)
Many systems affected
Oral squamous cell carcinomas, mammary tumours, uterine tumours, mast cell tumours, etc
Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome is
Progressive paresis/paralysis, starts with hind end
Thought to be genetic
Axonal and spinal cord degeneration
No treatment
How common are mites in hedgehogs
Common in young animals
In older animals with new appearance of mites, look for underlying disease causing immunosuppression
What trauma to a hedgehogs feet/legs are common
Often get strings/hair/dental floss, etc wrapped around feet or legs
Anesthetise to remove; if very severe may require amputation
What are the behaviour patern of hedgehogs
Nocturnal – hide during the day, very active at night
Solitary
What is popcorning
“Popcorning” - Curl into a tight ball and hiss when upset
What is anointing
if introduced to item with new smell/taste they will lick it and hypersalivate
White, frothy spit if formed and they will use it to “paint” or “anoint” their spines
Uncertain why they perform this behaviour
What is important when handling a hedgehog
If handled from a young age they will become accepting of it
Not a social animal
High fall risk – poor eyesight and depth perception
Undemanding and easy to care for
What should a hedgehogs house look like
Not known for chewing things
Housing needs solid flooring and sides
Good climbers and will scale wire cages
Not good at getting down, will fall = injuries
Provide a large floor space
If space is too small will cause behaviour issues – weaving, compulsive pacing, endless perimeter laps
Provide exercise wheel
Ensure solid
Provides mental and physical health benefits and helps with weight control
Substrate: aspen shavings or recycled pap
Should you provide a place for a hedgehog to hide
Provide multiple, different hidey boxes
PVC pipes, cardboard boxes, shredded paper/cloth
Where should you place a hedgehogs cage
Keep enclosure away from direct sunlight, AC units and heating vents
If get too hot will estivate
How shoudl a hedgehog get watter
In a water bottle
Do hedgehogs hibernate
Do not hibernate – do become less active in cooler temperatures
If left in too cold temperature for too long they will die
May need heat source
How do you handle a hedgehog
Will stay curled up until there is no more perception of danger or annoyance
Wear leather gloves or use folded towel to protect hands
Use food to encourage unrolling
Stroking spines caudally can help them relax
Curl tighter with noise so keeping area quiet is important
PATIENCE! NEVER force them open
When they do unroll can sometimes scruff or insert fingers at their shoulders and wrap them underneath behind forelegs to prevent rolling
Can try placing in a sink with a slow trickle of water to encourage unrolling
NEVER leave unattended as they could drown if reluctant to unroll
How do you anesthtiize a hedgehog
Mask or chamber
Can use ET tube of 2 mm or less OR 14G catheter (without the stylet)
Hypothermia risk, provide heat
How do you give a SQ injection in a hedgehog
give on right side below spine layer (avoid accidental penetration of spleen or kidney – lower on right side)
Spine layer has slow absorption – thick fat with little blood supply
Where do you give an IM injection in a hedgehog
use quadriceps
How do you give oral medication to a hedgehog
mix with favourite food, inject into prey item, mix with juice
Careful with flavours to avoid anointing
Where do you take blood from a hedgehog
Jugular vein: hard to visualize but anatomically similar to other small mammals
Vena cava: requires sedation
Heart is more cranial than in other species
Peripherals are difficult due to short legs
What do you use to collect a hedgehogs blood
Use 25G needle with tuberculin syringe to prevent laceration or collapse
Pre-heparinize the syringe to prevent clotting
How do you radiogrpah a hedgehog
Use GA and positioning aides
