Ferrets, Rabbits and Rodents - Anatomy, Physiology and Common Diseases

Question 1

What class, order and family are ferrets in?

Answer 1

Class: Mammalia
Order carnivora
Family mustelidae (related to weasels, mink, badgers, skunks

Question 2

What are some unique anatomy and physiology of ferrets

Answer 2

Quite similar to that of cats, just elongated
heart is very caudal in thorax; sinus arrhythmia is common
spleen often very large and palpable, if smooth, not clinically significant

Question 3

Do ferrets need vaccinations?

Answer 3

yes, need to be vaxxed for rabies and canine distemper
Rabies annually
Distemper, 3 sets @ 8, 12 and 16 wks then manually
vx reactions somewhat common so monitor for 20 min post vx

Question 4

Can you buy unspayed/neutered ferrets?~ Y

Answer 4

Yes, but most ferrets are sold already spayed/neutered and have had anal glands removed - most smell comes from scent gland but its actually their skin glands. Smell dec after spay/neuter
They are induced ovulators, so can stay in heat for extended periods of time - inc estrogen can lead to pancytopenia (all cells)> anemia/thrombocytopenia

Question 5

What are a ferrets normal values?

Answer 5

Temp: 37.8-40
HR: 250-300bpm
RR: 33-36/min
Urin pH: 6.5-7.5
Average lifespan 6-10yrs

Question 6

What are comon diseases/problems in ferrets?

Answer 6

Adrenal dz, insulinoma, foreign bodies, human influenza, lymphoma, ear mites, COVID 19

Question 7

How does adrenal dz in ferrets present? Dx? Tx?

Answer 7

Hypertrophy/adenoma/adenocarinoma of adrenal glands
not cushings - not overproducing cortisol
overproduction of sex hormones
Clinical signs: bilateral alopecia (may be seasonal/cyclic) most common c/s
others include inc odor, sexual/dominant behaviour vulvar swelling, prostate enlargemet or pruritus
dx w/ blood test or hormone lvls, us to look for enlarged adrenals, often based on C/S
tx surgical - $$$, risky and not always effective
Mecical- monthly injections; implant put under the skin

Question 8

How do insulinoma’s present in ferrets?

Answer 8

functional tumor of the beta cells of the pancreas
cause an overproduction of insulin which leads to hypoglycemia
clinical signs -epsidotic/acute weakness or periods of unresponsiveness/glased expression, alivation, chomping/pawing at mouth or seizures can occur
dz w blood glucose during a weakness episode to test insulin lvls, but not usually necessary
tx - feed a high protein diet, avoid sugary treats, surgical - removal of part or half of the pancreas may increase time b4 medical tx is req. Medical - acute (IV/oral glucose, diazepam for seizures, prednisone daily)

Question 9

How should ferrets be kept husbandry wise?

Answer 9

Do NOT require elaborate enclosures, they’re ground dwellers and will go down/under things to sleep
med to lg dog kennels often fine
do not usually play in den so set up for sleeping - water bottle, full food cup, soft bedding, litter box at opposite end
when they are out to play leave door open to ensure constant access to F/W
substrates: NO wood shavings, corn cob, recycled paper - line floor w/ newspaper or use pile of soft towels/clothes
NO glass tanks - inadequate ventilation
do not allow temp to go below 20F or above 90F

Question 10

How do we keep ferrets clean?

Answer 10

bath monthly with ferret or kitten shampoo (if often will in sebaceous gland secretions or odor) to dec, clean cage and change bedding
will use litter box IF it is in the right place at the right time - if busy playing will back into nearest corner, elevate hind end to eliminate, LB should be triangular to fit into corners
very curious and known trouble makes so choose toys carefully, monitor free time

Question 11

How should we handle/restrain ferrets?

Answer 11

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 (not recommended if scared, injured, painful, hold over surface)
calm handling, less is more

Question 12

What are some clinical techniques for ferrets

Answer 12

vx’s are SQ
meds are PO when possible (very reactive w/ IM)
Blood collection - lateral saph, cephalic or jug for lger amounts. Cranial vena cava (use GA to prevent movement and potential laceration)
all collections may need GA/sedation if patient non-compliant
Dorsal recumbency w/ 2 handlers and 1 collector - stretch head forward and pull front legs back, restrain hind end, 25g needle and 3ml syringe

Question 13

What fluid therapy do ferrets typically use

Answer 13

maintenance: 75-100ml/kg/day
LRS or normosol recommended for IV fluids
SQ fluids - use extension set to allow for movement

Question 14

What are some things to keep in mind when sedating/anestheizing ferrets?

Answer 14

gas/inhalant preferred, sim to cats/dogs
fast for no longer than 4 hours
initially mask down or use induction chamber, then intubate (et tube 2.0-3.5mm) (o2 flow rate: 0.8-1.0L/min)
lose body heat quickly, need to maintain/support temperature
use toepink/palpebral to measure depth

Question 15

What do we need to know about taking rads/urine with ferrets

Answer 15

rads: sedation often necessary, symmetry is difficult - use positioning aides, otherwise similar to cats/dogs
Urine collection - cystocentesis, catheters are difficult - require anesthesia

Question 16

What class order and family are rabbits from

Answer 16

Class: mammalia
order: lagomorpha
Family: leporidae
NOT RODENTS

Question 17

What are unique about rabbits teeth and digestive

Answer 17

2 lower incisors, 4 upper incisors (2lg front teeth and 2 small “peg teeth” behind, incisors and molars grow continuously through life
large abdominal cavity, very acidic stomach (pH 1.2-1.5), very long intestines, large cecum (hind gut fermentors), physically unable to vomit, produce and ingest cecotrophs (night feces)

Question 18

What are unique about rabbits respiratory and musculoskeletal system

Answer 18

primarily nasal breathers (poor mouth breathers)
small thoracic cavity (and lungs), sm heart
Fragile skeleton prone to fractures, very strong musculature of hind limbs/back - can break their own back if struggle hard during restraint

Question 19

What are unique about rabbits reproductive and urinary systems?

Answer 19

open inguinal rings, testes descend ~12wks (difficult to sex when young)
no uterine body; 2 services and 2 uterine horns
sexual maturity ~4-7mo; induced ovulators
gestation 29-35 days
young nurse only 2-3times/day (hares only once)
rabbits born naked/helpless (hares precocial)
Urinary - alkaline urine, calcium carbonate crystals normal finding

Question 20

What are the normal values for rabbits?

Answer 20

body temp - 38.5-40
HR - 130-325
RR - 30-60
urine pH ~8
Average lifespan - 5-10yrs

Question 21

What are some common diseases and problems with rabbits?

Answer 21

Snuffles -resp dz by pasteurella
GI stasis, fur mites (cheyletiella, may zoonotic)
Dental malocclusion - teeth grow continuously, if no wear down can overgrown and ulcerate in mouth/anorexia, genetic, upper teeth grow laterally, lower grow medially
Jaw/tooth root abscesses:: extraction of tooth
Urolithiasis:: stones/slude common, dx rads/UA, tx: sx
Uterine adenocarcinoma (>90 if not spayed)
Pododermatitis - painful, ulcerated dermatitis on weight bearing surface of feet, very severe, difficult to treat

Question 22

What should we keep in mind with antibiotic use

Answer 22

very sensitive to many oral antib’s - avoid oral penicillins, cephalosporins, erythromycin, clindamycin, lincomycin
Antib associated diarrhea (enterotoxemia) can be from oral antib
from clostridial overgrowth (clostridium dificile - prods a toxin), severe, watery, often hemorrhagic diarrhea, can be fatal, tx w metronidazole may help if started early

Question 23

How should rabbits be kep

Answer 23

Need protection from heat/cold - especially heat, 40-80F
Space: min 3x length of rabbit, 3 hop rule
NO wire bottom or at least area w/o - clean BUT causes trouble with cecotroph ingestion, can cause pododermatitis (aka sore hocks, bumble foot, ulcerative bact infection of hocks)
At least 1 hidey hole
single bottle for water - 50/150ml/kg/day

Question 24

What are some husbandry things to keep aware of about rabbits in regards to play habits, environment, territory

Answer 24

Easily enviro stressed - visual/olfactory stim
Like to stand up on hind legs
can be litter trained
very territorial - may mark if left out free, known to fight
like to chew - bunny proof, supervise
allow free time to roam - best to make an area for this
NEVER leave unsupervised w/ any predator species

Question 25

How should rabbits be handled/restrained?

Answer 25

easily injured bc of strong legs/inflexible spine
ALWAYS support hind limbs and securely restrain.
When removing from cage - one hand underneath hind legs, other holds F legs
NEVER scruff or hold by ears
hold close to body, head tucked under arm
return to cage - place in backwards (face towards you) to dec danger of kick out/bolting
Use bunny burrito
cover eyes can reduce stress/causes
do NOT tap nose a distraction - obligate nasal breathers, causes aggression/avoidance/distress

Question 26

How should administer medications? collect urine in rabbits?

Answer 26

meds - PO, can mix w/ fruit juice or puree, avoid IM if possible, if have to use quadriceps
Urine collection - cystocentesis - no sedation required, catheterization - sedation required (sitting posture for male, sternal for female

Question 27

How are rads and fluids done on a rabbit?

Answer 27

sedated/HA rads to prevent injury
fluid therapy via IV for cephalic, IO in greater tubercle of humerus for severely dehydrated patients
Ecollar to prevent chewing of cath

Question 28

What do we need to be aware about in GA/Sedation?

Answer 28

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

Question 29

What must we keep in mind when doing blood collection on rabbits?

Answer 29

collect <1ml/10g BW, skin tears easily so pluck, don’t shave. Veins thin walled and fragile
Lat saphenous or cephalic for easy access/minimal stress
Marginal ear vein or central ear artery - difficult to get, inc hematoma risk, avoid using in pet rabbits
Jug - stressful bc restrain, sedation likelt
25-27g needle, heparinized needle, can use NO needle and drip into tube
sedation often a good choice to dec stress and enable you to obtain enough sample

Question 30

What class, order and family to guinea pigs belong to?

Answer 30

class mammalia; order rodentia; family caviidae

Question 31

What is unique about guinea pig anatomy/physiology?

Answer 31

icisors and molars grow continuously throughout life
require dietary source of vit C
sebaceous glad in dorsal tail area (no tail)
prod and ingest cecotrophs
pubic symphis close @ 6-9mo so breed before 6 mo or may have dystocia
gestation 59-72d

Question 32

What are the normal weight, temp, hr and lifespan for a guinea pig?

Answer 32

weight: males 900-1200g, females 700-900g
temp: 37.2-39.5
HR: 240-310
Lifespan: 5-6yrs

Question 33

What are some common problems and dz’s with guinea pigs?

Answer 33

scurvy - vit C deficiency, req 15-25mg/kg/day (up to 50-100mg/kg/day if tx’ing deficiency), leads to defective collagen - bleeding into joins and SQ, loose teeth. Supplement diet w/ human grade vit C
Antibiotic associated enterotoxemia - same antibiotic sensitivities and resultant diarrheas in rabbits
dental malocclusion - same as in bunnies
GI bloat - bc diet change. Dx w/ rads, look for gas. Tx w/ pain meds, force feeding or fluids, px guarded
Cystic ovaries: common (>75% females btw 1.5-5yrs), C/S: abdominal distension, possibly bilateral alopecia. DX: ultrasound. Tx: US guided drainage, surgical - OHE

Question 34

What is good husbandry practices with guinea pigs?

Answer 34

Simple housing - no platforms or wire florrs
Enclosure >36” long
NEED 1 “hiding box” - Ex. cardboard box
Use wire sides - good circulation, easy to clean, protection from other pets
NO aquariums - ammonia + nitrogen accumlation will cause resp issues
Substrate: newspaper or aspen shavings - no cedar
Use food hopper and sipper bottle: urinate and defecate w/o preference, leads to bowl contamination
Need lg amounts of water: dehydrate quickly so monitor intake. Drink w/ mouth full of food so change water frequently and check for blockages

Question 35

How should we handle and restrain guinea pigs?

Answer 35

easy to handle and enjoy interactions/handling - do not commonly bite but can be vocal
Fully support when lifting/holding, will struggle
one hand under thorax and bum, hold close to body
NEVER scruff - scary and painful
very poor eyesight and depth perception - careful on surfaces
use towels to wrap and to make surfaces have more grip

Question 36

How should blood be collected with guinea pigs?

Answer 36

small, fragile blood vessels - easily collapsed
Sm V: lat saphenous and cephalic
Lg V: jug and C. vena cava - sedation req
Use insulin or tuberculin syringe

Question 37

How is fluid therapy done with guinea pigs?

Answer 37

IV cath very difficult - use IO into greater trochanter of femur
SQ fluids are more painful than in other species due to fat pad btw scapulae and little SQ space - will vocalize
50-100ml/kg BW/day - monitor for overhydration, most commonly use isotonic fluids

Question 38

How is GA done with guinea pigs?

Answer 38

difficult to intubate - small and long/narrow oral cavity, mask down
Only lasts for 2-4hrs, once in proper GA plane, need to swab out oral cavity
stress can cause death so dec induction time and handling
Rads - use sedation and positioning aids

Question 39

What class, order and family are chinchillas from?

Answer 39

mammalia, rodentia and family chinchillidae

Question 40

What is unique about chinchilla anatomy and physiology?

Answer 40

incisors and molars grow continuously thru life
very dense haircoat: may fur slip if frightened
prod and ingest cecotrophs
males have no true scrotim, just outpocketing of abdomen
Females have 2 cervices and 2 uterine horns
both sexes have 3 pairs of mammary glands and both sexes have large urinary papillae (can be confused for a penis) which can make sex determination difficult

Question 41

What are the normal weights, temp, HR and lifespan for chinchillas

Answer 41

weight:
males 400-500g, females 400-600g
Temp: 37-38C
HR: 100-150bpm
Lifespan: ~10yrs

Question 42

What are some common problems and dz’s of chinchillas

Answer 42

malocclusion, jaw bascesses and GI problems
Heat stroke - adapted to cool enviro and can’t dissipate heat well
Trauma common as very flightly/active and bones are long with thin/brittle cortext - fractured tibia most commo

Question 43

What do we need to know husbandry wise with chinchillas

Answer 43

very curious, quick, agile, good jumpers
Need large cage w/ solid flood, hide box, diff lvls w/ jumping platforms, NO connective ladders btw lvls bc entanglement and injury, NO exercise balls bc stress and overheating
CANNOT SWIM
supervise all free time -bathrooms work well but watch your toilet
Keep cage cool/dry area w/ NO direct sunlight 65-65F
put at least 1 side against wall for safety
NEED dust baths - use shallow bowl or pan they can run in/out of, offer 2-3/wk, buy dust
substrate: newspaper or aspen shaving
use pottery dishes for food - easy to clean, can’t chew
use water bottle - clean and change daily

Question 44

How do we handle/restrain a chinchilla

Answer 44

handle gently bc fur slip
support body w/ one hand around thorax, other supporting rump with 1 finger around tail
can be lifted by tail if needed (may be better for frightened or less socialized patients, no fur slip)
NEVER lift by ears, scruff, make a sudden grab
use towel on table for grip

Question 45

How do we give medications to chinchillas

Answer 45

PO preferred over injections
if inject - use quads (wet fur w/ warm water at site to prevent fur slip

Question 46

How do we collect blood from chinchillas

Answer 46

veins difficult to accss
use lat saph w/ 25G needle and tuberculin syringe
collect max 0.5ml/100g BW
can use jug, femoral vein or Cranial vena cava for larger volumes - all req sedation

Question 47

How do we give chinchillas fluid?

Answer 47

Iv cath difficult to place
SQ fluids 3-4ml
IO: into femur, require sedation
IP cavity: careful to avoid ascites

Question 48

How do we put chinchillas under general anesthesia?

Answer 48

mask down, do not premed - causes muscle necrosis
Only fast 2-4hrs (hypoglycemia risk otherwise)
clean cheeks prior to GA
difficult to intubate
prone to hypothermia - provide heat source during GA and recovery
wrap in towel during recovery to prevent them from bolting before fully recovered

Question 49

How do we collect urine and run rads with chinchilla

Answer 49

cystocentesis, free catch or floor collection
Rads: use sedation and positioning aides

Question 50

What class, order and family is hamsters from

Answer 50

clas smammalia
order rodentia
family cricetidae

Question 51

What is unique about hamster anatomy and physiology

Answer 51

several diff breeds
nocturnal
incisors and molars grow continuously thruout life
hip/flank glands prominant in adult males (pigmented), can become infected, impacted or neoplastic
females prod copious discharge after ovulation
may hibernate at temps less than 5C (sometimes even 10-15C)
distensible cheek pouches - can become impacted and develop tumors
lifespan 1.5-2yrs

Question 52

What are some common dz’s and problems with hamsters?

Answer 52

antibiotic associated enterotoxemia - overgrowth of clostridium difficile, same sensitivities to antibiotics as rabbits and guinea pigs, usually seen in adult hamsters
Wet tail - young hamsters, proliferative enteropathy caused by lawsonia intracellularis, treat aggressively w/ fluids, antibiotics and force feeding

Question 53

What class, order and family are gerbils from?

Answer 53

class mammalia
order rodentia
family muridae

Question 54

What is unique about anatomy/physiology of gerbils?

Answer 54

adapted for a desert environment; req very little water
incisors grow continuously thruout life, molars do not
may slough tail if handled by tail (tail slip)
box sexes have an orange/tan area of alopecia on ventral abdomen and a ventral marking glad (can become infected, neoplastic in older gerils)
lifespan 3-4yrs

Question 55

What are some common dz’s and probelms with gerbils?

Answer 55

tail slip - if picked up by tail tip, skin will slough, req amputation because bone is exposed
Sore nose: moist dermatitis - like due to inc in porphyrin secretions (dt stress) which acts as irritant - then 2nd infections occur
Tumors: common, males(squamous cell carcinoma of ventral marking gland), females (ovarian granulosa cell tumors)
head tilt - aural cholesteatoma (looks like polyp)

Question 56

How do you house hamsters?

Answer 56

nocturnal
fastidious in maintaining/arranging habitat (makes special area for sleeping, food storage and waste. Can place a litter box after they have designated a waste area, when cleaning cat, put things back as they were) live alone - can be very aggressive in pairs or groups.
>80F will estivate

Question 58

How do you house gerbils?

Answer 58

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 hide boxes

Question 59

What enclosure requirements do hamsters/gerbils need?

Answer 59

solid floors and sides w/ secure lids
gerbils great jumpers, both will climb
hamsters enjoy elaborate homes with tubes
Provide hide boxes (hamsters only use if in sleeping area)
cage clean weekly
substrate: aspen shavings or recycled paper products (gerbils use a fine sand)
water bottles that are cleaned and changed daily - gerbils drink less than hampsters
rodent wheels on solid surface
exercise balls - supervise

Question 60

How do we handle and restrain hamsters?

Answer 60

easily startled
aggressive when startled or when first awake - gently prod from sleeping area to wake, wait to pick up until fully awake
scoop into hand
do not tolerate much handling before biting
can scruff - empty cheek pouches first, include extra cheek in scruff, extended periods of scruffing can cause exopthalmosis due to pressure behind eyes

Question 61

how do we handling and restrain gerbils?

Answer 61

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

Question 62

How do we collect blood, do injections and fluid therapy in hamsters/gerbils?

Answer 62

blood: lat tail vein in gerbils, mask down first, arm tail or cloth to dilate vessels
Cranial vena cava - risky, need full GA
Injections by SQ or IP
Fluid is difficult, hard to access veings, cannot give full volumes

Question 63

How can we give meds, GA and do rads with hamster and gerbils?

Answer 63

meds: most meds are ELDU, hard to hid meds bc they’re cautious eaters
GA: mask for induction and maintenance, can converse syringe case
Rads: use GA and tape/positioning aides

Question 64

What class, order and family are mice/rats?

Answer 64

mammalia, rodentia, muridae

Question 65

What is the anatomy/physiology of mice/rats

Answer 65

rats: incisors grow continuously, molars do not. Harderian glands behind eyes secrete porphyrins (tears look red) lifespan 2-3yrs
Mice: incisors grow always, molars not. lifespan 1-2yrs

Question 66

What are common problems of rats?

Answer 66

chronis resp dz - common, from mycoplasma pulmonis (also from streptococcus and corynebacterium), tx w/ antib - may kill organism, but body’s response to mycoplasma cause resp damage. Antib may cause dec clinical signs but not cure dz
mammary tumors: usually benign (fibroadenoma), grow VERY quickly, occurs in both genders, surgical removal usually curative
Live/fur mites: common, scratching and fur loss, skin/scrape/scotch tape to dx
red discharge from eyes/nose - porphyrin secretion inc w/ stress/underlying dz\

Question 67

What are the common problems + dz w/ mice

Answer 67

Mites: alopecia, pruritic w/ self trauma common (can scratch ears right off) may have underlying skin condition and not mites
mammary tumors - almost always malignant (adenocarcinoma) and metastatic
px por

Question 68

How do we house rats/mice

Answer 68

rats: easily socialized, good with others, rarely bite, make better pets. Curious, intelligent, bruxism and boggling = signs of contentment
MICE: more active and nervous, quicker to bite, do not allow much handling/interaction, aggression with others

Question 69

How should rat/mice enclosure be?

Answer 69

good ventilation bc ammonia fumes
solid floors, careful with wire sides for mice
can use aquarium w/ fitted lid
substrate: recycled paper or aspen shavings
provide hide boxes, wheels, tubes (PVC pip, cardboard rolls) - good bc play in/on, chew on
check/change water 2x/day bc rodents cannibalize when water runs out
provide appropriate wood blocks for gnawing

Question 70

How do we handle/restrain rats?

Answer 70

pick up one hand then support w/ one hand around shoulders and one underneath
never pick up by tail
for potential painful procedure, hold in same manner w/ thumb under mandible and stretch them out slightly

Question 71

How do we handle/restrain mice

Answer 71

will bite
can pick up by base of tail and be placed onto a rough surface - only use tail for quick transfer (will bite own tail to escape), when sat down they will run, can scruff, wrap tail around little finger to control
do not wear thick gloves and squish bc injury, suffocation and dropping

Question 72

How do we collect blood, inject and give fluids to rats/mice

Answer 72

max 10% total blood V can be taken, average 70ml/kg BW
used warmed lat tail veil
use 23g needle w/ tuberculin syringe or heparin microhematocrit tube directly from needle, can use syringe case w/ breathing holes in the end to help w/ restrain (60cc for cats, 3cc for mice)
injections give SQ or IP
fluid therapy: 5 ml max fluids at one time