Hamsters Flashcards
What is the genus and species of the Syrian or golden hamster?
Mesocricetus auratus
What is the genus and species of the Chinese Hamster?
Cricetus griseus
What is the genus and species of the Armenian or grey hamster?
Cricetulus migratorius
What is the genus and species of the European hamster?
Cricetus cricetus
What is the genus and species of the Djungarian hamster or dwarf hamsters?
Phodopus sungorus
What is the average life span of hamsters?
18-36 months
What is the recommended environmental humidity for hamsters?
40-60%
What is the age of puberty of the male hamseter?
8 weeks
What is the age of puberty of the female hamster?
6 weeks
What is the length of the hamster estrus cycle?
4-5 days
What is the length of gestation in hamsters?
15-18 days
What is the average litter size of hamsters?
5-10
What is the weaning age of hamsters?
19-21 days
What makes hamsters good animal models?
Short gestation period
Virtually free of spontaneous disease
What do hamsters have behind their eyeballs?
Harderian glands
What are hamsters born with?
A full set of teeth
Hamster teeth resemble human crowns, which makes them susceptible to what?
Caries
What is an immunologic privileged site and large evaginations of the lateral buccal wall?
Cheek pouches
What does Hamster mean in german?
Hoarder
Cheek pouches are excellent sites for what?
Evaluation of carcinogenic potential of agents
What are hamsters susceptible to?
Diabetes mellitus Human leprosy Brucellosis Dental caries Gallstones
Why are hamsters good for hypothermia studies?
Hibernation
What breed of hamsters are resistant to radiation?
Syrian and Chinese hamsters
Why are hamsters food for reproductive studies?
Short life span and rapid reproductive rate
Females are what?
Continuously polyestrous
Are hamster pups born precorcious?
No
They are hairless with eyes and ears closed
Lak: LCG(SYR)
Golden Syrian
MHA/SsLak
White with pink eyes
PD4/Lak
White with pink eyes
LSH/SsLak
Brown and White