Hamsters Flashcards
What are the 2 types of hamsters?
Syrian/Golden hamster and Chinese/striped hamster
What is the scientific name of the Syrian/Golden hamster?
Mesocricetus auratus
What is the scientific name of the Chinese/Striped hamster?
Cricetulus griseus
Do you house hamsters together?
No
Which is bigger, the Golden or the Chinese hamster?
The Golden
How long will hamsters hibernate if the environment is cool and quiet?
2-3 days
How much can hamsters run on wheels?
5 miles/day
Which hamster is used more in research?
Syrian/Golden
How are Chinese hamsters used in research?
Type 1 juvenile diabetes and cytogenic studies b/c of low diploid number (22)
How are both hamster types used in research?
Radiobiology
Where are the scent glands located on hamsters?
Flank
What environment did hamsters originate in?
Desert
How long do the buccal pouches of hamsters reach in their bodies?
To the shoulder
What is the hamster gestation?
15-16 days
What glands do hamsters have behind their eyes?
Harderian glands
Which dental disease are hamsters susceptible to?
Caries, or cavities/tooth decay
What is the hamster estrous cycle?
4 days
Do hamsters have lymph or salivary glands in their cheek pouches?
No
How should hamsters be bred?
Only place female with male when breeding, and only 30 min max or the female will attack the male
What is the lifespan of hamsters?
18 months to 2 years
How long is hamster weaning?
21 days
Hamster babies are born with what?
Full set of teeth
How long do you not disturb a mother hamster?
10 days
What are the housing requirements of hamsters?
Adult hamsters over 100 g need 19 sq in and cage height of 6 in
What is the ideal ambient temperature for hamsters?
64-79 F
What temperature causes hibernation?
Less than 5 C
How often are hamster cages cleaned?
Weekly
How much protein do hamsters need?
16%
Hamsters eat their poop for B vitamins, what is that called?
Coprophagia
Before restraining a hamster, what should you make sure you do?
Always be sure it’s awake and aware of your presence,
When a rodent is sick, what do you do with the temperature?
Raise it
What is the max amount of blood you can take from a hamster?
0.5-1.2 ml
What is the total blood volume of hamsters?
6.8-12 ml
What are 2 ways to collect blood in hamsters in a clinical setting?
Jugular vein or lateral metatarsal vein under anesthesia, or clipped toenail
How can blood be collected in hamsters in a lab setting?
Retro-orbital sinus
Where are meds injected into hamsters and what size needles are used?
SQ between shoulder blades or IP
23-27 G needle
What is a good pre-med for hamsters?
Combo of Xylazine and Ketamine
What is not recommended to do to hamsters before a surgery?
Fasting
How is antibiotic associated Enterocolitis treated in hamsters? What does that disease cause?
Lactobacillus (in plain yogurt) supplements and fluids
Causes diarrhea, anorexia, dehydration, hemorrhagic ileocolitis on necropsy
What is the most common spontaneous disease of hamsters? What bacteria causes it and how do they get it?
Wet tail
Desulfovibrio spp
Fecal oral route, stress of weaning, overcrowding, diet change or transportation. Usually affects young animals, high mortality
What are signs of wet tail in hamsters? How is it treated?
Poor hair coat, diarrhea, dehydration, rectal prolapse
Poor prognosis, can try tetracycline
What is the most common hamster disease? What does it cause?
Amyloidosis
Causes amyloid deposits in glomeruli of kidneys
What are symptoms of Amyloidosis in hamsters?
Anorexia, poor hair coat, depression, renal failure with age, 85% of hamsters get it
What does Staph cause in hamsters?
Lesions and dermatitis
What is a zoonotic disease humans can get from hamsters? What does it cause?
Campylobacter jejunii, asymptomatic in hamsters
Causes diarrhea in humans
What drug is used to treat demodex in hamsters?
Amitraz (Mitaban)
Not very common in hamsters
What drug is used to treat dwarf tapeworms in hamsters? Is it zoonotic?
Praziquantel or Thiabendazole
Yes, highly zoonotic
Where do tumors in hamsters frequently spawn from?
Endocrine system or alimentary canal
What 3 drugs are used to treat pinworms in hamsters?
Ivermectin, Piperazine, Thiabendazole
What can happen if the 16% protein requirement in the hamster diet is met?
They can have alopecia
Why shouldn’t mice and hamsters be housed together?
Mice can transmit Sendai and PVM (Pneumonia virus of mice) to hamsters
Wood shavings cause what on hamster feet?
Foot lesions
Why should amitraz (mitoban) be used with caution?
It’s very toxic
Are rodents omnivores or herbivores?
Omnivores
Which antibiotic is contraindicated for hamsters?
Penicilin
