Hamsters and Gerbils Flashcards
Hamsters are in suborder __ the same as mice and rats
myomorpha
European black belly hamsters are __ x the normal size of a US hamster
2x
Lifespan of hamsers
2-3 years (slightly longer than mice)
gerbils will produce __ urine than mice
less
what are two unique anatomical features of hamsters?
cheek pouches and large cecums
cheek pouches in hamsters are used for what?
transport of food and nesting material, they can also be everted and are an immunopriviledged site
how is the stomach of a hamster different than that of mice of rats?
hamsters have a greater demarcation between non glandular and glandular portions of the stomach
describe the flank (scent) sebaceous glands in hamsters
These glands are located on the flank and only functional in males but present in both
describe hamster behavior
They are burrowers with crepuscular activity and are considered deep sleepers that get aggressive if disturbed. Females are generally more aggressive than males. In addition, they are permissive hibernators (<48F)
Hamster nutrition
ominivores, give good and balanced diet with alot of variety ad libitum
Ideal hamster housing
corn cob bedding or shavings with 72F temp and plenty of room for daily bursts of energy +/- ball/running wheel
hamster sexing
anogenital distance greater in males than females
T/F: females cannibalize pups if disturbed or stressed
T
Proliferative ileitis, enteritis “wet tail”
This is caused by an infection of C diff, Campy fetus jejuni or E coli in which the hamster experiences lethargy , anorexia, ruffled coat, typhlitis, diarrhea, and death. It often follows antibiotics or other stressors. The lesion is hyperplasia of the ileal epithelium and it’s spread by the fecal oral route. Treat this condition with gentamicin
Pneumonia in hamsters
Pneumonia in hamsters can be caused by pasteurella pneumotropica, streptococcus pneumoniae or sendai virus. Signs include lethargy, anorexia, resp distress, nasal and ocular discharges. You should eliminate stress, reduce densities and treat with antibiotics
Amyloidosis is the __ cause of death in old hamsters with the __ as the most common site of deposition and is typically a __ finding
Amyloidosis is the primary cause of death in old hamsters with the kidney as the most common site of deposition and is typically a post mortem finding
Tyzzers disease is caused by __ and is more common in __ than hamsters as a __ induced disease. Its clinical signs are similar to wet tail but Tyzzers will have __
Tyzzers disease is caused by clostridium piliforme and is more common in mice than hamsters as a stress induced disease. Its clinical signs are similar to wet tail but Tyzzers will have acute death/die overnight
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM) is a __ and is more common in __ than hamsters and potentially __. They may show __ clinical signs or a few general and possibly infecting offspring
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM) is an Arenaviridae and is more common in mice than hamsters and potentially zoonotic. They may show no clinical signs or a few general and possibly infecting offspring
Gerbil lifespan
3-4 years
gerbils have small cheek pouches that are __ extrudable, __ glands present , continuously growing __ and a mid ventral abdominal __.
gerbils have small cheek pouches that are not extrudable, harderian glands present , continuously growing incisors and a mid ventral abdominal sebaceous glands.
Gerbils are __ in both day and night, __ hibernate or estivate, and generally __.
Gerbils are active in both day and night, do not hibernate or estivate, and generally docile.
what is foot stomping a sign of in gerbils?
aggression or excitement
T/F: gerbils are monogamous
T
sex determination in gerbils
anogenital distance greater in males
gerbil nutrition
They are granivorous and omnivorous so you can feed a typical balanced rodent chow but avoid seed based diets as they are typically low in calcium
Housing for gerbils
Bedding needs to satisfy their burrowing needs so use wood chips or corn cobs. Use sipper water bottles but they drink very little
how should you not hold a gerbil?
do not hold animal upside down with the back towards the floor and do not hold by the tail alone
gerbil blood collection
lateral saphenous
what is the #1 problem for gerbils?
Nasal dermatitis which is a stress induced condition where porphyrin secretions irritate the nose and face and then theres a secondary bacterial infection with S. aureus. Treat by removing stressors and using topical therapy
Tyzzers disease in gerbils
sudden death, the same as mice and hamsters
Salmonellosis in gerbils
This is the most common in juvenile gerbils (3-6 wks) with clinical signs including weight loss, rough haircoat, listlessness, dehydration and death. Systemic signs may also present and antibiotics are generally unrewarding.
theres a higher incidence of neoplasia in gerbils over __ years of age
2 years
Spontaneous seizures (epilepsy) occurs in __ of gerbils resulting a __ seizure. Its __ induced and __ treatment is needed, just decrease handling and increase environmental enrichment
Spontaneous seizures (epilepsy) occurs in 20% of gerbils resulting a tonic-clonic seizure. Its stress induced and no treatment is needed, just decrease handling and increase environmental enrichment
Tail degloving in gerbils
happens more commonly, dont euthanize just amp the tail
aural choestatomas in gerbils
keratin accumulation that occurs in 50% of gerbils over the age of 2. They’ll start circling, head tilt, etc. and you can just take blunt tip forceps and pull the keratin out then flush with warm fluids
