Hystricomorphs Flashcards
What dose of buprenorphine was found to be efficacious in chinchillas?
0.2 mg/kg q6hrs
What drug causes transient neurologic effects consistent with serotonin syndrome in chinchillas when >40 mg/kg administered?
Tramadol
If a 7 year old guinea pig presents with weight loss, a palpable cervical mass, PU/PD and a poor coat, what condition is likely?
Hyperthyroidism
How is hyperthyroidism diagnosed (3 ways) in guinea pigs?
1) Signalment, history, PE
2) elevated TT4 and/or elevated free T4 by ED
3) TSH stimulation test (inj. 100 ug of recombinant human TSH IM and measure T4 pre and 4 hr post) - normal T4 should increase to 1.5x the prestim value
What are the 3 treatment options for hyperthyroidism in guinea pigs?
1) Radioactive iodine
2) oral/TM thyreostatic agents (methimazole, carbimazole)
3) Surgical thyroidectomy
What is the most useful venipuncture site in the degu?
The ventral tail artery
What leukocyte predominates in hystricomorph rodents?
Lymphocytes
What signalment of guinea pigs has more Kurloff cells?
Pregnant females and g pigs treated w/estrogen have the most (but can have low numbers in immature, non=pregnant and non-estrogen treated)
What is significant about hairless guinea pigs normal leukocyte distribution?
They have 40% fewer leukocytes w/lower #s of lymphocytes causing reversal of L:H ratio (have more heterophils)
Why do guinea pigs have slower coagulation times than most rodents?
They have 50% of the plasma prothrombin vs. rats/dogs and have least factor VII, low amounts of factors V and X
What is the most sensitive and specific test for liver disease in hystricomorph rodent?
Bile acids
What test can be used to diagnose diabetes mellitus in guinea pigs?
Fructosamine
What are danger values for blood pH in guinea pigs?
<7 or >7.7
What is the diagnostic criteria to diagnose lead toxicosis in chinchillas w/seizures and blindness?
> 15 ug/dL is suspicious; >25 ug/dL is definitive
How can cortisol be monitored in guinea pigs suspected of cushing’s?
Plasma or saliva
What is the normal pH of guinea pig urine?
pH 8-9 (alkaline)
What degenerative condition causes small white mobile calcium-lipid opacities in the vitreous humor of chinchillas?
Asteroid hyalosis
What 4 organisms are implicated in respiratory illness in elderly, immunosuppressed guinea pigs?
- Bordetella bronchiseptica
- cilia-associated resp. Bacillus
- Streptococcus pneuomoniae
- Streptococcus zooepidemicus
What is the prevalence of reproductive disease (neoplasia, cystic ovaries, pyo/hydrometra) in intact female guinea pigs >6 yrs of age?
Up to 77%
Which ovary is more commonly affected if only 1 has cysts?
The right ovary
What is the most common reproductive system disorder that is age related in chinchillas?
Endometritis
What is the most common reproductive tumor in guinea pigs?
Uterine leiomyoma
What is the USG in most chinchillas?
> 1.050 (but ranged 1.014-1.060)
What urinary findings are common in chinchillas with anorexia?
Ketonuria and decrease in pH (normal ~8.5)