MICE: 02 - NONSPECIFIC CLINICAL SIGNS

Question 1

mentation

Answer 1

the level of consciousness/alertness displayed by an animals
– abnormal mentation is a common indication of morbidity and is often associated with other nonspecific signs including kyphosis, ruffled fur, and/or reduced body condition

Question 2

normal mentation

Answer 2

bright, alert, responsive

Question 3

abnormal mentation

Answer 3

lethargy, depression, obtundation, and stupor

Question 4

kyphosis

Answer 4

(hunched posture) is a nonspecific clinical sign that indicates morbidity
- it is often associated with other nonspecific signs, including abnormal mentation, ruffled fur, and/or reduced body condiyion

Question 5

kyphosis description

Answer 5

– is a clinical sign observed in a mouse in which the abdomen is drawn up and the head is down
– it is an indication of morbidity and/or discomfort

Question 6

ruffled fur – piloerection definition

Answer 6

• is a common indication of morbidity
• often associated with other nonspecific clinical signs including abnormal mentation, kyphosis, and/or reduced body condition

Question 7

ruffled fur description

Answer 7

is a term used to describe an ungroomed/unkept haircoat in which the hairs are separated into clumps
- it arises from a lack of grooming which may indicated morbidity, discomfort, weakness, obesity, or may be phenotypical strain characteristic

Question 8

ruffled fur management plan

Answer 8

• plan needs to incorporate the cumulative significance of nonspecific signs
• upon conclusion, a determination as to the need for euthanasia or the utility of treatment with supportive care can be made

Question 9

dehydration definition

Answer 9

• excess loss of water from the body resulting in an overall negative fluid balance

Question 10

dehydration description

Answer 10

• may easily be missed on exam, often subtle in this species
• common part due to large surface area
• noted through loss of skin turgor (skin elasticity), sunken eyes, and is often associated with lethargy and loss of appetite
• when water intake is reduced, intake of food soon follows, so dehydrated mice will rapidly lose weight from water and caloric loss)

Question 11

increased water loss may result from

Answer 11

diarrhea , excessive urination, disease

Question 12

dehydration management plan

Answer 12

• subcutaneous fluid replacement is warranted if the overall condition of the animal permits
• when severe dehydration associated with other significant conditions are observed, humane euthanasia is indicated

Question 13

BCS

Answer 13

Body condition scoring
- a means of assessing the physical appearance of a mouse using a standardized set of criteria asset
- it assigns a numerical score to body conditions ranging from emaciated to normal to obese

Question 14

BCS 1

Answer 14

• the mouse is emaciated
• significant and advanced muscle wasting
• fat deposits are absent
• bones/vertebrae are very prominent
• typically signifies a >20% loss in weight from baseline

Question 15

T/F: is BCS 1 observed with the full constellation of other nonspecific signs of morbidity, including abnormal mentation, kyphosis, ruffled fur, and dehydration

Answer 15

True

Question 16

BCS 2

Answer 16

• mouse is becoming thin
• there is subtle muscle wasting, mild prominence of the bones and vertebrae
• <20% loss in weight from baseliine

Question 17

BCS 2 is often observed with other clinical signs such as what

Answer 17

lethargy and ruffled fur

Question 18

management care for BCS 2

Answer 18

• supportive care (e.g. gel supplement, moistened pellets, other calorie sources)

Question 19

BCS 3

Answer 19

• mouse is in ideal body condition
• bones are subtly visible and palpable but not prominent

Question 20

BCS 4

Answer 20

• the mouse is over-conditioned (mildly overweight) with minimal to absent visualization of bones/vertebrae

Question 21

BCS 4 management plan

Answer 21

• no management plan required

Question 22

BCS 5

Answer 22

• mouse is obese with generalized fat deposition
• bones/vertebrae are not visible

Question 23

BCS 5 management plan

Answer 23

• mice with BCS 5 are typically expected due to strain/model
• if over-nourishment is indicated, may include a diet reduced in calories