Myomorph rodents Flashcards
What rodents are classed as myomorphs?
Hamsters
Gerbils
Rats
Mice
Do myomorph teeth grow constantly?
Incisors grow constantly
Cheek teeth do not
Why are gastrointestinal diseases relatively rare in rats and mice?
Simple gut physiology
Less prone to problems
Why are hamsters more prone to GI diseases than other myomorph species?
More complex GI system
Store food that can become spoiled
Stress and overcrowding can contribute to GI disease. What are the symptoms of GI disease in myomorph rodents?
Increased frequency of defaecation Liquid faeces/diarrhoea Lethargy Wet tail (perineal soiling) Anorexia/weight loss Hunched posture
Antibiotic associated enteritis is a condition in myomorph rodents due to use of inappropriate antibiotics. What are these inappropriate antibiotics? What bacteria causes this condition?
Clostridium difficile Due to PLACE antibiotics Penicillin Linomycin Ampicillin Erythromycin
What bacteria is responsible for wet tail in hamsters?
Lawsonia intracellularis
What age of hamsters are most prone to wet tail?
Less than 5 weeks
Appear to develop immunity over 12 wks
What problems are associated with the cheek pouch in hamsters?
Impaction
Evertion
Trauma
Neoplasia
What bacteria is the most common cause of respiratory disease in rats?
Mycoplasma pulmonis
Similar signs to COPD
How are chronic respiratory diseases treated in myomorph rodents?
Oxygen therapy
Doxycycline, enrofloxacin, tylosin, azithromycin
Corticosteroid - if chronic inflm
Nebulisation with hypertonic saline/other agents
What species of fungi cause ringworm in myomorphs?
Trichophyton spp
Microsporum spp
Are neoplasias usually malignant or benign in rats and mice?
Benign in rats
Malignant in mice
What causes ring tail in rats, mice and gerbils?
Low humidity
What causes tail slip in gerbils/rats?
Improper handling