Rodents

Question 1

Describe the dentition of murine rodents

Answer 1

• open-rooted incisors

- cheek teeth have anatomical roots

Question 2

What is the average lifespan of a rat?

Answer 2

2-3 years

Question 3

When are rats active?

Answer 3

nocturnal

Question 4

What are unique anatomic characteristics of rats?

Answer 4

• divided stomach, cannot vomit
• large adrenal glands
• porphyrin pigments in tears

Question 5

What are the signs of a pituitary tumor in the rat?

Answer 5

diffuse neurological signs

Question 6

How is a pituitary tumor treated in the rat?

Answer 6

prednisone and cabergoline

Question 7

Describe the features of mammary tumors in rats

Answer 7

• common in females
• fibroadenomas common
• benign but large and invasive

Question 8

What are possible pathogens responsible for respiratory infections in the rat?

Answer 8

• sendai virus
• sialodacryoadenitis virus
• myocplasma pulmonis
• strept pneumonia
• cilia associated respiratory bacillus

Question 9

What are common respiratory syndromes in the rat?

Answer 9

• chronic pneumonia caused by mycoplasma
• acute streptococcal infection
• URI with red tears
• torticollis (middle ear)

Question 10

Which medications are used for respiratory disease in the rat?

Answer 10

• enrofloxacin
• doxycycline
• azithromycin
• anti-inflammatories
• sildenafil

Question 11

What integument conditions can affect the rat?

Answer 11

• ectoparasites: fur mites
• seborrhea, greasy skin in males
• ring tail
• dermatophytosis rare

Question 12

What is ring tail?

Answer 12

annular tail constrictions

Question 13

What is Rat Bite Fever?

Answer 13

• strept moniliformis
• zoonotic disease
• bacteremia and speticemia
• treat with penicillin

Question 14

What is the average lifespan of a hamster?

Answer 14

2 years

Question 15

When are hamsters active?

Answer 15

nocturnal

Question 16

What are the unique anatomical features of the hamster?

Answer 16

• cheek pouches
• loose skin (hard to scruff)
• pigmented flank glands
• water-conserving kidneys
• frequent estrus with discharge

Question 17

What is the cause of proliferative ileitis in the hamster?

Answer 17

Lawsonia intracellularis

Question 18

Which organisms are usually responsible for respiratory infections in the hamster?

Answer 18

Streptococcus

Pasteurella

Question 19

What integumentary conditions are seen in the hamster?

Answer 19

• alopecia
• ectoparasites: cheyletiella, demodex, mycoses
• lymphomas
• Cushing’s
• Dermatophytosis rare

Question 20

What geriatric conditions are seen in the hamster?

Answer 20

• amyloidosis
• hepatic cirrhosis
• polycystic liver tumor
• liver biliary cystadenomas
• cardiovascular disease

Question 21

What is the average lifespan of the gerbil?

Answer 21

3-4 years

Question 22

When are gerbils active?

Answer 22

diurnal and crepuscular

- day and early evening

Question 23

What are unique anatomical features of the gerbil?

Answer 23

• ventral scent gland

- fur-cover tail

Question 24

What are common conditions seen in the gerbil?

Answer 24

• epileptiform seizures
• cutaneous neoplasia - melanoma
• facial dermatitis
• mites
• tail trauma
• nasa dermatitis

Question 25

What is the average lifespan of the mouse?

Answer 25

1.5-2 years

Question 26

When are mice active?

Answer 26

nocturnal

Question 27

Which vein is used for venipuncture in the mouse?

Answer 27

cranial vena cava