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224 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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what is the most common species of hamster kept as pets?
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Syrian (Golden) Hamster
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what is the long-haired variety of Syrian (Golden) Hamster called?
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Angora or "teddy bear" Hamster
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what is the lifespan of the hamster?
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2-3 years
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comment on the anatomy of the hamster:
- hair - tail - nose - ear - eyes |
- short hair
- most species have a short tail - short, blunt nose - small, rounded ears - dark eyes; albinos have red eyes |
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comment on the anatomy of the hamster stomach
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proximal non-glandular portion and distal glandular portion
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why are hamsters very sensitive to antibiotics?
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because they are cecal fermenters and antibiotics can kill the normal flora
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comment on the cheek pouches of hamsters
- natural function - how do you visualize them on exam - why are they used in biomedical research? |
- used to transport food and nest material
- they can be everted (n.b. you cannot evert the cheek pouches of a gerbil) - they are used in research because they are an immunoprivileged site and tolerate xenografts, cancer cells, etc. |
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what is the dental formula for hamsters, mice, and rats?
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I (2/2); C (1/1); P (2/2); M (3/3) = 16
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what is the difference between the stomach of a hamster and a rat/mouse?
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greater demarcation between glandular and non-glandular portion
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hamster scent glands:
- where are they located? - what type of glands are they? - sexual dimorphism - function |
- they are located on the flank
- the scent glands are sebaceous glands - both males and females have them, but they are only functional in males - they are involved in marking territory and mating behavior |
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why would a pet hamster have a wet, discolored area in its flank?
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this is the scent gland
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hamster behavior:
- what type of habitat do they create for themselves in the wild? - when are they active? - why shouldn't your toddler pick up "fluffy" when he is sleeping? - what gender is considered to be more aggressive? - hibernation |
- they are burrowers (nesters) in the wild
- they have Crepuscular activity - dawn and dusk (they are not nocturnal) - they are deep sleepers and can be aggressive when disturbed - females considered to be more aggressive than males - they are "permissive" hibernators (< 48 °F) |
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what do hamsters eat?
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they are omnivorous - vegetables, seeds, fruits, and meat
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how often do hamsters eat and how should you provide food to them?
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hamsters eat multiple meals per day and should be fed ad libitum.
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how do hamsters obtain additional vitamins in their diet? What vitamins do they get?
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hamsters are coprophagous and are thought to obtain extra vitamins B and K this way
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how much food do hamsters eat?
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8-12 g / 100 g BW per day
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how do you feed a balanced diet to a hamster?
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buy commercially available formulated diets
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how should water be provided to hamsters?
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ad libitum
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how much water do hamsters drink per day?
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8-10 mL / 100 g BW per day
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what is an ideal cage in which to keep a hamster?
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- escape-proof
- absorbable contact bedding - food and water containers - plenty of cage room - ± running wheel or ball |
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what are two ways to physically restrain a hamster?
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1. cupping in hand or towel
2. scruff the neck and back |
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how do you sex a rodent?
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the anogenital distance is greater in males than in females. First look at the whole litter, then determine each animal
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hamster estrous cycle:
- length - when does estrus start? - when do they ovulate? - estrus behavior |
- 4 day estrous cycle
- estrus starts at night - they ovulate on day 2 - they will exhibit lordosis ca. 8 hours prior to ovulation |
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what is the gestation length and average litter size of the hamster?
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- gestation 15-18 days
- litter size: 4-12 pups |
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which lab animal has the shortest gestation length?
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hamster: 15-18 days
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why might a female hamster cannibalize her pups?
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if she is stressed:
- from handling - presence of a male (note, remove the male from the cage, not the female!) |
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how old must a hamster be before you can determine its sex?
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1 week
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hamster neonates:
- birth weight - precociousness - when do they begin eating solid food? - how much do they weigh at weaning |
- birth weight: 2-3 g
- they are altrical: hairless, eyes and ears closed - start eating solid food at day 7-10 - they weight 35-40 g at weaning |
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what is the maximum amount of blood that you should collect from a hamster?
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0.8 - 1.0 mL
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where are four good and two not-so-good places to collect blood from a hamster?
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- good: jugular, cephalic, saphenous, mandibular
- not-so-good: retro-orbital, toe nail clip |
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what is the most important disease of hamsters?
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Proliferative ileitis - enteritis; "wet tail"
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what are three bacteria that cause wet tail in hamsters?
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1. Clostridium difficile
2. Campylobacter fetus ss jejuni 3. E. coli |
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what are seven clinical signs of wet tail in hamsters?
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1. diarrhea
2. lethargy 3. anorexia 4. unkempt coat 5. typhlitis (inflammation of the cecum) 6. dehydration 7. death |
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what is a common, preventable cause of pneumonia in hamsters?
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high ammonia in bedding
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what two bacteria are associated with pneumonia in hamsters?
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1. Pasturella multocida
2. Streptococcus pneumoniae |
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how is pneumonia in hamsters prevented and treated?
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- prevention: eliminate stress, ↓ densities, change bedding when appropriate (ammonia)
- treatment: antibiotics |
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what is a common gross pathological lesion identified in hamsters that died of wet tail?
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hyperplasia of the ileal epithelium
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how is wet tail in hamsters transmitted?
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fecal-oral route
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how is wet tail in hamsters treated?
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Gentamicin PO
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what is the most common neoplasia seen in hamsters?
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LSA
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what are three malignant tumors found in hamsters? Comment on where they are found in the animal
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1. lymphosarcoma - viral induced; skin (warts), GI (enteritis), or kidney (pyelonephritis)
2. reticulum cell sarcoma - lymph nodes 3. carcinoma - intestine and adrenal |
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what are two benign tumors found in the hamster?
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1. GI polyps
2. adenomas of the adrenal cortex |
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what is the primary cause of death in old hamsters?
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amyloidosis
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what are some clinical signs of amyloidosis in the hamster?
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(note, this usually occurs in old hamsters)
- anorexia, weight loss, PU/PD, proteinuria |
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what organ system does amyloidosis target in the hamster?
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kidney
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what disease of the hamster is similar to wet tail, is very painful, and is characterized by profuse severe and/or bloody diarrhea and dehydration, with acute mortality?
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Tyzzer's disease
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what bacteria causes Tyzzer's disease?
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Clostridium piliforme
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what is a disease of hamsters that may show no clinical sign in the hamster, but may be zoonotic and deadly to humans? What agent causes this disease? Route of transmission?
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- lymphocytic choriomeningitis
- LCM virus (Arenaviridae) - virus spread in urine, droppings, saliva, and nesting material |
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if a hamster shows clinical signs for lymphocytic choriomeningitis:
- what are the most common clinical signs? - how long is the course of the disease? - comment on vertical transmission |
- lethargy, anorexia, rough coat, weight loss, death
- may be infected for 8+ months - can be transmitted to offspring |
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how would you test for the following parasites in the hamster:
- protozoa? - pinworms? - tape worms? |
- protozoa: wet smears
- pinworms: scotch tape test - tape worms: float on feces |
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why are gerbils illegal in some areas (e.g. California)?
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they are considered a pet animal for crops
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comment on gerbil size of females versus males
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females are generally smaller than males
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what is an important difference in the cheek pouches of gerbils versus hamsters?
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gerbils cannot have their cheek pouches extruded
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what colors a rodent's tears red?
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Harderian glands
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what is special about the adrenal glands of gerbils?
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they are normally very large in comparison to other animals and may be confused for an abnormality PM
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where is the scent gland in the gerbil?
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the mid-ventral abdomen
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what are some differences in the scent gland of a gerbil versus a hamster?
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- location - hamster: on the flanks; gerbil: on the mid-ventral abdomen
- in the hamster, they are functional only in males; in the gerbil, both sexes |
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gerbil behavior:
- what natural behavior should they be allowed to exhibit? - when are they active? - comment on hibernation - temperament - what is a sign of the gerbil being pissed off? |
- they need to burrow (just as hamsters need to nest and Hedgehogs need to root)
- they are active in the day, but mainly at night - they don't hibernate (versus hamsters, which are permissive hibernators) - they are docile, but can bite - a gerbil that is annoyed with life will foot stomp ("thumping") |
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where are nipples located on the gerbil and how does she nurse her young?
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- one pair of inguinal and one pair of thoracic
- pups trade off suckling |
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gerbil female reproduction:
- estrous cycle length - gestation length - average litter size - litters per year |
- estrous: 4-6 days
- gestation 24-48 days (depending on whether she is lactating) - average litter: 3-7 pups - 7 litters/year |
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comment on the precociousness of gerbils at birth?
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they have closed eyes, ears, are hairless, and are therefore altrical
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what type of diet do gerbils eat?
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they are granivorous and omnivorous
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why should you avoid seed-based diets in gerbils?
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because these diets are low in Calcium
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what is the difference between the water needs of a gerbil versus a hamster?
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they drink very little water compared to the hamster (they can even live off the water from lush fruits and vegetables that they eat); therefore, they don't need to have their bedding changed as often
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what is the best type of bedding material for a gerbil?
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wood chips or corn cob
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how do you properly restrain a gerbil and what are two improper things to do when handling them?
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- scruff the neck and grip BASE of tail
- do not hold animal up-side down with back toward floor - don't hold by tail alone - possible degloving |
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what are two good ways and three not-so-good ways to collect blood from a gerbil?
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- good: saphenous, mandibular
- not-so-good: retroorbital sinus, toe nail clip, cardiac puncture |
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what is special about the RBCs of a gerbil
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they have a very short lifespan of only 9-10 days
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a gerbil presents with a red, raw nose with red forepaws probably has what? Why are his paws red?
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- Nasal dermatitis ("red nose")
- paws are stained from the Harderian gland secretions from scratching its face |
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how is nasal dermatitis ("red nose") treated in the gerbil?
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- clean face daily
- topical a/b (e.g. triple antibiotic ointment BID) |
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how is Tyzzer's disease prevented?
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- avoid stress
- frequent cage cleaning, reduced densities, optimal temp and humidity |
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at what age do gerbils most commonly contract salmonellosis?
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3-6 weeks
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what is the most common tumor of the gerbil?
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ovarian and mammary tumors
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what types of neoplasia do gerbils get?
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- ovarian and mammary (most common)
- adrenal adenoma and carcinoma - melanoma |
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what is a neurological disease, found to be familial, that affects gerbils?
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epilepsy
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epilepsy in gerbils:
- characterize the seizures - age of animal - refractory period - what triggers seizures? - prevention |
- tonic-clonic; 30 sec - 20 min; variable intensity
- begins at 2 months of age and ↑ in frequency up to 6 months - 5 day post-seizure refractory period - stress or startle induced - prevention by frequent handling, novel environments |
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how do you treat a degloving injury in a rodent?
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dock the tail.
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what is the "hibernating gland" in rats and mice? Where is it located? Why is it relevant?
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- a deposit of brown fat on the SQ ventral thorax
- rats and mice do not hibernate; it is used to generate heat during cold weather; but most importantly, if not recognized, it may be mistook for a lesion in a PM |
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what is unique about the brain morphology of rats and mice?
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they lack gyri and sulci
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what causes rats and mice to secrete "red tears"?
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- the tears are from the porphyrin pigments in the Harderian glands of the eye
- secreted excessively in times of stress (e.g. 2-year-old kid, environmental, social, disease) |
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how large is the liver in rats and mice?
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4-5% of BW
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comment on the presence of a gallbladder in rats and mice
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- mice have a gallbladder
- rats do not |
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why don't germ-free rats and mice survive?
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because cecal fermentation is needed to break down roughage that they eat. If they are germ-free, they will die from a distended intestine
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where is the urethra located in male and female rats and mice?
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- females: clitoris (in the genital papilla)
- males: penis (in the genital papilla) |
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describe the ejaculate of a rat/mouse
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sperm plug
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which four accessory reproductive structures does the male rat/mouse have?
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1. paired vesicular glands
2. coagulating glands 3. prostate 4. bulbourethral glands |
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describe the location and basic anatomy of the rat/mouse penis
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- located within the genital papilla (prepuce)
- os penis |
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what is so special about the testicles of a rat?
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since rats have an open inguinal ring, they can withdraw them into the abdomen, like a samurai wrestler
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describe the uterus of the female rat/mouse
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bicornuate and two cervices: one for each horn
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what is unique about the female genitalia of a rat/mouse?
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- the clitoris, within the genital papilla (prepuce) contains the urethra
- the vagina is separate and has a membrane when she is immature, but this disappears prior to sexual maturity |
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describe the number and location of nipples on the rat
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- rate have 6 pairs of nipples
- inguinal, abdominal, thoracic, and axillary |
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describe the number and location of nipples on the mouse
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- mice have 5 pairs of nipples
- inguinal, abdominal, thoracic, and axillary (the mammary glands may even extend over the shoulder) |
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a large mass over the shoulder blade of a female rat or mouse is likely what?
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mammary tumor
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what is the lifespan of the rat?
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2-3 years
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what is the lifespan of the mouse?
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1.5 - 3 years (2 avg.)
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rat/mouse behavior:
- when are they most active? - which sex is more aggressive? - if you group house females, how often do they fight? |
- nocturnal
- males more aggressive - females rarely fight in group housing |
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why might a rat or mouse seem lethargic when brought into your vet practice?
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because they are nocturnal animals and will normally be sleeping at this time
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mice social behavior:
- what is the major mechanism by which they establish territory and reproduction? - how do they show that they are socially dominant - how can the former be a problem? |
- pheromones
- they express social dominance by excessive grooming, called "barbering" - if they lose too much hair, they can traumatize themselves, have hypothermia, etc. |
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how should rats and mice be fed?
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ad libitum
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how much food do rats eat?
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5% BW/day
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how much food do mice eat?
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12% BW/day
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what are two consequences fo caloric restriction in rats and mice?
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1. longer life
2. less reproduction |
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what are two types of feed for rats and mice?
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1. pelleted feed (standard rodent chow)
2. powdered ("mash") feed - lab use |
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what are four consequences of obesity in rats and mice?
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1. CV problems
2. diabetes 3. joint problems 4. shortened lifespan |
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how much water do rats drink per day?
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10-12% BW
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how much water do mice drink per day?
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15% BW
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what are three aspects of the water bottle are important to determine if a client comes in with a sick animal?
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1. frequency of cleaning
2. method of cleaning 3. source of the water |
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how long is the rat estrous cycle? When is heat?
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5 days; heat on night of day 3
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how long is the mouse estrous cycle? When is heat?
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4-6 days; heat on night of day 3
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how can you determine the stage of estrous cycle in the rat and mouse?
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vaginal lavage and cytology
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what is the cardinal sign of estrus in the rat/mouse?
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lordosis
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what are two ways to determine if a rat/mouse has been successfully bred?
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1. presence of a sperm plug
2. sperm in vaginal lavage |
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what is the gestation length of the rat?
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21 days
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what is the gestation length of the mouse?
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19 days
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parturition in rats and mice:
- what signals stage 1? - how do females stand when delivering? - presentation of the fetuses - length of delivery - what does she do before attending to pups? - effect of handling/petting during parturition |
- periodic stretching and extension of the hind legs signals impending parturition
- dam stand semi-crouched - fetuses are delivered either head or breech - 1-4 hour delivery - she will eat placenta, then tend to young - handling will drastically increase interval between pups |
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when do rats and mice wean their pups?
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21 days
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in rats and mice, what is the Lee-Boot effect?
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grouping of females ↑ pseudopregnancies
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in rats and mice, what is the Whitten effect?
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like the "boar" effect; exposure to a male induces estrus
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in rats and mice, what is the Bruce effect?
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before implantation of the embryo, exposure to another male will terminate pregnancy
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how does grouping of female rats/mice affect pregnancy? What is this called?
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- ↑ pseudopregnancies
- Lee-Boot effect |
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what is the "boar" effect equivalent in mice and rats called?
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Whitten effect
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if you breed a female rat/mouse and thereafter expose her to a different male, what happens and what is this called?
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- she will abort
- called the Bruce effect (Bruce must be very sexy) |
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what are two ways to restrain a rat?
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1. hold by base of tail (short period)
2. thoracic encirclement |
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what are two ways to restrain a mouse?
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1. hold by base of tail (short period)
2. scruff and hold base of tail |
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what are three types of containers to restrain rats and mice?
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1. rigid plastic holders
2. centrifuge tube 3. Decapi-cone bags (can damage eyes) |
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where do you give an IM injection in a rat/mouse?
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caudal thigh
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where do you give an IV injection in a rat/mouse?
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lateral tail vein
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where do you give an IP injection in a rat/mouse?
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lower ventrum
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where do you give a SC injection in a rat/mouse?
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scruff
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where do you give an ID injection in a rat/mouse?
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lateral abdomen/thorax
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what are four sites to collect blood form a rat/mouse in order from most horrible to least?
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1. cardiac puncture
2. retroorbital sinus 3. ventral tail artery 4. jugular vein |
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how do you force-feed a rat or mouse?
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- gavage tube
- tilt their head back in a "sword swallowing" position |
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how should injectable anesthetics be administered to rats and mice and why?
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IP, because "IM" drugs can cause muscle necrosis
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what are five ways to assess anesthetic dose in the rat/mouse?
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1. reflexes ("toe pinch reflex" should be done on the palm so you don't break their toes)
2. muscle tone 3. depth & rate of respiration 4. HR 5. BP |
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what is the optimal anesthetic premedication, induction, and post-op dosing regimen for the rat and mouse?
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who cares? Look it up!
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what is a convenient way to allow rats and mice self-medicate with pain meds?
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buprenorphine jello
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what are four ideal characteristics of bedding for the rat and mouse?
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1. should keep animals dry between changings
2. should not injure the animal 3. animal should not want to eat it 4. no properties that will interfere with research |
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how does not changing the bedding frequently enough potentially lead to illness and/or variability in research animals?
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fumes/odors (ammonia) induce hepatic enzymes
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if a rat/mouse has a head tilt, what is most likely wrong?
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inner ear infection
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which bacteria infect the inner ear of rats and mice?
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Mycoplasma and Pseudomonas
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what can cause malocclusion of rodents' teeth?
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- soft diet
- injury/fracture - Ca deficiency → loosened sockets |
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in which rodents are mammary tumors most common?
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rats and mice
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which mammary tumors of rodents have the poorest prognosis?
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ones that affect the genital papilla or anus
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what are three viral diseases of the mouse GI system?
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1. mouse parvovirus type 1
2. mouse rotavirus [EDIM] 3. reovirus type 3 |
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what are two viral diseases of the mouse respiratory system?
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1. pneumonia virus of mice (PVM)
2. Sendai virus |
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what are clinical signs of Citrobacter infection in the mouse?
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1. RECTAL PROLAPSE
2. perianal staining 3. sick mouse signs 4. colonic hyperplasia on PM |
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a mouse with a rectal prolapse and perianal staining might have what infection?
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Citrobacter rodentium
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what is the key gross pathologic finding of Tyzzer's disease in the mouse? What is an important differential diagnosis?
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- white spots in the liver
- Salmonellosis and Tyzzer's both cause this |
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what causes Tyzzer's disease?
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Clostridium piliforme
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what is a common clinical sign of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in mice?
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circling in the cage or spinning like a propeller when picked up by the tail
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how do you treat Pseudomonas infections in the mouse?
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chlorinate their water or treat it with HCl
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what are two common bacterial infections of the respiratory tract in mice?
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1. Klebsiella
2. Streptococcus pneumoniae |
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what are three bacteria that commonly infect the skin of mice?
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1. Pasteurella pneumotropica
2. Staphylococcus aureus 3. Corynebacterium spp. (in athymic mice) |
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what infection may cause a mouse's eyes to bulge out? Why does this happen?
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- Pasteurella pneumotropica infection
- retrobulbar abscesses |
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what are two common parasitic diseases of mice?
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1. pinworms
2. fur mites |
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what is an important viral infection of rats and what are the clinical signs?
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- Sialodacryoadenitis Virus [SDAV]
- no saliva, corneal ulceration, glaucoma - no tears, dry eyes, "red tears" - weight loss, anorexia |
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comment on the course and virulence of Sialodacryoadenitis virus in rats
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- resolves in 10 days and rats cannot be reinfected
- highly contagious |
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what is a significant disease of rats that causes red tears, head tilt and circling (otitis media), dyspnea, and chattering?
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Murine respiratory Mycoplasmosis [MRM]
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what is the pathogenesis of Murine respiratory Mycoplasmosis in rats?
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- pulmonary lesions
- proliferation of lymphoid tissue in the bronchi restricts air flow |
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what causes "pseudotuberculosis" in rats?
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Corynebacterium kutscheri
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what is a common PM finding of Corynebacterium kutscheri infection in rats?
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("pseudotuberculosis")
- Cobblestone appearance to lungs |
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Comment on Old Rat Nephropathy:
- what is it? - signalment - clinical sign - gross pathology of kidneys |
- chronic progressive renal condition in albino rats
- greater prevalence in males - PU/PD - enlarged, pale kidneys with numerous cysts |
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what are four ways to euthanize a rat or mouse?
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1. CO2
2. inhalant anesthetic overdose 3. injectable euthanasia agent 4. injectable anesthesia overdose |
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how many digits does a guinea pig have?
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4 digits on the forepaw
3 digits on the hind paw |
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comment on intubating and gavaging a guinea pig
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their mouth does not open very wide, and their teeth get in the way, so it is very difficult
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what is the most prominent feature of the guinea pig GI tract? How large is it?
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- the cecum
- 15-20 cm long - 65% of total GI capacity |
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do guinea pigs have a gall bladder?
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yes
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describe the penis of the guinea pig
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- yes, it's a penis
- os penis - two stylets at the tip |
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describe the mammae of the guinea pig
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both sexes have inguinal mammae (obviously only the female ones work)
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comment on guinea pig urine
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it is thick, cloudy, and very alkaline, which makes it corrosive to some metals and can cause pododermatitis if they are walking in it
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how do you raise a well-rounded guinea pig?
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you have to expose it to many environments, stimuli, and foods early in life because later in life it will reject anything novel
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what is the guinea pig diet
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strictly herbivorous
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how do you feed and water a guinea pig?
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ad libitum
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what are some good things to feed guinea pigs?
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- guinea pig pellets
- grass - hay - limited vegetables |
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what is a unique nutritional requirement of guinea pigs?
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vitamin C
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what happens to old guinea pig food that makes it sub-optimal?
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the vitamin C decomposes
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what are two unacceptable forms of bedding for guinea pigs?
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- sawdust
- cedar |
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how do you sex a guinea pig?
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- digital pressure to extrude the penis in males
- "Y" shaped opening in females - DO NOT USE ANOGENITAL DISTANCE in guinea pigs |
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what is unique about the vaginal anatomy of the guinea pig?
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it has a vaginal closure membrane that opens before estrus or parturition, but remains closed otherwise
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how do guinea pig mamas squeeze out those big, precocious babies?
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prior to parturition, their pelvic symphysis relaxes and separates
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when should a guinea pig be bred for the first time and why?
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- 6-8 months of age
- if you wait longer than this, they will not be able to separate their pelvic symphysis and will have dystocias (C-section required) |
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describe guinea pig neonates
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- precocious with eyes and ears open and they have teeth
- full hair coat - eat solid food within hours of birth |
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what are four ways to obtain blood from a guinea pig?
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1. lateral saphenous and cephalic veins
2. jugular vein 3. cranial vena cava - traumatic 4. cardiac puncture - traumatic |
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what is special about a blood smear of a guinea pig?
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they have Kurloff cells, mononuclear leukocytes with oval inclusion bodies
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what two bacteria commonly cause respiratory disease in guinea pigs?
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1. Bordatella bronchiseptica
2. Streptococcus pneumonia |
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what predisposes guinea pigs to bacterial respiratory disease?
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stress and young age
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which antibiotic do you use to treat a bacterial respiratory infection in guinea pigs?
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enrofloxacin
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what disease, when sub-clinical, is often an underlying cause for other problems
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scurvy
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why can 1-2 days off Vitamin C cause overt scurvy in guinea pigs?
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because these animals are often sub-clinical before overt signs
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in a healthy guinea pig, how long does it take to develop scurvy after removal of vitamin C?
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2 weeks
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what is the primary causative agent of antibiotic-associated enterotoxemia in guinea pigs?
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Clostridium difficile
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what are some clinical signs associated with antibiotic-associated enterotoxemia in guinea pigs?
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hemorrhagic typhlitis, secretory diarrhea, tissue damage
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what is a common cause of a sever gram-negative infection of the lower digestive tract of guinea pigs?
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use of "unsafe antibiotics
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how do you treat antibiotic-associated enterotoxemia in guinea pigs?
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with "safe" antibiotics such as sulfa
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which guinea pigs are most at risk for urinary calculi?
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aged animals
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an old guinea pig presents for anorexia, hematuria, dysuria, and hunched posture? What is a non-infectious rule-out?
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urinary calculi
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what is a pathognomonic clinical sign for ovarian cysts in the guinea pig?
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bilateral symmetrical alopecia
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how do you treat ovarian cysts in the guinea pig?
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OHE
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what are the two "types" of pregnancy toxemia in the guinea pig and the basic cause?
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- Type 1: pre-eclampsia / circulatory form; vascular changes → ischemia to the uterus
- Type 2: fasting ketosis / metabolic nutritional form; (negative energy balance) |
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what predisposes guinea pigs to pregnancy toxemia?
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- obesity
- stress - fasting (type 2) - large fetal loads (type 1) |
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what causes cervical lymphadenitis in the guinea pig?
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Streptococcus zooepidemicus
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describe the sugar glider in five words
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social, arboreal, nocturnal gliding marsupial
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what is unique about the tail of the sugar glider?
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it is prehensile
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what is a unique feature of the feet of sugar gliders?
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they have fused medial opposable toes that are used as a "grooming comb"
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what is a skeletal feature of sugar gliders that makes them different from kangaroos
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they lack ossa marsupialia (bones that support the pouch)
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comment on the ass of the sugar glider
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they have a single cloaca that combines the urinary, GI, and genital tracts
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what are two ways to restrain a sugar glider?
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1. hold head between thumb and middle finger
2. cup animal in both hands |
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behavior of sugar gliders:
- social - time of the day that they are active - how do they determine territory? - communication - common destructive behavior |
- they must never be kept as a solitary animal
- they are nocturnal and toporous during the day - they mark territory with scent and urine - communicate with yaps, chattering, and screams - will readily chew wooded material |
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what do sugar gliders eat?
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- nectar
- insects, meal worms - "lead beater's mixture" - fruits |
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what should you not feed sugar gliders and why?
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nuts, grains, and seeds, because they can cause impaction
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why should you avoid newspaper, cedar, and pine as bedding for sugar gliders?
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because they contain chemicals that may be poisonous upon ingestion
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describe the male reproductive anatomy of the sugar glider
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- pendulous scrotum
- bifurcated penis - testicle attached to abdominal wall |
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describe the female reproductive anatomy of the sugar glider
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- ventral abdominal pouch
- to teats ion pouch - two vaginae and two uteri |
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what is a common cause of disease in sugar gliders?
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malnutrition
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what are three common manifestations of malnutrition in the sugar glider?
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1. calcium deficiency
2. cataracts - infants and joeys due to poor nutrition of the mother 3. obesity |
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what are three common infections in the sugar glider?
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- trauma from fighting
- pouch infection - bacteria and yeast - eye infections |
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how do you restrain a hedgehog?
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- scruff
- have client hold the animal - hold by the hind legs |
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what behavior does a hedgehog need to do?
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root
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what should you never feed to a hedgehog and why?
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dairy, because it will give them raging diarrhea
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what do hedgehogs eat?
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- omnivorous/insectivorous
- mealworms, crickets, worms - need chitin - fruits and vegetables - commercial hedgehog food |
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what is a unique essential nutrient for the hedgehog?
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chitin
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give some general comments on housing of the hedgehog
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- room temp
- large amount of space needed, running wheel - bedding - newspaper - they need a place to hide - water bottle, not bowl - provide a litter box; don't use clay, use pelleted cat litter - no wire bottoms because it's hard on the feet - avoid ramps because they have terrible eyesight |
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what doe the male hedgehog have that a female hedgehog does not?
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a penile button
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what is a fairly common genetic defect of hedgehogs?
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wobbly hedgehog syndrome
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