What is the causative agent of “wet tail” in hamsters?
Lawsonia intracellularis
This is a chinchilla penis.
What’s the arrow pointing to?
fur ring
- Fur surrounding base of penis can accumulate and form a constricting ring
- Clinical Signs: stranguria, excessive grooming of prepuce –> paraphimosis or inflammation of penis (possible emergency).
- Treatment: sedate and remove, 50% dextrose and lube to reduce swelling and replace penis
This leukocyte is unique to the guinea pig. What is it called?
Kurloff Cell
- Origin is controversial
- Highest concentration in pregnant females
- Thought to play a role in creating a physiological barrier between fetus/mother
What animals transmit monkey pox?
Gambian Giant Rat and Prairie Dogs
How is rabbit tularemia transmitted?
Deer tick, brown dog tick, Lone star tick
Also biting flies, or contact with contaminated animals and material, poorly cooked meat, aerosol transmission (*possible biological warfare)
This viral disease in ferrets produces profuse, mucoid, green slime diarrhea; lethargy, dehydration, and anorexia:
Epizootic Catarrhal Enteritis (ECE)
- Epizootic catarrhal enteritis (enteric coronavirus)
- Older animals susceptible, young are carriers
- Profuse, mucoid, green slime diarrhea; lethargy, dehydration, anorexia
- Mortality low with treatment
- Antibiotics for secondary infection
Oh snap! What’s going on with these rabbit feet?
pododermatitis
- “Sore hocks”, avascular necrosis of plantar surface of rear feet
- Predisposing factors: obesity, lack of exercise, housing (wire, metal grate, concrete, carpet), breed (Rex)
- Txt: relieve pressure on affected area
- Non-abrasive, dry surface such as rubber, towels, newspaper, antibiotics, analgesics
Name the treatments that are generally effective with ‘snuffles’ in rabbits:
Generally responsive to chloramphenicol, novabiocin, oxytetracycline, penicillin G, fluroquinolones, TMS
Choose antibiotic with rabbit GI flora in mind
T/F: Mast cell tumors in ferrets commonly metastasize
False
- Mast cell tumors and basal tumors are only common in the skin of ferrets, and don’t typically metastasize.*
- They can be itchy, bleed, and appear ulcerated; can be removed surgically if needed - prognosis is good*
T/F: Ferrets that survive the respiratory phase of canine distemper typically succumb to the neurologic stage within several weeks
True
T/F: Bacillus, Bacteroides, small numbers of E. Coli, protozoa, yeasts, and Clostridium are all normal flora of the rabbit cecum
True
T/F: Rabbits produce “night stools” or cecotropes, which look somewhat like diarrhea but actually a good source of B vitamins, VFAs and amino acids.
True
What is the most common cutaneous tumor of guinea pigs?
Trichofolliculoma
Benign, on dorsum, round and hairless
What is the treatment protocol for rabbit spirochetosis (“rabbit syphylis”)?
long acting penicillin
Procaine+ Benzathine Pen G or Combi-pen, give 2 SQ doses 4 days apart
- Spirochetosis - “Rabbit Syphilis” (aka Vent Disease)
- Treponema canuculi venereal from doe to kit during parturition.
- Dz of young rabbits à scabs on nose and vent.
- Dx: Biopsy, PCR, treatment response
- Tx: Long acting penicillin injection – Procaine + Benzathine Pen G or Combi-pen, give 2 SQ doses 4 days apart
This urogenital disease in guinea pigs is the result of negative energy balance & fat metabolism during the last two weeks of gestation:
pregnancy toxemia
- CS: anorexia, lethargy, dyspnea, death
- Treatment: nutritional support – critical care diet
- Prognosis guarded
How does myxomatosis manifest in Sylvilagus species of rabbits?
In Sylvilagus species, manifests as a benign tumor at site of viral entry (typically ear base)
- Rabbit Myxomatosis (rabbit pox) – very deadly to rabbits, transmitted through arthropods
- Australia introduced this to the rabbit population to cull them “rabbit bioweapon”
- CS: lethargy, fever, anorexia, skin hemorrhages. Swelling around eyes and ear base
- In Sylvilagus species, manifests as a benign tumor at site of viral entry (typically ear base)
- Dx: CS, histopath of infected tissue and virus isolation
Canine distemper can be fatal in ferrets. What is the general treatment protocol?
no treatment
There is no treatment, so must vaccinate at 6, 10, 14 weeks old and annually
On histopathology, eosinophilic viral inclusion bodies (intracytoplasmic and intranuclear) were found in the bladder of a ferret. What is the most likely diagnosis?
canine distemper
Clinical signs: anorexia, pyrexia, chin dermatitis, photophobia, nasal or ocular discharge, brown crusts of face
T/F: Uterine adenocarcinoma is the most common neoplasia in rabbits, however it metastasizes slowly and can be cured with ovariohysterectomy
True
This occurs in prairie dogs when the root of an incisor enlarges to the point that the nasal passages become blocked, causing difficulty breathing:
odontoma
Name the mite in hamsters and gerbils that is zoonotic:
Liponyssoides sanguineus
- (house mouse mite)*
- Not common, but can bite humans and transmit Rickettsia akari (rickettsial pox)*
These neoplasias in ferrets originate from original notochord:
Ferret Chordomas
- Originate from original notocord
- Round, smooth, firm masses that develop on the tail tip
- Slow growing, but can metastasize
- Txt: surgical removal (tail amputation)
What is the etiological agent associated with Tyzzer’s Disease?
Clostridium piliforme
- Tyzzers (gerbils, hamsters, mice)
- Tyzzer’s disease – Clostridium piliforme
- “pick-up sticks” on pathology
- Clinical signs – death, dehydration, unkempt, diarrhea, etc.
- Diagnosis – often at necropsy with necrotic hepatic foci and intestinal lesions
- Predetermining factors – over crowding, poor sanitation, over heating, parasites, poor diet
- Treatment – supportive
- Tyzzer’s disease – Clostridium piliforme
How do you diagnose urinary tract calculi in rabbits?
radiographs or ultrasound
- Urinary Tract Calculi:
- Calculi and large amounts of calcium carbonate (urine sludge)
- Signs: calciuria with anorexia, dysuria, stranguria, hunched posture, perineal staining with calcium carbonate precipitate, reluctance to move
- DDx: bladder sludge without calculi, infectious cystitis
- Dx: radiographs or US
- Tx: SQ fluid diuresis, flush bladder (anesthesia) until urine is clear, or cystotomy with culture and stone analysis.
- May commonly recur: increase fluid consumption, change diet to decrease alfalfa (high in Ca2+)
Name four neoplasias seen in Hedgehogs:
- Mast cell tumor (MCT)
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
- Neurofibroma
- Fibrous histiocytoma
What is B virus and what does it cause in humans?
Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1
- Causes fatal encephalomyelitits in humans; Mild or no signs in monkey*
- (Sir-co-pith-a-seen)*
T/F: E. coli makes up a large percentage of guinea pig gut flora
False
Guinea pig gut flora: Gram [+] bacteria with anaerobic Lactobacillus spp., coliforms, yeast, and few clostridia
T/F: Aggressive surgical debridement may be necessary in the case of dental abscess in a rabbit, including removal of affected teeth and the capsule of the abscess.
True
Describe the treatment combination for Helicobacter gastritis in ferrets:
antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors, mucosal protectants, H2 antagonists
- Metronidazole + amoxicillin or clarithromycin
- Sucralfate
- Pepto-Bismol
- Famotidine or ranitidine
What is the major concern associated with tail holds in gerbils and rats?
degloving injuries
What is the most common cancer in rabbits?
uterine adenocarcinoma
- 30-80% of intact does over 3 years of age
- Most common cancer in rabbits
- Prevention and treatment: OHE prior to 6 months of age
- Spay procedure similar to dog or cat, but must ligate uterine arteries and uterine horns
Why can’t rabbits vomit?
well-developed cardiac sphincter
T/F: Mites can cause guinea pigs to seizure
True
- Trixicarus caviae
- Sarcoptid mite causes intense pruritis sometimes to the extent of seizure
What is the most common etiology associated with otitis media/interna in ferrets?
Pasteurella multocida
- Diagnosis: radiology
- Treatment
- Enrofloxacin systemic and topical (Baytril or gentamicin) or chloramphenicol
- Flush ears with saline (under anesthesia)
T/F: Leupron is the drug of choice for medical treatment of insulinoma in ferrets
False
Leupron is the drug of choice for medical treatment of adrenal gland disease in ferrets
Name the cutaneous neoplasias in ferrets with metastatic capacity:
fibrosarcoma, sebaceous gland adenoma
What is the most common mammary tumor in rats and mice?
Fibroadenoma (80-90%)
“Camilla” a 4 1/2 year old spayed female ferret presents for bilateral hair loss of 1 month duration. PE reveals swollen vulva and palpable spleen
- CBC reveals: HGB 10.1, HCT 31%
- Chem reveals: AST 37 U/L, albumin 3.1 g/dL, globulin 2.5 g/dL, creatinine 0.2 mg/dL, glucose 100 mg/dL
- Ultrasound revealed: right adrenal gland difficult to find. Left adrenal gland enlarged. Adrenal panel pending.
What are your treatment options?
Leuprolide acetate or surgery (adrenalectomy)
What are the etiologic agents associated with cervical lymphadenitis in guinea pigs?
Streptococcus zooepidemicus and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
- Cervical lymphadenitis - “lumps”
- Streptococcus zooepidemicus Lancefield’s group C or Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
- Cervical lymph node swelling with thick purulent exudate
- May become systemic with lesions affecting the heart, lungs, kidneys, skin
- Bite wounds, abrasions in mouth from food
- Tx: surgical excision; antibiotics
- Lancing and draining is not as effective
- Yersinia is ZOONOTIC so remove prior to rupture
What are the top two locations used for venipuncture in hedgehogs?
lateral saphenous (below stifle) and cephalic
Jugular, cranial vena cava, and femoral can also be used –jugular under fat
What is the normal respiratory rate in the rabbit?
30-60 bpm
Where are cecotrophs formed in rabbits?
proximal colon and cecum
- Contains microorganisms, amino acids, VFAs and vitamins with gel coat to protect from stomach acid (so protein and vitamin absorption can occur in small intestine)
- Low fiber diet increases cecal retention time → hypomotility and reduced cecotrophs
- High protein = decreased cecotroph consumption
- High carb = excessive Clostridium spiroforme and E. coli, excessive VFA fermentation (gas and toxins produced disrupt motility, nutrient production, absorption.
- Overweight rabbits high protein/low fiber diet present for fecal matting with cecotrophes adhered to perineum
What is the normal temperature in sugar gliders?
97.2˚F
- Normal respiratory rate = 16-40 bpm
- Normal heart rate = 200-300 bpm
How would you medically treat insulinoma in a ferret?
prednisone
blocks peripheral uptake of glucose and increases hepatic gluconeogenesis
Lil Wayne cut open a rabbit and was amazed by what he found.
What is Lil Wayne pointing to?
sacculus rotundus
- The distal end of the rabbit ileum has a sacculus rotundus (spherical thick-walled enlargement, aka cecal tonsil)*
- Good job, Lil Wayne.*
What stain is used on histopathology to confirm diagnosis of Helicobacter in ferrets?
Warthin-Starry
Paramyxovirus of rats and mice causing respiratory dyspnea:
Sendai virus
- Respiratory distress
- Treatment: supportive and resolves in about a week
- May exacerbate Mycoplasma pulmonis infection
- Hamsters as well
This ferret disease resembles FIP and causes pyogranulomatous inflammation in the peritoneum, liver, kidneys, pancreas, etc.
Ferret Systemic Coronavirus
T/F: Rabbits are unable to vomit, and the GI transit time can be 2-3 days, which makes fasting prior to surgery unnecessary.
True
What is the recommended IP injection volume in a mouse? What about a rat?
- Mouse: <0.5 mL
- Rat: <2 mL
T/F: Rabbits are obligate nasal breathers
True
- Dyspnea, open-mouthed breathing, agonal breathing = very stressed rabbit
- Consider anxiolytics and OXYGEN, minimal handling, analgesia, nebulization
What agent is responsible for rabbit tularemia?
Francisella tularensis
- Francisella tularensis – wild rabbits in N. America, highly virulent for humans & domestic rabbits
- Transmission: Deer tick, brown dog tick, Lone star tick
- Also biting flies, or contact with contaminated animals and material, poorly cooked meat, aerosol transmission (*possible biological warfare)
- Signs: fever, lethargy, anorexia, septicemia, possibly death.
- Skin lesions in people, but rare in animals
- REPORTABLE
How do you diagnose insulinoma in ferrets?
blood glucose levels <70mg/dL
- Insulinoma
- β-cell tumor of the pancreas leads to hypersecretion of insulin
- CS: decreased activity, weight loss, difficult arousal from sleep, hypothermia, ptyalism, dullness, tremors, collapse. Owner may call about head pressing or standing in a corner
- Dx: blood glucose levels <70mg/dL
- Tx: prednisone – blocks peripheral uptake of glucose and increases hepatic gluconeogenesis
- Sx: nodulectomy or partial pancreatectomy
This diet in mice commonly leads to vitamin deficiency or obesity:
seed diet
This is an immune-mediated disorder in ferrets characterized by hyper- gammaglobulinemia:
Aleutian Disease
- Transmitted ferret-ferret or mink-ferret through Aerosolization of virus particles or direct contact with urine, feces, saliva, or blood
- CS: chronic weight loss, cachexia, malaise, melena, posterior paresis. Can progress to multiple organ failure and sudden death
- Dx: CS and hypergammaglobulinemia on electrophoresis (>20% of total protein)
- Tx – none
T/F: Female ferrets develop estrogen toxicity and bone marrow suppression if they are not bred
True
T/F: Dental abscesses in rabbits are most commonly caused by aerobic bacteria that can be eliminated with one or two doses of penicillin
False
Requires long-term therapy and often never resolves
What is the best way to diagnose Psoroptes cuniculi in a rabbit?
otoscopic examination
- Psoroptes cuniculi
- CS: otitis externa, crusty exudate, discharge, pruritis, head shaking, scratching.
- Dx: PE, otoscopic exam (best).
- Transmission through direct contact
- Tx: ivermectin, Selamectin (Revolution), NSAIDs, Kill mites before cleaning ears –> Skin under crusts can be ulcerated and painful
- Difficult to clean crusts, may need sedation
What is the rule of thumb for sugar glider diets?
75% fruits & veggies / 25% protein
Calcium:Phosphorous ratio = 2:1
What is this part of the sugar glider called?
patagium
- \pə-ˈtā-jē-əm*
- fold of skin from unilateral limbs used for gliding*
T/F: Lactobacillus spp. is part of the normal flora in the rabbit
False
Lactobacillus spp. is part of the normal flora in the guinea pig
What is the general diet recommendation for rabbits?
HIGH FIBER
No dust. Rabbits don’t like dust, so if hay is of questionable quality, may ingest too many pellets –> too much protein relative to hay –> diarrhea
This structure in the rabbit has about 10x the capacity of the stomach and houses about 40% of GI content
cecum
T/F: High doses of chloramphenicol can be toxic in guinea pigs and chinchillas
True
T/F: Medical and surgical treatment are options for treatment of ferret adrenal disease, and removal of the left adrenal is typically easier than removal of the right
True
List some bad antibiotic choices in rabbits:
P.L.A.C.E.
- P – penicillin (oral)
- L – lincomycin (and some other macrolides “mycins”)
- A – amoxicillin, amox/clavulanate, ampicillin
- C – cephalosporins, clindamycin
- E - erythromycin
What are the most common sites for blood collection in most rodents?
J.O.L.T.
- Jugular vein
- Orbital venous sinus/plexus
- _L_ateral marginal vein of tarsus / lateral saphenous
- Tail vein (not in hamsters)
T/F: Dental abscesses are not extremely common in rabbits, and once the organism is eliminated, recurrence is rare.
False
Dental abscesses in rabbits require long-term therapy and often never resolve
Name the etiologic agent associated with snuffles:
Pasteurella multocida
This is the most common type of trauma in rabbits, and can occur during restraint, when allowed to jump off surfaces, etc:
Lumbosacral fracture
- Reluctance to reach perineum, acute posterior paresis/paralysis, urinary incontinence or retention, loss of anal sphincter tone
- Treatment options: cage rest, prednisone, bladder expression, NSAIDS, spinal surgery
- Prognosis often guarded to poor
What clinical signs are associated with Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome?
Hind-limb ataxia, tetraparesis, muscle atrophy
- Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome
- 2-3 years of age
- Hind-limb ataxia, tetraparesis, muscle atrophy
- Death 18-25 months after onset of clinical signs
- Dx: axonal swelling, degeneration of axons and myelin in white matter of brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves
- Cause unknown
The 3rd section of the rabbit colon is the __________
fusus coli
prominent longitudinal folds and goblet cells
- Colon: require large amounts of fiber
- Ascending colon: 4 sections (similar to horse), with varying numbers of taenia and haustra
- Ampulla coli opens into the first
- 3 taenia separating rows of haustra
- Warzen (warts) increase surface area
- 3rd section is fusus coli – prominent longitudinal folds and goblet cells
- 4th section indistinguishable from transverse and descending colon
What is the preferred route of administration for antibiotics in guinea pigs?
SQ or IM
Chloramphenicol, Enrofloxacin, and TMS are good choices
Which statement is true with respect to gastric ulceration in ferrets?
- The suspected etiologic agent is Helicobacter mustelae, and this organism resides in the pyloric region of the stomach.
- Gastric ulceration can be an acute or chronic condition that results in melena, bruxism, and salivation.
- Treatment often involves several drugs including two different antibiotics, antacids and pepto bismol.
- All of the above are correct.
All of the above
T/F: Urethral blockage in male ferrets is a common sequela of adrenal disease
True
What’s going on with this rabbit?
Splay Leg
- Congenital genetic manifestation in a line of rabbits can affect 1-4 legs
- Tx: adduction with taping, other fixation, amputation if only one limb affected, euthanasia if severe
T/F: The pubic symphysis closes in guinea pigs at about 7-8 months of age, so females that are not bred prior to that time are more likely to develop dystocia.
True
What’s going on in this mouse?
barbering
Dominant mouse nibbles off whiskers and hair of subservient cage mates. You should not usually see this if the animal lives alone
What are the medical treatment options for adrenal gland disease in ferrets?
Leuprolide acetate or Deslorelin acetate
- Leuprolide acetate monthly depot injections
- GnRH agonist, stimulates LH/FSH
- Deslorelin acetate implant (Suprelorin F)
- Virbac. Lasts 1 year
T/F: Rectal prolapse in small rodents is typically due to infectious agents, such as pinworms, Citrobacter rodentium, and Helicobacter spp.
True
What animal does this creepy penis belong to?
Sugar Glider
What is the function of the vermiform appendix of the rabbit cecum?
secretes bicarb to buffer cecal acids and water to form cecal paste
Also called rabbit pox, this is very deadly and is transmitted through arthropods:
Rabbit Myxomatosis
- CS: lethargy, fever, anorexia, skin hemorrhages. Swelling around eyes and ear base
- In Sylvilagus species, manifests as a benign tumor at site of viral entry (typically ear base)
- Dx: CS, histopath of infected tissue and virus isolation
- REPORTABLE in some states
Name a few indications for castrating male sugar gliders:
population control, self-mutilation of genitalia, to prevent bald scent gland from appearing on head at maturity
Hyperkeratosis of the foot pad is indicative of end-stage __________ in ferrets
distemper
When performing an adrenalectomy on a ferret (for treatment of adrenal gland disease), which side is more difficult? Why?
right side
right side is more difficult location due to location near vena cava and caudate liver lobe
What is the centaur version of Lil Wayne pointing to in this rabbit?
Thymoma
- Young and old rabbits
- Tachypnea or moderate dyspnea, cyanosis on exertion, respiratory rales
- Bilateral exophthalmos due to interference of vascular return to the heart
- Surgery, chemotherapy
What age is considered ‘geriatric’ in hedgehogs?
2 years old
- 2-year-old is considered geriatric, so be aware of neoplasia and advise owners
- Mast cell tumor – metastasis rare, locally invasice
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) – junction of quilled and unquilled skin and locally invasive
- Neurofibroma - may metastasize
- Fibrous histiocytoma – don’t typically metastasize
T/F: Guinea pigs require Vitamin D supplementation
False
Guinea pigs require _Vitamin C_ supplementation
What is the treatment protocol for Psoroptes cuniculi in a rabbit?
Ivermectin, Selamectin, NSAIDs
Kill mites before cleaning ears
What is the treatment protocol for Encephalitazoon cuniculi in rabbits?
Oxibendazole (possibly lifelong), dexamethazone, chloramphenicol
- Encephalitazoon cuniculi
- Stressed, immune compromised animals more susceptible
- Spores (shed in urine of infected wild rodents or rabbits) are ingested or inhaled
- Dx: neuro signs, increased serum Ab titers or presence of spores in affected tissues
- Pathologic lesions: multifocal necrosis and granulomas (with perivasular lymphoplasmacytic cells and lymphocytic meningitis)
- CAN BE ZOONOTIC in immunocompromised humans
T/F: Guinea pigs are crepuscular
True
This means they feed at dawn and dusk
This chinchilla and his raccoon friend were playing around in a field of hay. The raccoon poops all over the hay because he’s not a very good friend, but the chinchilla continues to play.
Days later, the chinchilla begins showing signs of ataxia, incoordination, and paralysis. What is he likely infected with?
Baylisascaris procynosis (Raccoon Roundworm)
- Larval migrans: ataxia, incoordination, paralysis
- Prognosis: grave
- Source usually hay contaminated with raccoon feces
Name the disorder in 20-40% of captive gerbils where they develop spontaneous “reflex” tonic-clonic seizures:
Gerbil Seizure Disorder
- 20-40% of captive gerbils develop spontaneous “reflex” tonic-clonic seizures
- Initiated by sudden stress, handling, new environment, and noise
- Inherited trait - deficiency of cerebral glutamine synthetase
- Occurs between 2 - 6 months of age
- Treatment not recommended
Name three viral diseases of Hedgehogs:
- Foot and Mouth Disease
- Herpes simplex virus type 1
- Papillomas
Name the most common cardiac disease in ferrets:
DCM
Unknown cause; Treatment is aimed at altering heart rate, preload, afterload and contractility: Digoxin, nitroglycerine, ACE inhibitors
What is the most common respiratory cause of morbidity and mortality in rabbits?
Pasteurella multocida
What are some possible adverse effects associated with antibiotic use in guinea pigs?
Candida albicans & Clostridial infections
- Candida albicans - prolonged antibiotic treatment
- Clostridial infections secondary to antibiotic therapy that did not control anaerobes
- SQ or IM better than oral administration
- Chloramphenicol, enrofloxacin, TMX are good choices
Overeating of clover in chinchillas may result in _______
bloat
Bloat in chinchillas results from overeating clover, sudden food changes, high carbs. You may need trocarization or pass stomach tube
Name the etiologic agent associated with vent disease in rabbits:
Treponema cuniculi
- Spirochetosis - “Rabbit Syphilis” (aka Vent Disease)
- Treponema cuniculi venereal from doe to kit during parturition.
- Dz of young rabbits –> scabs on nose and vent.
- Dx: Biopsy, PCR, treatment response
- Tx: Long acting penicillin injection – Procaine + Benzathine Pen G or Combi-pen, give 2 SQ doses 4 days apart
What types of testicular cancers occur in rabbits?
Seminoma, Interstitial cell tumor, Sertoli cell tumor
Castrating males prevents incidence of tumors
T/F: Mammary tumors are typically benign in mice and malignant in rats
False
Mammary tumors are typically _benign in rats_ and _malignant in mice_
What is the most likely diagnosis for the condition seen (arrow) in this prairie dog?
Odontoma
T/F: ACTH Stimulation is a reliable means of diagnosing adrenal disease in ferrets
False
Serum concentrations of steroid hormones = reliable means of diagnosing adrenal disease in ferrets
- Serum cortisol not elevated
- Can’t use ACTH Stim Test or Dex Suppression Test
- Urine cortisol: creatinine is not a specific indicator
T/F: Like cats, ferrets are strict carnivores
True
Why should pine or cedar shavings be avoided in hamster or gerbil housing?
¨The volatile oils can be irritating to the skin and cause facial eczema (“sore nose”)
What is the most common cause of gastric ulceration in ferrets?
Helicobacter mustelae
The proximal colon of the guinea pig has longitudinal folds on the mesenteric side. What is the function of the longitudinal furrow?
separates high protein and smaller particles from poor quality material that passes as fecal pellets
What clinical signs are associated with plague (Yersinia pestis) in prairie dogs?
enlarged lymph nodes near flea bites
- Yersinia pestis is transmitted by rodent flea (Xenopsylla cheopis) to black-tailed prairie dog
- CS in humans: enlarged LN, pain, fever, chills, bleeding, shock
- CS in prairie dogs: enlarged lymph nodes near flea bites
- Dx: culture tissue specimens or fluids, IFA test methods of fluids, or blood testing (using 2 samples taken 14 days apart)
- Blood from saphenous or cephalic
- Txt: gentamycin or streptomycin
- Tetracycline or doxycycline for animals showing bubonic form
- Treat for at least 21 days, far after any bubonic or pneumonic symptoms have resolved
T/F: Rabbits have a duplex uterus
True
T/F: Ferret adrenal gland diseases often result in hypersecretion of cortisol (similar to Cushing’s)
False
Adenomas, adenocarcinomas, and adrenocarcinomas in ferrets lead to hypersecretion of sex hormones (DHEA, estradiol, progesterones)
What is the treatment for hyperestrogenism in female ferrets?
HCG injection to stop estrus
OHE once stable
GI transit time in guinea pigs is ~____ hours
GI transit time in guinea pigs is ~20 hours
How is canine distemper transmitted in ferrets?
direct contact, fomites, aerosolization of urine, feces, nasal exudate
One afternoon, somebody decided to put a rat in a pastry bag. When they were questioned about it, they cleverly answered “no, it’s my new invention. I call it the __________”
Decapi Cone
excellent gentle restraint method to allow easy drug administration
Name the structure in chinchillas that makes endotracheal intubation difficult:
palatal ostium
What’s going on with this hamster?
“wet tail”
- Causative agent – Lawsonia intracellularis
- AKA proliferative enteritis
- Will become extremely dehydrated, etc.
- Can lead to intussusceptions or rectal prolapse
- Txt – antibiotics, supportive care, fluids, reduce prolapse, bismuth
- Prognosis: guarded
T/F: Diarrhea in rabbits often resolves on its own, and is not an emergency concern unless it continues for 48 hours or longer.
False
Diarrhea in a rabbit is an emergency!
This is the only domestic species susceptible to human influenza:
ferret
Name the fungal organisms that are responsible for dermatophytosis in ferrets:
Microsporum canis and Trichophyton mentagrophytes
- Transmitted by direct contact, usually self-limiting
- CS: like in dogs and cats
- Secondary pyoderma
- Tx: iodine or chlorhexidine shampoos, griseofulvin, disinfect environment
T/F: Four of the most common urogenital conditions in guinea pigs are urolithiasis, cystic ovaries, dystocia and mammary tumors
True
T/F: A “string of pearls” appearance to rabbit feces is indicative of hair in the feces and is pathognomic for “hair balls” in rabbits.
False
What percentage of the gastric contents can be found in the hedgehog cecum?
none of it
because hedgehogs don’t have a cecum
You notice that your beloved lil rabbit, Wayne, has been urinating a lot. Because you’re a Young Money Millionaire (tougher than Nigerian hair), you get the Maserati dancin’ right on over to the veterinarian.
What does the vet tell you?
rabbits urinate a lot normally
This does not signify a diabetic condition. Rabbits are less able to concentrate their urine, which results in copious urine production
What is the mechanism of action (MOA) of chloramphenicol?
Inhibition of protein synthesis
Chloramphenicol irreversibly binds to a receptor site on the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, inhibiting peptidyl transferase. This inhibition consequently results to the prevention of amino acid transfer to growing peptide chains, ultimately leading to inhibition of protein formation.
T/F: Leupron is the drug of choice for medical treatment of adrenal gland disease in ferrets
True
What’s wrong with this picture?
guinea pigs should not be housed with rabbits
…or any other Bordetella carriers
- Housing guinea pigs with rabbits predisposes guinea pigs to Bordetella infection
- CS: Conjunctivitis, rhinitis, tracheitis, respiratory distress, weight loss, otitis (head tilt), death, abortion
- Dx: culture bronchial, nasal, ocular secretions
- Radiographs useful to see extent of pneumonia
- Tx: proper antibiotics
- Supportive care – fluids, gavage feeding, vitamin C, bronchodilators, nebulization
All of the following would be part of the differential diagnosis for alopecia and pruritis in the guinea pig. Which is associated with intense pruritis?
- Dermatophytosis (ringworm) caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes
- The mite, T**rixacaris caviae
- The chewing louse, Gliricola porcelli
- The chewing louse, Gyropus ovalis
The mite, T**rixacaris caviae
T/F: The most probable cause of traumatic vertebral dislocation or fracture in the rabbit is improper restraint.
True
The most common agent used for chemical restraint of non-human primates:
ketamine
What eye associated gland produces porphyrins related to red tears in rats?
Harderian glands
This respiratory disease of rats, mice and hamsters can cause respiratory distress but typically resolves in about a week. It can exacerbate infections with Mycoplasma pulmonis
Sendai virus
This is a pathogen of guinea pigs and rabbits, as well as cats, dogs and pigs, so boarding facilities must use caution when housing these animals during an outbreak:
Bordetella bronchiseptica
T/F: Pseudomonus aeruginosa is one of the inciting causes of respiratory disease in chinchillas that may lead to matting of fur on the forelimbs, dyspnea, fever and anorexia
True
- Streptococcus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pasteurella spp., Bordetella spp.
- Rhinitis, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, pneumonia, and dyspnea, fever, anorexia if pneumonia, matting of fur on forlimbs
- DDx: Malocclusion, tooth root abscesses o Dx: rads, C&S of discharges
- Tx: topical ophthalmics, bronchodilators, supportive care, anti-histamines, broad-spectrum antibiotics (tetracyclines or gentamycin)
T/F: Raisins, nuts and fruits are ideal treats to feed chinchillas, as the fiber in these treats can help increase peristalsis and prevent gut statis
False
Feeding these treats predisposes chinchillas to esophageal choke
This manifests as a multi-centric lymphoma in hamsters involving the mesenteric lymph nodes and abdominal viscera or trichoepithelioma
Hamster Polyoma virus
- Young and adult hamsters
- Multi-centric lymphoma involving the mesenteric lymph nodes and abdominal viscera or trichoepithelioma
- Dx: PCR of infected tissues (usually on necropsy)
With regard to mites in hamsters, which is more pathogenic:
Demodex aurati or Demodex criceti
Demodex aurati
Demodex aurati is more pathogenic than Demodex criceti
T/F: Guinea pigs are one of five species that are capable of synthesizing their own vitamin C, so supplementation is not truly necessary
FALSE!
T/F: Hedgehogs are considered insectivores
True
This is a chronic respiratory disease in rats and mice that causes dyspnea, respiratory distress, torticollis (otitis interna), anorexia:
Mycoplasmosis (Mycoplasma pulmonis)
Dx: culture, serology, histopathology of lung and/or ear (culture not always practical)
Coronavirus in rats and mice affecting lacrimal, Harderian, submandibular and parotid salivary glands that can lead to keratitis, corneal ulcer, swollen salivary glands, mild respiratory disease and hyphema from lacrimal dysfunction:
Sialodacryoadenitis virus (SDAV)
- Eye lesions typically resolve, but can lead to chronic keratitis (KCS)
- Highly contagious, but mortality is very low. Once the rat clears the virus, they are immune!
