Pocket Pet Health and Production Management

Pocket Pet Health and Production Management
Chapter 11 Pocket Pet Health and Production Management

Mice and Rats Curious and friendly pocket pets Usually very tame
The younger the rodent, the easier to tame Can be trained to do tricks Used in research and nutritional studies

Veterinary Terminology
Murine mouse or rat Sire intact male mouse or rat Dam intact female mouse or rat Pup young male mouse or rat

Biology Average life span for rats and mice is 1-3 years
Family: Rodentia Have poor vision but well developed sense of smell Many species are nocturnal

Biology Common external body terms: Claws: nails on feet
Snout: nose and mouth area Tail: long part that extends off the back and is hairless and scaly Whiskers: located on nose and used as sensory devices

Breeds Come in a variety of colors and types, more so than breeds
Rats: white, brown, black, hooded hooded: white in body color with black or brown coloring on the head and shoulders Mice: white, black, tan, spotted

Breed Selection Should be purchased young
Should be handled often for socialization If properly socialized, will seldom bite

Nutrition Mice and rats have basic nutritional requirements
Will eat almost any type of food Enjoy human food such as: seeds nuts bread cereal grains raw vegetables

Nutrition Can be fed ad lib – as much as they want, within reason
When fed exclusively, seed diets can lead to obesity and nutritional deficiencies Fresh water should be provided daily

Behavior Rats and mice are timid and must learn to trust people
Always looking to escape, very curious Will chew through wood or plastic Should be housed in well-lit areas Rats show anger by whipping their tails Rats are happy and content when clicking their teeth

Basic Training Methods
Mice and rats are intelligent and easily trained Will do almost anything for food Respond very willingly to noises The more they are handled and trained consistently, the easier to manage

Equipment and Housing Needs
Cages – made of heavy wire or metal Toys – to keep from boredom Perches, tunnels, exercise wheels At least 1 inch bedding: sawdust cedar shavings shredded paper pellets cat litter

Restraint and Handling
Rats: Never carry a rat by the tail! Tails break easy or may have skin peel Move toward rats slowly and with confidence Rats will bite if scared

Rats: One hand around the back below the neck Hold snuggly, but without squeezing The thumb is used to hold the chin and prevent biting The index fingers can help hold front limbs Grasp hind legs with free hand and extend them

Mice Scoop mouse into fist Grasp tail with one hand Grasp loose skin, using thumb and pointer finger (scruff) Can be lifted by the tail Can be lifted by the tail with tongs

Grooming Mice and rats do not require bathing or any additional grooming Are fastidious groomers Will keep coats shiny and clean if healthy An untidy or dirty coat may be a sign of disease

Basic Health Care Maintenance
To keep teeth healthy, should have items in cage to chew on Coats should be monitored for external parasites such as fleas and mites May be treated with topical parasite meds labeled for rodents

Vaccinations Rats and mice do not require vaccinations
No vaccines are currently labeled

Reproduction and Breeding
Mice reach puberty: 8-10 weeks Rats reach puberty: around 3 months Gestation length: 21 days Average litter: 6-8 babies

Sexing mice and rats is done through viewing anogenital area Area located around the far stomach between rear legs and base of tail Distance is measured from the anus to genital area Distance in male is much greater than that of female

Sexing a Mouse

Sexing a Rat

Common Diseases Relatively healthy animals
Rarely get sick or acquire diseases Signs of respiratory infection: nasal discharge sneezing coughing loss of appetite weight loss Prone to tumors

Common Parasites Commonly develop external parasites:
fleas fur mites lice Signs of external parasites include: hair loss itching scratches on skin from claws

Common Parasites Internal parasites: tapeworms protozoans

Hamsters Very active and playful companions Popular pets
Commonly used in lab research Native to warm, humid desert climates Species developed in Asia and Europe Average life span: months

Biology Common hamster terms:
Cheek pouch: open areas located inside the cheeks used to store food Ears: small flaps on either side of the head that are hairless Incisors: long teeth located on upper and lower jaw Whiskers: long hair located on the face next to nose

Breeds Syrian hamster or Golden hamster Chinese hamster Dwarf hamster
most popular breed of pets may reach size as large as 5 inches in body length Chinese hamster smaller in size often used for research Dwarf hamster

Breed Selection Important to observe hamster as alert, active, and healthy Nonactive hamster may be ill Selecting a younger hamster will allow it to bond better with new owner Golden hamsters should be housed alone

Nutrition Eat about ½ ounce of food daily
Eat seeds, grains, and cereals Enjoy treats Will often store food and treats into their cheek pouches, then burrow and store items for later use

Behavior Should be housed in temperatures 60-80 degrees
Cold (below 45 degrees) stimulates hibernation Normally eat several times a day Food intake does not vary from day-to-day

Basic Training Hamster training similar to that of rats and mice
Trained with consistency, proper handling, and using food as treats Training young (4-7 weeks) easier than training an older animal Enjoy exercise on wheels and balls

Aquariums or rodent cages Should not be housed in wooden or plastic cages Are great climbers and can squeeze through small openings Cages need routine cleaning so bedding is soft and dust free

Hamsters are usually docile Will bite if startled when sleeping Scruff loose skin over neck and back Scruff using the first (?) Lift and restrain for procedures

Scruffing

Grooming Easy pets to maintain; require little grooming
Occasional brushing, checking of teeth, and nails May be ill if appearance is unkempt or have areas of wetness over the coat

Basic Health Care and Maintenance
Can be given regular exams Should monitor for breathing problems, skin infections, or decreased activity Teeth and nails should be monitored

Vaccinations Hamsters do not require vaccinations

Maturity: around 2 months Estrus cycle: 4 days * *Estrus end marked by postovulatory vaginal discharge -Copious, white, thick, tenacious, distinctive odor Gestation: 16 days Litter size: 6-8 Weaning: days

Sexing a Hamster

Neonates: hairless, toothless, eyes and ears closed Cannibalism Do not disturb mother for 7-10 days postpartum Provide fresh greens; treat food just prior to parturition Young requires access to water, in addition to mother’s milk

Common Diseases “Wet tail” Caused by a bacterial disease
Spreads rapidly through direct contact or bacterial spores Causes include: overcrowded cages poor nutrition poor sanitation methods stress

Common Diseases Signs of wet tail include: Watery diarrhea Dehydration
Weight loss Eye discharge Nasal discharge Lethargy Anorexia Wet tail appearance Irritable attitude

Common Diseases “Wet tail”
Can be treated with antibiotics, medications, and fluid therapy Should be isolated from other hamsters Most susceptible between 3-8 weeks old

Common Diseases Respiratory Infections Caused by bacteria
Poor sanitation or excessive dust from bedding May respond to antibiotics Cage conditions must be improved

Common Diseases Signs of respiratory disease include:
Nasal and ocular discharge Sneezing Labored or difficult breathing Anorexia Depression Weight loss Dehydration

Common Parasites Mites
usually passed in poor bedding or other animals in household Signs include hair loss, especially large clumps, and scratching External parasites: fleas, lice, and ticks Can be treated with topicals

Guinea Pigs Excellent pets with lots of personality
Known for greeting with whistles Excellent starter pets for young children Larger than hamsters, smaller than rabbits Generally live 5-7 years

Cavy guinea pig Boar intact male guinea pig Sow intact female guinea pig Kit young guinea pig

Biology Guinea pig is a rodent Short, heavy body, short legs, no tail
Common external body terms include: Cheek pouches Fore feet 4 claws Hind feet 3 claws

Breeds Come in a variety of colors and hair coats Three most common:
Smooth or American Abyssinian Peruvian

Breed Selection Selection should be based on coat type and grooming needs Longer haired breeds will need more maintenance and brushing Should be handled to determine behavior

Nutrition High quality commercial food, typically a mix of pellets
Require a special need for Vitamin C: fruits, vegetables, and greens Food should be available ad lib Water should be available, although guinea pigs drink less than other rodents

Behavior Very social Can be housed with other guinea pigs
Usually mild and timid Will bite if excited, scared, or in pain Love to hide when they play When happy and content, will make whistle noise

Basic Training Can be trained like mice, rats, and hamsters
Time and correct handling are important

Wire cages or aquariums At least one square foot of floor space per pig Dust free bedding Cages regularly cleaned Room temperature between degrees

Most are easy to handle and rarely bite Can scratch with nails Should always be restrained with both hands Subdued lighting and covering the eyes may have a calming effect

Grooming Teeth and nails should be trimmed Bathing as necessary
Some require regular brushing

Common signs of illness: sneezing coughing diarrhea lethargy Susceptible to external parasites such as mites and lice

Vaccinations Guinea pigs do not require vaccinations

Maturity: between 3 and 4 months Gestation: days Weaning: around 3 weeks of age Anogenital region: Female – Y shaped Male – straight slit

Sexing a Pig

Common Diseases Signs of illness:
sitting very still sitting hunched up a ruffled or messy coat anorexia weight loss watery droppings If any of these symptoms appear, see vet

Common Diseases Guinea pigs are commonly known for developing respiratory problems Symptoms include: wheezing sneezing eye and nasal discharge decreased appetite

Common Parasites May become infected by fleas, mites, or lice
Internal parasites – not a common problem

Gerbils Quick and curious animals
Most are agouti in color – a mixture of two or more colors Can also be white and black Known as jirds or burrowing rodents

Sire male gerbil Dam female gerbil Kit young gerbil

Biology Gerbils are diurnal – sleep during the night and are active during the day About 4 inches in length Long tail – about as long as their bodies Adults weigh about 3 ounces

Breeds Mongolian gerbils native to areas of Mongolia and China
live in a variety of terrains

Breed Selection Gerbils should be housed in pairs
Selection similar to that of other rodents Are very social animals Healthy gerbils should be friendly and willing to be handled

Nutrition May be fed commercial food including:
seeds grains corn sunflower seeds oats Also enjoy apples, lettuce, and fresh grass Will eat about a tablespoon of food once a day

Behavior Will use one area of their cage to eliminate
Temperatures of degrees Very social animals; should not be kept singularly Pair bonded or family units are quite affectionate with each other

Basic Training Are intelligent and easily trained
Consistency and frequency important

Best housed in a 10-gallon aquarium Glass tank better than wire Wire cage topper Block of wood At least 3 inches of substrate at bottom of habitat

Grooming Will groom each other Nails and teeth should be monitored
Signs of illness include unkempt coats and decreased self-grooming

Hold securely in hand Do not handle by tail gerbils especially prone to tail injury Scratch ears to relax them

Produce scant amounts of urine and dry droppings Cage should be kept fresh and clean Provide toys and items to chew on

Vaccinations Gerbils do not require vaccinations

Mate: 3 months old Single mates Gestation: days 4-5 babies Wean: 6 weeks

Sexing a Gerbil

Common Diseases Relatively disease free
Monitor for respiratory disease sneezing nasal discharge increased breathing wheezing

Common Parasites External: fleas and mites
Internal: rarely seen, but occasionally tapeworms Gerbils may be medicated

Ferrets Member of weasel family Considered rodents
Range from 1-5 pounds Originated from the polecat

Hob intact male ferret Jill intact female ferret Gib neutered male ferret

Sprite spayed female ferret Kit young ferret Kindling giving birth to ferrets

Biology Long, slim body with long tails
Scent glands produce strong musky odor Primarily nocturnal Average life span: 5-8 years

Biology Common external body terms: Body: long and thin central area
Mask: black coloring around eyes on the face Tail: bushy area extending off the back

Breeds No essential breed of ferrets
Related to Black Footed Ferret in wild Are classified by colors: sable white silver white footed

Breed Selection Playful, social, and enjoy being handled
Some may be descented and neutered

Nutrition Commercial ferret food or cat food True carnivores
Need a high protein diet Fresh water daily

Behavior Intelligent and curious Lower bite rate Are “pack rats”
can recognize their name respond to verbal and visual commands can be litter-box trained Lower bite rate Are “pack rats”

Basic Training Litter training similar to that of cats
Consistent training and rewards Can be trained to perform similar tricks, as dogs May be walked on a leash or harness

Wire or metal cages When outside of cage, watch carefully!

Initially grasp around the neck and shoulders Hold with one hand under the shoulders and with a thumb under jaw Other hand supporting hindquarters

Grooming Give frequent baths Regular nail trims Brushing

Annual visit to vet Inspect ears for mites Dental cleanings Test for Aleutian Disease Virus annually

Vaccinations Vaccinated for canine distemper with Fervac-D
Given between 6-8 weeks old Booster repeated monthly until 14 weeks Then given yearly Some vaccinate for rabies

Maturity: around 10 months Gestation: 42 days Litter size: 6-8 Eyes open: 3-4 weeks; start weaning Weaning: by 8 weeks

Sexing a Ferret

Common Diseases Canine distemper Aleutian disease
Flu-like symptoms or respiratory illnesses Adrenal gland disorder Pancreatic disease

Common Parasites External Internal fleas ticks skin and ear mites
tapeworms heartworm disease

Hedgehogs Curl in ball when handled Short spines can cause injury
As common in Europe and Britain as skunks are in the U.S.

Hoglet or pup young hedgehogs Herd group of hedgehogs Self-anointed Act of frothing at the mouth, arching head back over shoulders, depositing frothy saliva onto quills

Biology Diurnal Live an average of 4-7 years Weigh between 1-3 pounds
Will roll into a ball to sleep or when threatened

Biology Common external body terms: Muzzle: mouth area located on face
Neck: located behind ears Quills: spines over the back and body Underside: belly area that has no hair or spines

Breeds No essential breeds Developed in England, Europe, and Africa
Commonly a mixture of brown, black, and white

Breed Selection Naturally shy Require early socialization
Should be handled often when young

Nutrition Meat eaters Enjoy meal of worms and insects
Small amount of fruits and vegetables Prone to developing obesity problems

Behavior Solitary animals, best housed alone Nocturnal May hibernate

Basic Training Not typically trained due to shy behaviors
Can be litter box trained

Aquarium is ideal Dust free bedding newspapers pellets shavings Room temperature: degrees Need places to hide

More you fight with the pet, less likely it will unroll Open hedgehog should be scooped up from underneath Less cooperative hedgehogs may be scruffed between the ears

Leg hold Can wait a few minutes for hedgehog to uncurl, then place abdomen side down Last resort – use of isoflurane

Grooming Bathe with toothbrush and warm water Regular nail trims

Yearly physical exam is ideal

Vaccinations Hedgehogs do not require vaccinations

Maturity: around 7 weeks Gestation: 35 days Estrus: 2-5 days Males may kill babies Weaning: start after 5 weeks

Common Diseases Obesity Bacterial skin infections Injuries from spines
Dental disease Respiratory conditions

Common Parasites Mange mites, fleas, and ticks Signs of mange mites:
heavy dandruff quill and/or hair loss crusty thickened skin thickening of ear margins plugs in ear canals overall itchiness

Chinchillas Small, silky haired rodent Bred for their fine hair
Require more care and maintenance than other small rodents

Kit baby chinchilla Litter group of newborn chinchillas

Biology Live between 9-17 years Weigh about 1 pound at adult size
Most commonly slate gray in color

Biology Round body with squirrel-like tail Common external body terms:
Forelimbs: short front legs used for grasping Hindlimbs: long back legs Pads: bottom surface of the feet

Breeds No essential breeds of Chinchillas Several colors:
gray white beige black Developed in South America

Breed Selection Social animals Usually housed alone
Should tolerate being handled and not bite Demand attention

Nutrition Commercial diet of pellets
Snacks of fruits, vegetables, and raisins High quality grass or alfalfa hay

Behavior Excellent jumpers and quick
Frightened by sudden moves and loud noises Will bite if they smell food on fingers Will shed if stressed

Basic Training Takes several weeks to months for chinchillas to trust people Consistency and frequency critical

Acrobatic animals; require a lot of space Multilevel cage recommended Temperature range degrees Provide hard items to chew on

Never handle by tails Lift with firm grip on body one hand on abdomen one hand holding base of the tail

Grooming Requires a dust bath every day or every other day

Yearly physical exams recommended Frequent dental exams Monitor for hairballs – trichobezoars Monitor for respiratory problems

Vaccinations Chinchillas do not require vaccinations

Gestation: 111 days Estrus: spontaneous cycle, days Weaning: between 3-8 weeks

Sexing a Chinchilla

Common Diseases Monitor for dental disease Heat stroke
Respiratory problems

Common Parasites Flea issues Internal and external parasites rare

Pocket Pet Health and Production Management

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