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Dobromylskyj MJ, Hederer R, Smith KC. What ails the pet rat? A retrospective study of more than 300 biopsy samples of externally palpable masses submitted from pet rats for histopathology (2013-2021). J Comp Pathol 2024; 211:36-41. [PMID: 38772057 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2024.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Biopsy data on externally palpable masses in pet rats (Rattus norvegicus) were retrieved from the archives of a large commercial pathology laboratory between November 2013 and July 2021. A total of 330 samples were submitted from 292 individual animals. Of the 330 samples submitted, 182 (55.2%) were of mammary gland origin and the majority were benign neoplasms, with fibroadenoma most frequent. Of the remaining 148 samples, 101 were neoplastic in nature, with 76 tumours classified as mesenchymal, 23 as epithelial and two classified only as malignant neoplasia not otherwise specified. Malignant neoplasms accounted for 88 of these non-mammary masses, with the most diagnosed tumours including soft tissue sarcoma (including fibrosarcoma) and sarcomas not otherwise specified.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebecca Hederer
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Ken C Smith
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, UK
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2
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Sarvi J, Eshar D. Rodent Dermatology. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2023; 26:383-408. [PMID: 36965877 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2022.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
This article reviews the most common dermatologic conditions of the pet rodent population, including the prevalence, clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Sarvi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, 1800 Denison Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.
| | - David Eshar
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, 1800 Denison Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
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3
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MAMMARY GLAND ADENOCARCINOMA IN FOUR INDIAN CRESTED PORCUPINES ( HYSTRIX INDICA). J Zoo Wildl Med 2023; 53:855-863. [PMID: 36640090 DOI: 10.1638/2021-0137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Neoplasia in porcupines is rarely reported in the literature, and the prevalence is unknown. A retrospective review of records from a private zoo diagnostic pathology service found four cases of mammary adenocarcinoma in Indian crested porcupines (Hystrix indica) from four separate zoological institutions. All cases presented in geriatric females (14-19 yr of age) as freely movable subcutaneous masses within the mammary chain. None of the individuals had additional clinical signs, radiographic, or hematologic changes at initial presentation. All cases were managed with surgical excision in the form of either an excisional biopsy or a partial mastectomy. Histologic examination diagnosed all tumors with anaplasia and moderate to high numbers of mitotic figures. Two cases required subsequent surgeries for management of local recurrence in the years following initial diagnosis. One case is 19 months postsurgical removal without evidence of metastasis or local recurrence. Two of the cases were euthanized after diagnosis of inoperable metastases to the lungs and spinal cord, including one previously treated with an oral nonsteroidal antiestrogen medication, tamoxifen. The third case was euthanized due to degenerative mobility changes and renal dysfunction and had no evidence of metastasis. The average survival time from initial surgical excision to euthanasia for the three applicable cases was 33 months. These cases suggest that surgical excision alone may result in temporary management of mammary adenocarcinoma in this species. Metastasis can occur, and routine screening with advanced imaging may aid in early detection of these lesions.
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Frerichs K, Lennox AM, Bocchine AJ. Comparison of post-surgical complication rates and potential confounding factors in two common approaches for elective altering in female rats (Rattus norvegicus). J Exot Pet Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2022.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Makowska IJ, Weary DM. A Good Life for Laboratory Rodents? ILAR J 2021; 60:373-388. [PMID: 32311030 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilaa001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Most would agree that animals in research should be spared "unnecessary" harm, pain, or distress, and there is also growing interest in providing animals with some form of environmental enrichment. But is this the standard of care that we should aspire to? We argue that we need to work towards a higher standard-specifically, that providing research animals with a "good life" should be a prerequisite for their use. The aims of this paper are to illustrate our vision of a "good life" for laboratory rats and mice and to provide a roadmap for achieving this vision. We recognize that several research procedures are clearly incompatible with a good life but describe here what we consider to be the minimum day-to-day living conditions to be met when using rodents in research. A good life requires that animals can express a rich behavioral repertoire, use their abilities, and fulfill their potential through active engagement with their environment. In the first section, we describe how animals could be housed for these requirements to be fulfilled, from simple modifications to standard housing through to better cage designs and free-ranging options. In the second section, we review the types of interactions with laboratory rodents that are compatible with a good life. In the third section, we address the potential for the animals to have a life outside of research, including the use of pets in clinical trials (the animal-as-patient model) and the adoption of research animals to new homes when they are no longer needed in research. We conclude with a few suggestions for achieving our vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Joanna Makowska
- Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Animal Welfare Institute, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Daniel M Weary
- Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Vergneau-Grosset C, Cluzel C, Beauchamp G, Hubbard NE, Paul-Murphy J, Paquet M. Altered prolactin and androgen receptors expression in companion rat benign mammary tumours. Vet Comp Oncol 2020; 19:213-221. [PMID: 33191604 DOI: 10.1111/vco.12664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Benign mammary tumours are among the most common tumours of companion rats (Rattus norvegicus domestica), as well as a major animal welfare concern and euthanasia. The first objective of this study was to evaluate the expression of oestrogen, progesterone, androgen, and prolactin receptors in neoplastic and normal mammary gland tissues and compare the expression of these receptors between groups. The second objective was to determine if the expression of these receptors in neoplastic mammary gland tissue correlates with overall survival and occurrence of an additional mass after initial mammary mass excision. The third objective was to determine if the expression of oestrogen, progesterone, androgen and prolactin receptors was associated with mammary tumor clinical parameters or with the age of the animals. Thirty-two benign mammary tumours were collected from companion rats and submitted for immunohistochemistry staining of prolactin receptor, oestrogen receptor alpha (ERa), progesterone and androgen receptors (AR). Allred score were obtained for mammary tumours (n = 32) and surrounding normal mammary tissue (n = 20) when present. Prolactin receptor expression increased significantly with mammary gland tumorigenesis (P < .0001), while AR expression decreased with tumorigenesis (P < .0001). Lower expression of ERa in tumor stroma was associated with shorter survival (P = .02). Hormonal receptor expression was not significantly associated with age, mass diameter, location nor likelihood of additional mass development. Further studies should investigate the effects of prolactin antagonists in a prospective study involving companion rats with benign mammary tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Vergneau-Grosset
- Département de Sciences Cliniques, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Caroline Cluzel
- Département de Pathologie et de Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Guy Beauchamp
- Département de Sciences Cliniques, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada.,Département de Pathologie et de Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Neil E Hubbard
- Center for Genomic Pathology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Joanne Paul-Murphy
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Marilène Paquet
- Département de Pathologie et de Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
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Abstract
This chapter provides an overview of the natural history, anatomy, physiology, clinical examination, common diseases, and treatment of rats (Rattus norvegicus) and mice (Mus musculus) in the context of veterinary medicine. Guidelines for the care and feeding of rats and mice can provide owners with information to help prevent disease in their pets. Useful techniques for restraint, clinical examination, and diagnostic sample collection are provided to aid veterinarians in thorough evaluation of these small rodents. Common diseases and treatments are discussed separately for each species, organized by organ system. Zoonotic diseases are also discussed to provide guidance for rat and mouse pet owners.
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Vergneau-Grosset C, Peña L, Cluzel C, Hawkins M, Maccolini E, Sinclair K, Graham J, Sadar M, Guzman DSM, Lair S, Langlois I, Paul-Murphy J. Evaluation of deslorelin implant on subsequent mammary tumors of rats (Rattus norvegicus). J Exot Pet Med 2019. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2019.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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White SD, Bourdeau PJ, Brément T, Bruet V, Gimenez-Acosta C, Guzman DSM, Paul-Murphy J, Hawkins MG. Companion rats (Rattus norvegicus) with cutaneous lesions: a retrospective study of 470 cases at two university veterinary teaching hospitals (1985-2018). Vet Dermatol 2019; 30:237-e72. [PMID: 30847969 DOI: 10.1111/vde.12735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rats are popular companion animals that are often presented to veterinarians for treatment of skin diseases. However, descriptions of dermatoses in rats have primarily been limited to case reports and text books. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES To document skin diseases and their prevalence in companion rats examined in northern California, USA and Nantes, France and to investigate predilections for the most common conditions over a 33 year or 15 year period, respectively. ANIMALS Four hundred and seventy rats from two hospital populations met the inclusion criteria. METHODS AND MATERIALS A retrospective study was performed by searching computerized medical records of rats seen at the School of Veterinary Medicine at University of California, Davis (UCD), USA from 1 January 1985 to 1 January 2018 using the key words "skin" and "dermatitis". The medical records of rats presenting to Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire, Agroalimentaire et de l'Alimentation Nantes-Atlantique (ONIRIS), France from 1995 to 2016 were reviewed for evidence of skin disease. The presence of lesions as noted in the key search words for the UCD records were used as the inclusion criteria for both institutions. RESULTS Of 494 rats examined at UCD, 231 (47%) had skin disease, with neoplasia the most common diagnosis. Of the 619 rats examined at ONIRIS, 239 (39%) had skin disease, with ectoparasitism being the most common diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Cutaneous conditions in companion rats are common. Clinicians should include a dermatological examination when examining these rodents, especially in regard to neoplasia, ectoparasites and pyoderma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen D White
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Patrick J Bourdeau
- Dermatology, Parasitology and Mycology Unit, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire, Agroalimentaire et de l'Alimentation Nantes-Atlantique (ONIRIS), Route de Gachet, 44307, Nantes, France
| | - Thomas Brément
- Dermatology, Parasitology and Mycology Unit, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire, Agroalimentaire et de l'Alimentation Nantes-Atlantique (ONIRIS), Route de Gachet, 44307, Nantes, France
| | - Vincent Bruet
- Dermatology, Parasitology and Mycology Unit, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire, Agroalimentaire et de l'Alimentation Nantes-Atlantique (ONIRIS), Route de Gachet, 44307, Nantes, France
| | - Carmen Gimenez-Acosta
- Dermatology, Parasitology and Mycology Unit, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire, Agroalimentaire et de l'Alimentation Nantes-Atlantique (ONIRIS), Route de Gachet, 44307, Nantes, France
| | - David S-M Guzman
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Joanne Paul-Murphy
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Michelle G Hawkins
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
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Abstract
The number of exotic companion pet rodents seen in veterinary practices is growing very rapidly. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association's surveys, more than 2,093,000 pet rodents were kept in US households in 2007 and in 2012 it was more than 2,349,000 animals. This article summarizes the most important evidence-based knowledge in exotic pet rodents (diagnostics of the hyperadrenocorticism in guinea pigs, pituitary tumors in rats, urolithiasis in guinea pigs, use of itopride as prokinetics, use of deslorelin acetate in rodents, cause of dental disease, and prevention of mammary gland tumors in rats).
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Jekl
- Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého tr. 1946/1, Brno 61242, Czech Republic.
| | - Karel Hauptman
- Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého tr. 1946/1, Brno 61242, Czech Republic
| | - Zdenek Knotek
- Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Palackého tr. 1946/1, Brno 61242, Czech Republic
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Lanza A, Pettorali M, Baldi A, Spugnini EP. Surgery and electrochemotherapy treatment of incompletely excised mammary carcinoma in two male pet rats (Rattus norvegicus). J Vet Med Sci 2017; 79:623-625. [PMID: 28216544 PMCID: PMC5383187 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.16-0578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Two male rats (Rattus norvegicus; 18 and 24 months old), were referred for treatment of large masses located in the axillary area. Following
total body radiography and hematological and serum biochemical analysis, the rats were anesthetized, and the masses were surgically removed. Both lesions were
diagnosed as mammary carcinoma based on histopathological diagnosis. The tumor beds were treated with two sessions of electrochemotherapy (ECT), two weeks
apart. ECT involved cisplatin administration in the tumor bed, followed by a series of eight biphasic electric pulses. The treatment was well
tolerated, and the rats were disease-free after 10 and 14 months. Therefore, adjuvant ECT resulted in good local control of mammary carcinoma and can
potentially be used for adjuvant treatment of pet rats with cutaneous and adnexal tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Lanza
- Centro Veterinario Gianicolense, Via Lorenzo Valla 25, Rome, 00152, Italy
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