Evidence-Based Advances in Rodent Medicine

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).

Disorders of the Reproductive Tract of Rabbits

Disorders of the reproductive tract are common in rabbits. Conditions are different in rabbits that are farmed for their meat or fur and those that are kept as pets. Farmed rabbits suffer from infections and diseases associated with pregnancy. Congenital abnormalities are more likely to be recognized and treated in pet rabbits. Pet rabbits suffer from age-related changes to their genital tract (hyperplasia, neoplasia, or hernias). Neutering is an important part of prevention and treatment of reproductive disorders. Knowledge of normal male and female reproductive anatomy is essential to prevent complications. These are described and illustrated.

Rodent Oncology: Diseases, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics

Cancer incidence in rodent species varies dramatically from a common occurrence in mice and rats to just a limited number of documented cases in chinchillas and degus. This article summarizes common tumors, both benign and malignant, that have been reported to occur in rodents. Outlined are clinical signs, diagnostics, and treatments that have been described for rodents presenting with specific neoplasms.

Retrospective Evaluation of Nail Trimming as a Conservative Treatment for Ulcerative Dermatitis in Laboratory Mice

Ulcerative dermatitis (UD) is an idiopathic disease that affects C57BL/6 mice and those having a B6 background. The hallmark of UD is pruritus, which leads to self-mutilation and epidermal ulceration typically in the intrascapular region. Although several treatments for UD have been published, some involve the use of pharmacologic agents that might confound research results. In this retrospective study, we evaluated nail trimming to determine whether this conservative treatment approach improved the resolution rate of UD at our institution compared with that of untreated mice or those that received oral or topical antibiotics. Our findings show that the incidence of resolution of UD was significantly greater and that the time to resolution was shorter in mice treated with nail trimming compared with other groups. These findings support the use of nail trimming as an effective conservative treatment option for UD in B6 mice.

Thyroid diseases in rodent species

There are an abundance of studies of thyroid disease in rodents in a laboratory setting; however, research is limited in pet rodent populations. Validated reference intervals for thyroid testing are scarce, making interpretation of blood work difficult. Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism have been reported in multiple rodent species, with the most data available for guinea pigs. Thyroid neoplasia has been reported in the most common rodent species, although often as an incidental finding at necropsy. Further research is needed to determine frequencies of disease, methods of diagnosing, and treatment options with the best efficacy.

Ovarian cystic disease in guinea pigs

Ovarian cysts are nonfunctional, fluid-filled cysts that develop spontaneously near the ovaries throughout the female guinea pig's reproductive cycle, reducing fertility in females older than 15 months and causing potentially serious uterine disorders. Permanent treatment requires ovariohysterectomy or ovariectomy. This article reviews the clinical signs, diagnosis, histopathology, treatment (including hormonal therapies), surgery, and postoperative care.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous antegrade hydropropulsion to relieve ureteral obstruction in a pet guinea pig (Cavia porcellus)

Severe hydroureter and hydronephrosis secondary to ureteral obstruction by calculus were present in a guinea pig. A palliative ultrasound-guided percutaneous antegrade hydropropulsion was performed under general anesthesia to relieve the ureteral obstruction and the associated clinical signs. We describe the technique and the considerations for its potential application in similar cases.

Ovarian cysts in the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus)

This article reviews ovarian cysts in the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus), a disease commonly associated with symmetric, nonpruritic alopecia of the dorsum and flanks. Relevant anatomy is discussed and current theories of pathogenesis are reviewed. Prevalence, predisposing factors, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis are presented.

Bumblefoot: a comparison of clinical presentation and treatment of pododermatitis in rabbits, rodents, and birds

Pododermatitis, also known as bumblefoot, is a common condition encountered in birds, rabbits, and rodents in clinical practice. This article compares the anatomy and physiology of the foot and the predisposing factors for pododermatitis in each of the species discussed. Clinical presentation, diagnostics, and treatment options, including medical and surgical therapies, are provided. In addition, alternative therapies, including natural remedies, therapeutic laser, and acupuncture, are explored. This article is intended to encourage practitioners to use a multimodal approach for successful management of this disease in all species.

Hyperthyroidism and hyperparathyroidism in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus)

Abnormal conditions of the thyroid and parathyroid in the guinea pig appear in the English-language scientific literature on an emerging basis. Although true descriptions of abnormal thyroid and parathyroid anatomy or morphology are not new findings, the clinical condition of abnormal thyroid or parathyroid function seems to be a more common observation by clinicians in recent years. This article is an overview of general clinical conditions and adequate diagnosis, and offers treatment options.

Excellence in exotics: Case report: urolithiasis in a female Guinea pig

A 2-year-old, intact female guinea pig presented to the clinic for a history of squealing and straining to urinate for 2 days. The husbandry of this animal was acceptable, and the diet consisted of commercial alfalfa-based guinea pig pellets, alfalfa hay, a variety of vegetables, and a water-soluble vitamin C supplement.

Rabbit anti-rabies immunoglobulins production and evaluation

Due to the disadvantages of human and equine rabies immunoglobulin, it is necessary to develop a substitute for HRIG and ERIG, especially for those people living in the developing countries. Because of higher affinity and lower immunogenicity of rabbit's immunoglobulins, anti-rabies immunoglobulins specific to rabies virus were produced in rabbits as a bioreactor, and had been characterized by ELISA, affinity assay, immunofluorescence assay (IFA), immunocytochemistry, rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test (RFFIT). ELISA, affinity assay and IFA showed that rabbit RIG (RRIG) bound specifically to rabies virions. RFFIT result showed that RRIG has neutralization activity. This result was confirmed in vivo in a Kunming mouse challenge model and the protection rate of the treatment with RRIG was higher (25%) than that offered by HRIG when mice were challenged with a lethal RV dose. Our results demonstrate that RRIG is safe and efficacious as a candidate drug to replace rabies immunoglobulin in post-exposure prophylaxis.

A non-glycosylated, plant-produced human monoclonal antibody against anthrax protective antigen protects mice and non-human primates from B. anthracis spore challenge

The health and economic burden of infectious diseases in general and bioterrorism in particular necessitate the development of medical countermeasures. One proven approach to reduce the disease burden and spread of pathogen is treatment with monoclonal antibodies (mAb). mAbs can prevent or reduce severity of the disease by variety of mechanisms, including neutralizing pathogen growth, limiting its spread from infected to adjacent cells, or by inhibiting biological activity of toxins, such as anthrax lethal toxin. Here, we report the production of glycosylated (pp-mAb (PA) ) and non-glycosylated (pp-mAb (PANG) ) versions of a plant-derived mAb directed against protective antigen (PA) of Bacillus anthracis in Nicotiana benthamiana plants using agroinfiltration. Both forms of the antibody were able to neutralize anthrax lethal toxin activity in vitro and protect mice against an intraperitoneal challenge with spores of B. anthracis Sterne strain. A single 180 µg intraperitoneal dose of pp-mAb (PA) or pp-mAb (PANG) provided 90% and 100% survival, respectively. When tested in non-human primates, pp-mAb (PANG) was demonstrated to be superior to pp-mAb (PA) in that it had a significantly longer terminal half-life and conferred 100% protection against a lethal dose of aerosolized anthrax spore challenge after a single 5 mg/kg intravenous dose compared to a 40% survival rate conferred by pp-mAb (PA) . This study demonstrates the potential of a plant-produced non-glycosylated antibody as a useful tool for the treatment of inhalation anthrax.

Advanced diagnostic approaches and current management of internal disorders of select species (rodents, sugar gliders, hedgehogs)

African pygmy and European hedgehogs, sugar gliders, and rodents such as rats, mice, gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, and chinchillas are becoming increasingly popular as pets in the United States, and more practitioners are being asked to examine, diagnose, and treat these animals for a bevy of disorders and diseases. Many procedures and techniques used in traditional small and large animal medicine are used for these species, with minor adaptations or considerations. This article examines available diagnostic tools and treatment methodologies for use in hedgehogs, sugar gliders, and selected rodents.

Advanced diagnostic approaches and current management of thyroid pathologies in Guinea pigs

The authors have encountered multiple clinical cases of clinical hyperthyroidism in the guinea pig, which responded positively to clinical treatment. Hyperactive thyroids in the guinea pig appear to exist causing typical clinical signs. An early accurate diagnosis of this pathologic state is important in the clinical setting. One of the authors has encountered a few clinical cases of hypothyroidism in guinea pigs. Hypothyroidism appears to be a rare condition and has been described anecdotally in the German literature. Because of the rarity of hypothyroidism, the text focuses mainly on the guinea pig as a hyperthyroid case. A short description of the clinical presentation of the hypothyroid animal is included at the end of the text.

Emergency and critical care procedures in sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps), African hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris), and prairie dogs (Cynomys spp)

Less common exotic pet mammals are gaining in popularity. The Australian Sugar Glider, African Hedgehog, and prairie dog are seen regularly in exotic animal practices. They are subject to the same types of medical emergencies as more traditional pets, with the unfortunate addition of all too common underlying nutritional and husbandry-related disorders. Emergency stabilization and critical care are important first steps before collection of diagnostic test samples and administration of definitive medical care.

Emergency and critical care of rodents

Rodents may be presented on an emergency basis with various conditions causing debilitation and disease. Common causes of emergent presentations include trauma, respiratory disease, dental disease, gastrointestinal disease, reproductive disorders, and urinary tract obstruction. Emergency treatment should always include immediate stabilization of the patient until the patient is able to tolerate diagnostic testing and additional therapeutics. Rodent patients benefit from supportive care, including thermal, fluid, and nutritional support. Administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, antibiotics, and analgesics through various routes is also appropriate. This article presents an overview of emergency medicine in rodents, including emergency procedures, handling and restraint, triage and patient assessment, sample collection, and supportive care procedures. The most common emergency presentations for rodents are also discussed.

Cardiovascular anatomy, physiology, and disease of rodents and small exotic mammals

Cardiovascular disease in small exotic mammals is anecdotally common, but clinical reports of diagnosis and treatment of disease are rare. This article focuses on known causes of cardiovascular disease in the small exotic mammal. Normal anatomy and physiology, as it differs from the dog and cat, is also highlighted. Cardiomyopathy, dirofilariasis, atrial thrombosis, and other acquired and congenital cardiac and vascular diseases of rodents, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, raccoons, opossums, and skunks are reviewed. Expected clinical signs and diagnostic and treatment options, including a formulary, are provided for these species.

Spontaneous lymphoma in a prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus)

A 4-year-old, female, black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) was examined for acute dyspnea and two skin masses. Tentative diagnosis of lymphoma was made based on cytology of pleural effusion and the skin masses. Administration of prednisolone was initially effective in improving the condition; however, the clinical signs deteriorated after radiation therapy and administration of cyclophosphamide. Postmortem examination revealed that neoplastic lymphocytes had infiltrated most of the organs, and the histopathological diagnosis was multi-centric lymphoma.

Evaluation of a laryngoscope and a rigid endoscope for the examination of the oral cavity of small mammals

The oral cavities of 65 rabbits, 35 chinchillas, 38 guinea pigs, 19 degus and 13 prairie dogs suffering from a lack of appetite, hypersalivation, moist dermatitis, swelling of the lower jaw or mild exophthalmos were examined with a paediatric laryngoscope and rigid endoscope. The laryngoscope was safe and satisfactory for a preliminary examination, but changes in the less accessible caudal parts of the cavity could not be identified precisely. A rigid endoscope with 30 degrees optics made it possible to examine all parts of the oral cavity and oropharynx, and make detailed observations of surface lesions on the premolar and molar teeth and the mucosal surface of the gingiva, tongue and hard palate; endoscopy with 70 degrees optics provided an excellent view of the occlusal tooth surfaces, tooth crowns, and buccal mucosa. The collection of biopsy samples, the removal of foreign objects and the correction of malocclusions were greatly simplified by the use of the endoscope owing to the clear visualisation of the procedures, and the risk of injury was minimised. The examinations with a laryngoscope were made effectively on animals that were manually restrained, but a thorough examination with a rigid endoscope required the animals to be anaesthetised.

Detection, eradication, and research implications of Helicobacter infections in laboratory rodents

Researchers first isolated and characterized Helicobacter hepaticus in 1994 as a cause of hepatitis that progressed to hepatocellular carcinoma in A/JCr mice. During the past decade, isolation and characterization of additional novel helicobacters from rodents has continued. In addition to causing overt disease, rodent helicobacter infections are important because intercurrent disease in select models will confound research data. Emerging evidence suggests that inflammatory responses to enterohepatic helicobacter infections may alter host responses to other experimental stimuli in unanticipated ways. Additionally, scientists have experimentally infected a variety of inbred mouse strains and genetically engineered mice with a variety of Helicobacter spp. isolated from rodents, birds, and higher mammals (including humans) to develop animal models of gastrointestinal diseases as well as idiopathic human disease syndromes. This review highlights current information about helicobacter infections in laboratory rodents and provides recommendations for the detection and eradication of these infections. The authors discuss the impact of subclinical and clinical disease and offer recommendations for managing helicobacter-free rodent colonies.

Common rodent procedures

Rodents are commonly owned exotic animal pets that may be seen by veterinary practitioners. Although most owners presenting their animals do care about their pets, they may not be aware of the diagnostic possibilities and challenges that can be offered by rodents to the veterinarian. Understanding clinical anatomy, proper hand-ling technique, realistic management of emergency presentations,correct and feasible diagnostic sampling, anesthesia, and humane euthanasia procedures is important to enhancing the doctor-client-patient relationship, especially when financial constraints may be imposed by the owner.

Exotic mammal renal disease: diagnosis and treatment

Knowledge of the renal anatomy and clinical pathology associated with renal disease can help the practitioner with interpretation of imaging procedures and urine, blood, and serum biochemical values. This article discusses specimen collection techniques, along with species variables in several clinical pathology parameters. Diagnostic tools and interpretations are discussed for the more common renal maladies affecting exotic mammals. Treatment guidelines are offered for general as well as specific exotic mammal renal diseases.

Fungal diseases of laboratory rodents

Although fungal disease is uncommon in rodents, dermatophytosis is the most common mycosis seen in clinical practice. T. mentagrophytes is the most common etiologic agent, and the guinea pig is the most common species affected, although there are reports in all pet and laboratory rodent species except the gerbil. Despite the low incidence of clinical disease, rodents are common asymptomatic carriers of dermatophytes, and ringworm is the most common zoonotic disease transmitted from rodents to people.

Malocclusions in guinea pigs, chinchillas and rabbits

The types of malocclusions encountered in rodents and lagomorphs are classified. Diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis are reviewed. Some malocclusions are curable, whereas others can only be controlled. The need to perform a complete oral examination and to find a cause for the condition is stressed, as it will seriously affect the prognosis.

Ocular disorders of pet mice and rats

As mice and rats become more popular as pets, it is expected that they will be seen more often in general veterinary practice. It is hoped that this increase in doctor visits will be associated with an increased number of clinical reports that describe ophthalmic disorders observed in these species. Until then, clinicians must rely on extrapolation and cautious application of data that are generated in laboratory strains.

[Dental problems in rabbits and rodents. II. Dental treatment]

Anatomy and physiology of the different dentition, the common symptoms and the clinical diagnosis are discussed in the first part of the article on dental and oral problems in rodents and rabbits. In this article (the second part) prognosis, treatment plan, treatment and prevention are described.

Treatment of chronic hepadnavirus infection in a woodchuck animal model with an inhibitor of protein folding and trafficking

A novel strategy for anti-viral intervention of hepatitis B virus (HBV) through the disruption of the proper folding and transport of the hepadnavirus glycoproteins is described. Laboratory reared woodchucks chronically infected with woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) were treated with N-nonyl-deoxynojirimycin (N-nonyl-DNJ), an inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) alpha-glucosidases. The woodchucks experienced significant dose dependent decreases in enveloped WHV, resulting in undetectable amounts in some cases. The reduction in viremia correlated with the levels of hyperglucosylated glycan in the serum of treated animals. This correlation supports the mechanism of action associated with the drug and highlights the extreme sensitivity of the virus to this type of glycan inhibitor. At N-nonyl-DNJ concentrations that prevented WHV secretion, the glycosylation of most serum glycoproteins appeared unaffected, suggesting great selectivity for this class of therapeutics. Indeed, this may account for the low toxicity of the compound over the treatment period. We provide the first evidence that glucosidase inhibitors can be used in vivo to alter specific steps in the N-linked glycosylation pathway and that this inhibition has anti-viral effects.

Animal models for nervous system disease in systemic lupus erythematosus

Animal models have much to teach us about nervous system dysfunction in SLE. It should be stressed that the murine strains described in this review have variable expression in the onset and severity of clinical and serological features, perhaps making them more like a heterogeneous human population with SLE. With this in mind, studies involving animal models like those involving human subjects should use a sample size that ensures adequate power. It is not surprising that studies that use sample sizes as low as four to five animals per group would find discrepant results, especially in outcomes that are measured prior to the terminal phases of the disease. Similar to human SLE patients, murine models have systemic autoimmune as well as neurological manifestations. Studies with murine models must continue to consider some type of SLE disease activity measures in order to control for the effects of systemic disease on nervous system dysfunction. Because of the short time window between the earliest evidence of neurologic dysfunction and severe autoimmune disease manifestations, especially in MRL/lpr mice, the disease acceleration model may allow a more careful dissection of how immunological events are related to nervous system dysfunction. Alternatively, the study of MRL/lpr mice ultraearly (e.g., 3 weeks of age) could also provide invaluable information about the first events leading to nervous system dysfunction in SLE. Both approaches promise to identify predictors of specific nervous system manifestations that may suggest novel and more specific therapeutic interventions.

Gene therapy for murine mucopolysaccharidosis type VII

Mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (MPS VII) is caused by a deficiency in the lysosomal enzyme beta-glucuronidase resulting in the accumulation of undegraded glycosaminoglycans in many tissues. A murine model of MPS VII shares many of the clinical, biochemical and histopathological features of human MPS VII and has provided an opportunity to study novel therapeutic approaches in a system with a uniform genetic background. Retroviral mediated gene therapy directed to the hematopoietic system or to artificial neo-organs resulted in low levels of enzyme in several tissues and reduced lysosomal storage in the liver and spleen. Partial correction of the disease in the eye was observed following an intravitreal injection of recombinant adenovirus. Neither retroviral nor adenoviral mediated gene transfer techniques resulted in a systemic reduction of lysosomal storage. Here we discuss several novel gene transfer approaches designed to increase the systemic levels of beta-glucuronidase in the MPS VII mouse.

Effect of fatty acid treatment in cerebral malaria-susceptible and nonsusceptible strains of mice

Cerebral malaria-susceptible (C57BL/6) mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbA) developed low parasitemia and died from typical neurological symptoms between 8 to 10 days after infection. In contrast, nonsusceptible (BALB/c) mice developed high peripheral blood parasitemia and died 22-24 days later without neurological implications. Daily injections of fatty acids (FA) during the first 3 days after infection protected C57BL/6 mice from cerebral symptoms but had no effect on BALB/c mice. Thus, treated C57BL/6 mice developed hyperparasitemia and died 25 days after infection, like BALB/c mice. Red blood cells from C57BL/6 control mice were found to be more resistant to lysis by linoleic acid than those of BALB/c mice. Three days following infection with PbA, these differences disappeared. Treatment with FA prevented these changes. We concluded that the host's cells were altered soon after infection and that the nature and degree of alterations depended on the mouse strain, thus determining the eventual outcome of the infection. Likewise, the effects of FA might not be directed against the parasite but rather seem to act early after infection on these parasite-induced modifications of host cells.

Small rodents

Although rodent pets constitute only a small percentage of pets seen in practice, owners of rodents are as dedicated to those pets as are other owners to the more common dogs and cats. Rodents make excellent pets, with low space, feeding, and economic requirements. Medical care for rodents is based primarily on gross clinical signs, because most standard diagnostic tests done in larger animals cannot be done in small rodents. Even with that disadvantage, however, specific diagnosis of most rodent diseases is possible, and several of those diseases can be treated successfully. Among the common diseases of small rodents are ascariasis, pyoderma, incisor malocclusion and overgrowth, neoplasia and abcessation, nephrosis and amyloidosis, respiratory infection, enteritis, and neurologic disorders. Most drugs used in rodents, including anesthetics, are the same as those used in other species, with the exception of several drugs contraindicated in hamsters.

[Digestive disorders in rabbits and guinea pigs]

Numerous digestive tract diseases in pet rabbits and guinea pigs result from both an inherent physiological predisposition and from poor feeding and husbandry. A large proportion of digestive disturbances in rabbits and guinea pigs are secondary to changes in the oral cavity caused by inadequate teeth wear. The required regular trimming of the cheek teeth using a modified spatula and hollow pair of pincers is described and illustrated. The symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of a selection of digestive disorders, as commonly encountered in small animal practice, are presented. The difficulties of using antibiotics in view of the gram positive intestinal flora and possible dysbacteria, dysentery and enterotoxaemia are considered. Finally, advice on feeding and on the rearing of orphan neonates is given.

Immunotherapeutic efficacy of bovine colostral immunoglobulins from a hyperimmunized cow against cryptosporidiosis in neonatal mice

Infection with Cryptosporidium parvum, a ubiquitous protozoan parasite of virtually all mammals, can cause mild to severe diarrhea in immunocompetent hosts and life-threatening diarrhea in immunocompromised hosts. Passive immunotherapy of experimentally infected animals and naturally infected humans with hyperimmune bovine colostrum has been reported to be efficacious, whereas chemotherapy has not. In this study, the efficacy of specific immunoglobulin isotypes purified from bovine colostrum from a cow hyperimmunized with Cryptosporidium parvum was assessed in neonatal BALB/c mice. Mice were orally infected with oocysts and treated with whole whey immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1), IgG2, IgA, or IgM at six intervals from 22 to 66 h postinfection. In histologic sections of intestine examined at 72 h postinfection, the reduction in number of intestinal stages in treated mice versus untreated controls was very highly significant (P less than 0.0001). The greatest reduction in parasite number was found in mice treated with IgG1, IgA, or whey.

[Lethal effects of various antimicrobial agents and clinically usable alternatives in rabbits and rodents]

The lethal effects of antibiotics which may be observed in rabbits and some rodent species are reviewed. A selection of antibiotics and chemotherapeutic agents and their respective dosages are referred to, which may be used therapeutically in these animals. Suggestions are made for the treatment of enterocolitis induced by antibiotics in rabbits.

Hypercorticism and manganese metabolism in brown adipose tissue of the obese mouse

In ob/ob mice, we showed previously that brown adipose tissue (BAT) has an abnormally low manganese (Mn) content associated with low Mn-superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activities. These anomalies can be corrected partially by supplementing the diet with Mn. The present work was designed to find out whether the hypercorticism of the obese mouse plays a role in this anomalous Mn metabolism in BAT. Mn content and MnSOD and SDH activities were determined in BAT from control and adrenalectomized (ADX) obese mice and from control and corticosterone-supplemented lean mice. Adrenalectomy of the obese mouse restored BAT Mn content, SDH activity and lipid peroxidative activity to normal but had little effect on MnSOD activity. Corticosteroid supplementation in the lean mouse did not reproduce the anomalies of Mn metabolism found in the untreated obese mouse. These results show that hypercorticism alone is not responsible for the anomalies of Mn metabolism. It is possible that the hyperinsulinemia of the obese mouse is involved in this process since adrenalectomy corrected hyperinsulinemia in the obese mouse, but corticosteroid supplementation of the lean mouse did not reproduce the high plasma insulin levels or the anomalies in body composition typical of the untreated obese mouse.

Acute diarrhoeal disease in rabbit: bacteriological diagnosis and efficacy of oral rehydration in combination with loperamide hydrochloride

Acute outbreaks of diarrhoea with high mortality rates are frequently observed in rabbits. Amongst various aetiological factors Escherichia coli or its toxins have been found to be commonly incriminated. Sulphonamides or antibiotics are used to treat rabbits with bacterial diarrhoea. The result of the antibiotic treatment is moderately successful. We had good results using oral rehydration treatment in combination with loperamide hydrochloride (Immodium) in a colony of rabbits with E. coli diarrhoea.

Veterinary care of rodents and lagomorphs

The species covered in this paper are the mouse, rat, golden hamster, gerbil (jird), guinea pig and rabbit, all of which are commonly kept as pets as well as for exhibition purposes, education and research. An understanding of the biology of these small mammals is necessary if they are to be satisfactorily restrained, examined and treated. They are susceptible to a range of infectious and non-infectious diseases. Small mammals have a high metabolic rate and a large body surface area. Anaesthesia and surgery may therefore present problems of hypoglycaemia and hypothermia. Various anaesthetic agents can be used and a range of surgical procedures may be safely and successfully performed.

[Veterinary aspects of the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus)]

The present paper is concerned with a number of features such as feeding, housing, and reproduction. In addition, attention is paid to clinical pictures of importance in the field, with reference to diagnosis and treatment, in so far as they are stated in the literature. The paper concludes with a list of types of differential diagnosis.

Congenitally osteopetrotic (oplop) mice are not cured by transplants of spleen or bone marrow cells from normal littermates

Congenital mammalian osteopetrosis is characterized by a generalized skeletal sclerosis due to reduced bone resorption by osteoclasts. This condition can be cured in several mutant strains of mice and rats by transplantation of spleen or bone marrow cells from normal littermates. The ability of this regimen to cure osteopetrosis in oplop mice was examined in 23 mice treated with spleen or bone marrow cells from normal littermates and followed for up to 80 days. In no instance was there radiographic or histologic evidence of removal of the excessive skeletal mass characteristic of the disease. These data show that spleen or bone marrow cells do not cure osteopetrosis in this mutation. Recent demonstrations that not all children with congenital osteopetrosis are cured by bone marrow transplants from HLA-matched donors suggest that the oplop mouse mutation may be a useful model system in which to develop alternate treatments.