esion in the dorsal lumbar region with alopecic and crusted skin overlying the tumor; keratinous material or hemorrhagic exudate may come from a central pore); neoplasms of the lungs, reproductive tract, mammary glands, & hematopoietic system
Hamsters: nodal lymphosarcomas, adrenal cortical tumors, and uterine adenocarcinomas; rarely, cheek pouch neoplasia
Gerbils: squamous cell carcinomas, melanomas, and female reproductive tract neoplasms
Diagnosis of solid tumors: fine-needle aspiration & cytologic exam; excisional biopsy/surgical removal & histopathologic exam
Other diagnostic aids: blood tests, radiographic and/or sonogram examinations, biopsies, and post mortem examinations
Tumor removal is usually curative, but depends on the tumor type.
Respiratory problems are commonly noted by owners. Clinical symptoms range from mild nasal or ocular discharge to anorexia, lethargy, dyspnea, and increased respiratory sounds upon auscultation (dry or moist rales, wheezing).
Guinea pigs: Bordetella spp. and Streptococcus spp.
Rats and mice: Mycoplasma spp.
Other rodents: Streptococcus spp., Pasteurella spp., and Corynebacterium spp.
Other causes: viruses, heat stress, allergies, pregnancy toxemia (guinea pigs only), and irritation from bedding material
Diagnosis: history, clinical signs, and radiographic exam
Systemic antibiotics - Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or trimethoprim-sulfadiazine at 30 mg/kg PO BID
Ophthalmic drops/ointments - Tetracycline, chloramphenicol, gentamicin
Added treatments for more severe cases (dyspnea, anorexia, lethargy):
Fluid therapy - Give a balanced electrolyte solution (lactated Ringers solution) at 10 ml/100g body weight/day for maintenance; use subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, or intraosseous (anesthetized patients only) routes.
Warm patient in incubator warming (< 80° F)
Give parenteral antibiotics: enrofloxacin 10 mg/kg SC BID
Supply oxygen therapy
Give supplemental vitamin C (50 100 mg/pet IM BID) to all sick guinea pigs
Advise owner that prognosis is guarded to poor with severe disease.
Chromodacryorrhea (red or bronze tears from pigment in lacrimal secretions) is commonly seen in respiratory disease.
Usually seen in rats; may be seen in mice and gerbils
Caused by illness, stress, or sialodacryoadenitis virus.
Signs: red/bronze tearing, squinting, blinking, eye rubbing, sneezing
Treatment: Antibiotic (tetracycline) ophthalmic ointment
Mycoplasma spp. ocular infections
Treatment: Antibiotic (tetracycline) ophthalmic ointment
Gerbils: ocular disorder associated with inflammation, enlargement, or prolapse of the harderian gland
Treatment: surgical removal of the gland
Caused by overgrown incisors (all rodents) and/or premolars or molars (guinea pigs only)
Malocclusion of cheek teeth can be caused by hereditary factors, tooth injury, infection of the oral cavity, and severe malnutrition.
Dx: otoscopic exam; radiographic exam
Treatment: trim every 4 6 weeks using a dental drill, rotary tool, or rongeurs on a sedated or anesthetized patient
Chew sticks or wood pieces may help prevent overgrow incisors, but the wood may splinter and injure the oral mucosa
Prognosis is poor if malocclusion of cheek teeth is present
Seen in anorexic, lethargic, and moribund patients that are terminally ill; also seen in young pet rodents, especially hamsters..
Caused by: viruses, inappropriate administration of antibiotics, intestinal parasites (usually coccidia; rarely tapeworms), Cryptosporidia spp., bacteria (Escherichia coli; Campylobacter spp.; Clostridium piliformis & other Cl. spp.).
May cause rectal prolapse, especially in hamsters and mice, and is difficult to cure.
Complete history should include whether or not pet store antibiotics have been given ("diarrhea treatments" such as tetracycline and neomycin).
Treatment: Fluid therapy (SC or IP), as needed; oral electrolytes; oral kaolin-pectin products; increased dietary fiber (hay and vegetables); cease pellet feeding; oral antibiotics (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, or doxycycline).
Lactobacillus (yogurt) supplements may help but the benefits are un