hromodacryorrhea (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 unproven.
Diarrhea prevention (using antibiotics correctly, treating intestinal parasites, and avoiding dietary indiscretion) is preferred to treatment.
Cystitis and urolithiasis are occasionally seen; they are more common in guinea pigs than in other rodents.
Clinical signs: hematuria, wet perineum, bloody discharge from genitalia, blood in the cage
Diagnosis: palpable urinary calculi, radiographic exam, urinalysis, and/or urine culture
Cystitis treatment: appropriate antibiotics
Urolithiasis treatment: surgical removal of calculi
Signs of vitamin C deficiency (scurvy)
Guinea pigs require exogenous vitamin C
Clinical signs: subcutaneous and joint hemorrhages, anorexia, poor hair coat, weight loss, lethargy, arthralgia, and nasal discharge. Always suspect hypovitaminosis C in any sick guinea pig.
Treatment: Vitamin C, 100 mg/guinea pig, IM or SC, daily (in hospital)
Prevention: Feed fresh pellets (guinea pig formula) and supplement the water with vitamin C
"Acute" anorexia and lethargy
"Acute" is a misnomer. Pet rodents have a well-developed preservation response and will mask signs of illness until compensation no longer is possible.
Geriatric conditions are common causes. Normal life spans are:
Guinea pig: 4 8 years
Gerbils: 2 4 years
Rats, mice, & hamsters: 1 3 years
Complete history, physical examination, and subsequent laboratory/clinical tests are essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Prognosis is grave, if pet is moribund upon presentation.
vinid = JA013008, date1298
Journal info: ISSN 8750-7943; ID=J035, VM
All rights reserved, copyright, Veterinary Information Network, Inc., 1998