SECTION FOUR

Small Rodents

CHAPTER 26
Basic Anatomy, Physiology,
Husbandry, and Clinical
Techniques

Angela M. Lennox, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian),

and Louise Bauck, DVM, MVSc
 

(squirrel-like); and the Myomorpha (mouse- or rat-like).20

General Characteristics Although body size varies greatly, in general rodents possess
Rats a uniform body structure with various adaptations. While the
Mice medical approach to the many small rodents species commonly
Hamsters kept as pets is similar, unusual species are sometimes encoun-
Gerbils tered in practice, and more specific information about these spe-
Anatomic and Physiologic Characteristics cies can be found elsewhere.19
General The suborder Myomorpha contains many species of small
Sexing rodents that appear in the pet trade, including rats, mice, ham-
Rats sters, and gerbils. Species in this group possess elodont incisors
and anelodont cheek teeth.6 The testicles and scrotum are usu-
Mice
ally large in relation to the overall body size, and the inguinal
Hamsters
canal is open, allowing the testicles to pass freely from the abdo-
Gerbils men to the scrotum.20 Sciruomorph species such as squirrels
Husbandry and chipmunks are less commonly kep.
Housing and Equipment
Diet and Feeding
RATS
Zoonosis
Clinical Techniques Rats (Rattus norvegicus) are common pets and are consid-
Handling and Restraint ered one of the better rodent pets because of their larger size
Sample Collection and calm nature. Rats are most popular in the pet market
Other Diagnostic Testing Procedures in hooded color varieties, in which the coat color is present
only over the head and shoulders. Rats are generally hardy as
Hospitalization
young animals but may suffer from obesity, chronic respira-
Therapeutics
tory disease, and mammary tumors when older. Rats are large
enough to be easily grasped by children, and they rarely bite.
Some may be excitable and run when removed from their
cages; however, rats have been known to return to their cages
after “escaping.” Rats are social and can live in mixed sex
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
groups, and males may be present while females are raising
The hundreds of species belonging to the order Rodentia are litters. Introduction of strangers can be performed success-
grouped into three suborders based on the anatomic and func- fully on neutral territory.20 Rats are relatively intelligent and
tional differences of the masseter muscle. These three groups seem interested in humans; they can be trained to come when
are the Caviomorpha (guinea pig-like); the Sciuromorpha called for a treat.

Copyright © 2012 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 339