Disease of the urinary system of commonly kept rodents: Diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

Urinary-tract disease is relatively common in pet rodents. Diagnostic principles and management regimens for these species are essentially the same as those used for dogs and cats with urinary-tract disease. The most common disorders of the urinary system include urolithiasis in guinea pigs, chronic interstitial nephritis in aged gerbils, amyloidosis and arteriolar nephrosclerosis in hamsters, chronic progressive nephrosis in rats, and neoplasia in both mice and rats. Many of the disorders are more common in geriatric rodents and may present late in the course of the disease. Supportive care for renal failure in all species is similar: dietary restriction of protein and calcium, fluid therapy, unrestricted water, and husbandry changes to accommodate increased urine output.