Guide to veterinary care of small rodents

Abstract

Background: Rodents comprise the largest order of mammals, with novel species still being discovered worldwide. This article concentrates on the Myomorph suborder (mouse‐like rodents) containing the families Muridae (true mice: rats and mice) and Cricetidae (burrowing rodents: gerbils and hamsters). Most information available for these species originates from their use in laboratory research as animal models for disease, or associated with disease transfer, acting as reservoir hosts for many infectious diseases. This field of veterinary medicine is rapidly evolving, with more publications on pet rodent medicine available to veterinary practitioners and a greater client expectation for the diagnosis and treatment of their pet rodents in veterinary practice.Aim of the article: This article reviews the basic biology and husbandry of the commonly seen small rodent species in veterinary practice (rats, mice, hamsters and gerbils), and discusses how to take a thorough history and perform a clinical examination, including handling techniques. It also covers common clinical techniques, diagnostic procedures, hospitalisation requirements and small rodent emergency and critical care, and provides an overview of common clinical problems, including diagnosis and treatment of these conditions. This article is a useful guide for all veterinarians, whether treating small rodents rarely or as a regular occurrence in veterinary practice.