Reproductive disorders in rodents

Abstract

Reproductive disorders are common in both breeding and non-breeding rodents, and their small size and prey animal status can make them challenging patients. However, a thorough physical examination and imaging techniques can often supply valuable information to inform a diagnosis. Routine neutering will prevent the majority of reproductive diseases in rodents, but is not as commonly recommended or performed in rodents as in other companion mammals. However, it is an elective surgical procedure that should be considered and offered to pet owners, particularly for female rats and guinea pigs. Reproductive disorders of male rodents are relatively uncommon, but routine castration may also be used for prevention of breeding or to enable males to be kept together without fighting.