Hamsters ONLINE EDITIONWILDLIFE

ONLINE EDITIONWILDLIFE and EXOTICS | GERBILS AND HAMSTERS VETERINARY PRACTICE TODAY | VOLUME SEVEN | ISSUE THREE | 2019 60 Figure 5. A hamster with a Trichophyton mentagrophytes infection. The lesions started on the ears and progressed to the face, scrotum and feet. Figure 4. Abdominal distention in a gerbil as a result of bilateral ovarian cysts on post-mortem, neoplasia was also implicated. Condition Description Clinical signs Diagnosis Treatment/prognosis Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushings disease) caused by adrenocortical hyperplasia or adenoma more similar to canine than ferret hyperadrenocorticism PU/PD, polyphagia, alopecia hyperpigmentation elevated ALP elevated plasma cortisol levels enlarged adrenals on US/ exploratory surgery mitotane at 5mg PO every 24 hours for 30 days treatment, however, is often not effective Cutaneous lymphoma very common neoplasia of hamsters predominantly presents in adults anorexia, weight loss, alopecia, scabs, exfoliative erythroderma cytology or histopathology no recognised treatment euthanasia when quality of life is questionable Pyometra common and fatal if not treated promptly shouldnt be confused with normal oestrous discharge vaginal discharge cytology to confirm clinical signs swift surgical intervention ovariohysterectomy limited information available on medical treatment effectiveness Polycystic disease different organs can be affected, mainly the liver abdominal distention dyspnoea ultrasonography radiography therapy is mostly palliative drainage of the cysts, performed under general anaesthesia for safety will reoccur again in two to four weeks . Table 3 . Common infectious conditions seen in hamsters The antibiotics penicillin, amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, ampicillin, clindamycin, cephalosporin, streptomycin, lincomycin and erythromycin should never be used in these species Hamsters There are various species of hamster that can be owned as pets the most common species being the golden/ Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus). Others include the Russian hamster (Phodopus sungorus), Roborowskii Russian hamster (Phodopus roborowskii) and the Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus). They come in various colourations, live for 1.5 to two years and, generally speaking, unless poorly handled or scared, they will rarely bite. Hamsters are solitary species consequently they will fight and cause WWW.VETCOMMUNIT Y.COM | ONLINE EDITION