Urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus): Reference range and the effect of age and sex.

Background: There are currently few reports on the normal urinary protein-to-creatinine (UPC) ratio of guinea pigs, and there is little information on the effects of age and sex on this parameter.

Methods: Urinary protein and creatinine concentrations were measured in a total of 161 clinically healthy guinea pigs, and the UPC ratio was subsequently calculated. The effect of age and sex on these parameters was assessed using Mann-Whitney U tests.

Adrenal Disease in Small Mammals.

Adrenal gland disease has been described as a rare disease in pet rabbits and rodents. Hyperadrenocorticism with excessive secretion of corticosteroids is most commonly observed in guinea pigs and hamsters, with dermatologic signs similar to those seen in dogs. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs, diagnostic imaging such as abdominal ultrasound, and determination of the blood hormone concentrations.

RATTUS (Rat Thoracic Ultrasound): diagnosis of pneumothorax in pet rats.

Introduction: Rat thoracic ultrasound (RATTUS) is a non-invasive, easy-to-perform method for the evaluation of the pleural space and lungs in pet rats. The aim of the article is to present species-specific differences in the sonographic diagnosis of pneumothorax (PTX) in pet rats.

Methods: In total, 158 client-owned pet rats were examined during the period from July 2023 to January 2024.

The Rat Thoracic Ultrasound protocol: scanning technique and normal findings.

Respiratory diseases (especially pneumonia) are very common disorders in pet rats. The suspected diagnosis is mostly based on the clinical signs, thoracic auscultation, and thoracic radiography. However, auscultation is insensitive in determining the severity of the disease, and radiographs are often unremarkable.

Radical debridement guided by advanced imaging and frequent monitoring is an effective approach for the treatment of odontogenic abscesses and jaw osteomyelitis in rabbits: a review of 200 cases (2018-2023).

Objective: To report the prevalence and document the treatment and outcome of odontogenic abscesses and associated jaw osteomyelitis in pet rabbits.

Animals: 200 client-owned rabbits.

Methods: Pet rabbits surgically treated using extraoral teeth extraction with marsupialization for abscesses of dental origin and jaw osteomyelitis were included in the study (February 2018 to February 2023).

Changes in rabbit lymphocyte subpopulations and activation following long-term administration of meloxicam.

Meloxicam is a commonly used analgesic in rabbits. However, its possible impact on lymphocyte subpopulations remained unknown. The aim of the study was to investigate a possible effect of long-term administration of meloxicam on rabbit lymphocyte subpopulations.

Cardiology in Rodents, Rabbits, and Small Exotic Mammals-Diagnostic Workup.

The incidence of cardiac diseases in pet rabbits and rodents increased over the past decade as these species live longer and diagnostics methods are more precise to diagnose heart diseases even in small-sized animals. The article summarizes diagnostics of cardiac diseases in selected exotic companion mammals, particularly in rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and rats. The emphasis of the paper is given on clinical examination, thoracic radiography, electrocardiography, and echocardiography.

Electrolyte, Oestradiol and Progesterone Concentrations in Ovarian Cyst Fluid in Guinea Pigs (Cavia porcellus).

Despite their high prevalence, the aetiopathogenesis of ovarian cysts in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) is unknown. We examined tissue samples of cystic ovaries from 20 guinea pigs by histopathology and immunohistochemistry for CD10 antigen, and determined the concentrations of Na, K, Cl, oestradiol and progesterone in the cyst fluid. Cystic rete ovarii were found in all 20 guinea pigs but no follicular cysts.

Case Report: Spontaneous Appendicitis With Suspected Involvement of in Two Pet Rabbits.

Although laboratory rabbits are commonly used as models of appendicitis in man, spontaneous appendicitis was only described in one pet rabbit with an acute abdomen. The aim of this article is to describe two spontaneous cases of appendicitis in pet rabbits, to describe therapeutic appendectomy, and to discuss the microbial flora of the inflamed appendix. A 5-month-old intact female and a 16-month-old, neutered male were presented to the veterinary clinic with restlessness, anorexia, and reduced faecal output.

Use of Micro-CT Imaging to Assess Ventral Mandibular Cortical Thickness and Volume in an Experimental Rodent Model With Chronic High-Phosphorus Intake.

Adverse effects of high dietary phosphorus on bone health have been observed in both animal and human studies. The aim of the investigation was to examine chronic effects of high phosphorus diet on the apical mandibular cortical thickness and volume in a hystricomorph rodent () using microcomputed tomography. Male degus were randomly divided into two groups fed by different mineral contents from the age of 12 weeks till the age of 17 months.

Urolithiasis in a captive Siberian chipmunk (Eutamias sibiricus).

This clinical case describes struvite urolithiasis in a pet chipmunk. Physical examination revealed the presence of two ovoid palpable masses in the caudal part of the abdomen, which were later confirmed by radiography as urinary bladder stone. The animal underwent ventral midline laparotomy and uroliths were successfully removed.

Respiratory Disorders in Rabbits.

Respiratory disorders are very common in rabbits. Rabbits are obligate nasal breathers, so "simple" rhinitis can cause severe respiratory distress and patient collapse. Causes of dyspnea could be of primary origin or secondary, whereby diseases primarily affecting other organs can result in respiratory embarrassment even if the respiratory system is healthy (eg, anemia, cardiac disease).

Respiratory Diseases in Guinea Pigs, Chinchillas and Degus.

The diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disease in pet guinea pigs, chinchillas, and degus still face profoundly serious challenges owing to their relatively small size, conspicuous clinical signs, difficulty for sampling, and insufficient scientific evidence to correlate signs and particular pathologies. This article is intended to summarize the available information on the relevant anatomy, physiology, and respiratory pathology in these species.

Mast cells and Kurloff cells - Their detection throughout the oestrous cycle in normal guinea pig ovaries and in guinea pigs with cystic rete ovarii.

Mast cells (MCs) and Kurloff cells (KCs) were detected in guinea pig ovaries in the follicular and luteal phases of the oestrous cycle. The samples of ovaries were fixed in Mota's basic lead acetate. Toluidine blue was used for detection of MCs and periodic acid-Schiff for detection of KCs.

A case of a complete atrioventricular canal defect in a ferret.

Background: Atrioventricular canal defect is a rare congenital disorder of the heart and describes the presence of an atrial septal defect, a variable presentation of ventricular septal alterations including ventricular septal defect malformations in the mitral and tricuspid valves. The defect has been described in human beings, dogs, cats, pigs, and horses.

Case Presentation: This paper describes the case of a complete atrioventricular canal defect in a four-year-old intact male pet ferret (Mustela putorius furo), which was presented due to posterior weakness, ataxia, and decreased appetite.

Bilayer mucoadhesive buccal films with prolonged release of ciclopirox olamine for the treatment of oral candidiasis: In vitro development, ex vivo permeation testing, pharmacokinetic and efficacy study in rabbits.

The incidence of fungal infections has increased in recent decades not only in patients with predisposing and risk factors, but it has also spread up due to the widespread use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, immunosuppressants and corticosteroids. A limited number of drugs are currently used to treat oral candidiasis (OC). There is an emerging need to look for new antifungals, to rework or to explore the already known molecules.

Immunohistochemical Detection of in Ocular Structures of Immunocompetent Rabbits.

Encephalitozoonosis is a common infectious disease widely spread among rabbits. Its causative agent, , is considered as a zoonotic and emerging pathogen capable of infecting both immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts, including humans. In rabbits, clinical signs include neurological, kidney and ocular disease.

Vertebral formula and congenital abnormalities of the vertebral column in rabbits.

The aim of this retrospective study of 330 rabbits (164 males, 166 females) was to determine different vertebral formulas and prevalence of congenital vertebral anomalies in rabbits from radiographs of the cervical (C), thoracic (Th), lumbar (L) and sacral (S) segments of the vertebral column. The number of vertebrae in each segment of vertebral column, position of anticlinal vertebra and localisation and type of congenital abnormalities were recorded. In 280/330 rabbits (84.

Diagnostic imaging modalities and surgical anatomy of the temporomandibular joint in rabbits.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a condylar synovial joint that, together with the masticatory muscles, controls mandibular movement during mastication. The rabbit is often used as a model species for studying the mechanisms of TMJ diseases, and in regenerative research. However, there are significant differences between rabbit and human TMJs that should be taken into account before using this model for experimental research.

Reproductive Medicine in Ferrets.

In the United States, desexing is performed routinely in ferrets at the age of 6 weeks, therefore reproductive tract diseases are not so common. However, in Europe most ferrets are desexed when they are several months old, or they are kept as intact animals. For this reason, diseases of the reproductive organs and a prolonged estrus are far more frequent in Europe than in the United States.

Calcium sulfate dihydrate urolithiasis in a pet rabbit.

CASE DESCRIPTION A 3-year-old sexually intact male rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was evaluated because of a 1-day history of signs of anorexia and depression. CLINICAL FINDINGS Clinical examination revealed signs of depression, hunched posture, low skin elasticity (suggesting dehydration), slightly distended abdomen, and penile and preputial edema. The owner reported that the rabbit had been fed a routine diet, received water via a sipper bottle, and was allowed free movement around the home.