Lab Animal Husbandry
Rodents are usually fed ad libitum, which means
Free choice
Lab animals that are free of absolutely all microorganisms and parasites are called
Axenic
Before inducing anesthesia, how long should a pet rat be fasted?
Fasting is NOT indicated!
What is the avian equivalent to neutrophils in mammals?
Heterophils
What is the average life span of an African Hedgehog in captivity?
3 - 5 years
The preferred ratio of hours of light to darkness for most laboratory rodents is
12:12
Audiogenic seizures are a common problem in what species
Gerbils
What vein may readily be used for blood collection in mice and rats?
Tail vein
The _______ is the common terminal chamber of the GI tract, urinary system and reproductive system in birds.
Cloaca
Provide 2 words you would use to describe the morphology of healthy, mature reptile red blood cells
Oval in shape, nucleated and larger in size than mammalian RBCs
A client is concerned that her guinea pig is not getting enough vitamin C in its diet, - list 3 strategies the client could use to increase the pets vitamin C intake
Supplement vitamin C in water (degrades after 48 hours), Feed vegetables high in vitamin C (kale, cabbage, red peppers etc), Check expiry date of food
Caudal paralysis, as a consequence of injury to the spinal cord from a fractured back, occurs most commonly in what species?
Rabbits
What culture medium is used as a simple and practical method for confirming dermatophyte infections
The glandular portion of the stomach in birds is referred to as the
Proventriculus (the crop/diverticulum is storage), the ventriculus is the gizzard or muscular stomach
Hyperadrenocorticism is a common disease in ferrets. What is the common name for this disease?
Cushings
List 4 simple examples of environmental enrichment utilized in lab animal facilities
PCV tubing, paper towels, treats, jars, multi-level housing, wheels, radios, etc etc etc
A rabbit with purulent nasal discharge and conjunctivitis is likely showing signs of what disease
Snuffles
The laboratory animal species most likely to experience dystocia is
Guinea pig - after 6 months the pubic symphyses closes
In birds, intraosseous fluid administration is usually performed using which pelvic limb long bone
Proximal tibia
When taking a reptile history, the veterinary technician should always ask when the last period of ecdysis occurred. What does ecdysis mean?
Shedding
A greasy hair coat of a gerbil indicates that the ambient __________ is too _______
Humidity, high
Tyzzer's disease is caused by what bacteria
Clostridium piliforme
What organ is not found in rats?
Gall bladder
It is safe to draw <1% of a bird’s body weight of blood. For a 450 g bird, how much blood can be taken safely.
4.5mL
Vitamin _______ deficiency is commonly diagnosed in reptiles, and usually manifests as an overgrown beak, stomatitis, dysecdysis, palpebral edema, and conjunctivitis.
A