Rodents are definitely popular pets in our country, as they make excellent pets for children. These companion animals are intelligent and interactive, making them charming companions for adults too. Animaltalk spoke to Dr Dorianne Elliot, Extraordinary Lecturer at the Bird and Exotic Animal Hospital, Onderstepoort Faculty of Veterinary Science, to find out more about the health aspects of these small pets.
Small pets and their unique characteristics
“The most common rodent species who are kept as pets include mice, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and rabbits. “Other animals, like degus and squirrels, are included in the rodent family, but they are not meant to be pets and should be left in the wild,” says Dr Dorianne Elliot.
She says that mice and rats are murine rodents, which means that their front gnawing teeth grow continuously, but their back teeth are similar to those of humans. “One should check their incisors regularly to ensure they are even and properly in contact with one another,” says Dr Elliott.
Dental care and nutrition
Rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas are in a separate rodent family to mice and rats (rabbits are lagomorphs and guinea pigs and chinchillas are hystricomorphs). These complicated names simply refer to the anatomy of their teeth. In the wild, they eat a large amount of hard grass, which wears their teeth down quickly. For this reason, their back cheek teeth grow continuously. If their teeth are not constantly worn down by eating hay, they will grow long and sharp, causing pain and even damage to the inside of the mouth.
To keep their teeth short and functional, good-quality hay must form the bulk of the diet for rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas. “A diet mainly consisting of pellets and greens will predispose the pet to serious dental issues and other conditions that may become severe enough to cause death,” warns Dr Elliott.
She says that although rodents are easy to care for if their environmental and specific nutritional needs are met, just like other pets, they can become ill for a variety of reasons. “Because their metabolisms are very fast, rodents can become sick extremely quickly, and signs of ill health need to be noted and reacted to immediately when they appear.”
Possible symptoms
There are various general signs displayed by all species to look out for, and when you notice anything wrong, take your pet to the vet immediately. Watch out for:
- Changes in behaviour When your rodent is less active than normal or isolates himself.
- Posture Abnormal posture, such as hunching up or stretching himself out.
- Changes in eating patterns Poor appetite, decreased or increased water intake and weight loss despite a healthy appetite can also be signs of illness.
- Changes in coat Hair loss or a scruffy, dry coat that stands up and is not smooth and glossy.
- Visible signs and behaviours Loud grinding of the teeth can indicate pain. Difficulty breathing, bleeding, swelling, wounds, lameness, diarrhoea, constipation, or abnormal aggression are red lights. If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet immediately.
- Discharges Any discharges from the nose, mouth, or rectum should be treated by a professional. Be sure to watch for genital discharges, which can be a sign of sexually transmitted infections. In females, a vaginal discharge could indicate bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection. If you notice any discharge, contact your vet right away.
These companion animals are at best a few generations removed from their wild ancestors and still display many of the behaviours that were beneficial to rodents in the wild. “They have a well-developed ‘fight or flight’ instinct that may cause them to explosively kick out or jump from the owner’s arms or a table if they are startled or afraid. They also know that when they look sick, they will become a target for predators who always pick the weakest member of the group to hunt.
“For this reason, rodents are known to mask the signs of illness in an attempt to look as healthy as possible even when they are feeling unwell,” says Dr Elliot.
She adds that as a consequence of this behaviour, the pet owner often only notices that their animal is sick once the condition becomes advanced enough and the animal is no longer able to pretend that they are healthy.
Conclusion
In summary, while rodents can make great pets, it is important to understand and meet their specific environmental and nutritional needs, as well as to closely monitor their health and behaviour for possible symptoms. Due to their quick metabolisms and tendency to mask illnesses, it is crucial to seek veterinary care as soon as possible if any concerning symptoms arise.
Planning ahead and identifying a veterinarian who is knowledgeable about treating exotic pets can also be beneficial in case of an emergency. By providing proper care and attention, owners can ensure that their rodent pets remain healthy and happy companions.
