Intro to Rabbits and Hystricomorphs

What type of teeth do rabbits and hystricomorphs have?

Elodont incisors and cheek teeth

What is the diet of rabbits and hystricomorphs?

Strict herbivores

What is the digestive system type of rabbits and hystricomorphs?

Hindgut fermenters

What is the neonatal strategy of rabbits?

Altricial

What is the neonatal strategy of guinea pigs, chinchillas, and degus?

Precocial

What is the normal heart rate range for rabbits?

150-300 bpm

What is the normal respiratory rate range for rabbits?

30-60 brpm

What is the gestation period for rabbits?

30-33 days

What is the dental formula for rabbits?

I 2/1 C0/0 PM 3/2 M 3/3

What is the natural behavior of rabbits?

Social, Crepuscular

How should you support a rabbit when handling?

Support hindlimbs and spine

What is a potential hazard when handling rabbits?

Biting, Kicking, Scratching

What is the first step in a rabbit clinical examination?

Cardiothoracic auscultation

What is the normal heart rate range for guinea pigs?

230-380 bpm

What is the gestation period for guinea pigs?

59-72 days (average 68 days)

What is the dental formula for guinea pigs?

I 1/1 C 0/0 PM 1/1 M 3/3

How should you restrain a guinea pig?

Grasp quickly and firmly around shoulders, support hindquarters

What is a potential hazard when handling guinea pigs?

Biting

What is the normal heart rate range for chinchillas?

150-350 bpm

What is the gestation period for chinchillas?

111 days (up to 128 days for C. brevicaudata)

What is the dental formula for chinchillas?

I (I/1) C (0/0) PM (1/1) M (3/3)

What is a potential risk when handling chinchillas?

Fur slip

What is the normal heart rate range for degus?

100-150 bpm

What is the gestation period for degus?

87-93 days

What is the dental formula for degus?

I (1/1) C (0/0) PM (1/1) M (3/3)

How should you handle a degu?

Scoop with two hands, one hand around the neck, one hand under the body

What should you never do when handling a degu?

Hold by the tail

What is the neonatal strategy of rabbits?

Altricial

What is caecotrophy?

The process of ingesting special feces that allows for increased nutrition intake in animals with a low protein diet

What is the unique urinary system feature of rabbits?

Urinary calcium excretion

How often do rabbit does nurse their young?

Once or twice daily for 3-5 minutes

What is the field of vision adaptation in rabbits?

Wide range vision adapted to low light levels

What are the four main fur types in rabbits?

Normal, Rex, Angora, Satin

What is tonic immobility in rabbits?

A temporary state of immobility induced by certain handling techniques

What is an inguinal pouch in rabbits?

A hairless area on the groin used for scent marking

What is the main dietary requirement specific to guinea pigs?

Vitamin C

Why must female guinea pigs be bred before 6-9 months old?

To prevent complications from pubic symphysis fusion

What is a unique feature of guinea pig incisors?

Lower incisors are 3 times the length of upper incisors

What is a skinny pig?

A hairless breed of guinea pig

Why are chinchillas intolerant to heat and humidity?

They are adapted to high-altitude Andean environments

What is fur slip in chinchillas?

A defense mechanism where chunks of fur detach when grabbed

What is unique about chinchilla eyes?

They have a vertical slit pupil adapted to bright, high-altitude environments

What is the natural habitat of degus?

Chilean Andes

Why are degus prone to diabetes mellitus?

They are unable to regulate glucose concentrations effectively

What is unique about degu incisors?

They are yellow to orange due to iron pigments

What can degus visualize that humans cannot?

UV light

What is the preferred bathing method for degus?

Dust bathing