9.2 Exotic Companion Mammals: Part 1

Overview

Exotic companion mammals, formally known as pocket pets, typically include small mammals that are housed in enclosures and have incisors that grow continuously. Common smaller exotic mammals seen in the clinic are hamsters, mice, gerbils, and chinchillas and are discussed in Part 1.

Part 1

Hamsters

Hamsters are small in size and weigh an average of 4oz. Their hair coats and colours can vary.  They have 16 teeth and cheek pouches to store food. They have hoarding behaviours and like to hide their food. Hamsters are nocturnal and solitary.

Mice

Mice are typically smaller than hamsters and weigh around 1oz. Similar to hamsters, they are nocturnal, though mice are usually more social and outgoing. For more information on the care of pet mice, see pet mouse care.

Gerbils

Gerbils, also known as jirds, are typically longer than mice due to their tail length. They weigh on average 3oz. They are diurnal.  They are very active, social, and like to live in groups. Some interesting facts are that they sit up on their hind end, they don’t sweat, and they mate for life, which is also known as being monogamous.

Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs, also known as cavies, are bigger pocket pets, weighing around 1–2 lbs. They have short stocky legs and have sensitive hearing. Much like a cat, they have whiskers that are used for sensing distance from objects and slight vibrations. They make a wide range of vocal sounds. They are coprophagic, and their pups need to consume feces to maintain normal gastrointestinal flora. Guinea pigs can be spayed and neutered to control reproduction. For more information on the care of guinea pigs, see guinea pig care.

Chinchillas

Chinchillas have beautiful silky coats and, in the past, were sold for their fur. The fur is soft due to the low number of guard hairs. They are herbivores and pickup and hold their food with their hands. Chinchillas need regular baths to remove excess oils and moisture. They bathe in a finely ground powder, not water. This is called dusting. For more information on chinchilla care, see chinchilla care.

Husbandry of Pocket Pets

Husbandry is a common discussion with exotics, as many owners are new to caring for these species. Guiding clients to the right resources for care and giving them the best information for the care of their pets is imperative for the well-being of the animals. Each species requires specific care that clients should be aware of.

Most pocket pets are housed in cages and custom-made enclosures with enough room to roam. These enclosures have places to hide, sleep, exercise, eat and drink, and deposit waste. All enclosures have a top that can close and, in most cases, a lock to ensure the animal does not get out of their enclosure. Bedding can vary between pocket pet species, and materials might include straw, hay, and wood chips.

• All pocket pets need enrichment such as an exercise wheel, chewing blocks, and appropriate toys. See exotic companion enrichment.

• Many pocket pets like to chew, and handlers must be aware that they will bite
• Brushing and regular nail trimming is recommended for most species

Pocket Pet Nutrition

Pocket pets can eat a commercially made pellet that is completely nutritionally balanced. Most pocket pets can have small amount of fresh fruits (non-citrus) and vegetables. They shouldn’t be fed other human food unless directed by a veterinarian. All pocket pets need access to fresh water. Some rodents require additional supplements in their diet, such as guinea pigs, who require a vitamin C supplement. 

Vaccination and Parasite Control

Vaccinations

• For most pocket pets, there are no vaccinations specifically for infectious disease.
• Vaccinating guinea pigs for Bordetella is recommended if clients also have dogs or cats, as they are at risk of contracting and spreading it.

Parasite control

• Internal parasites can be a concern and can be identified with fecal float test. See laboratory terminology for more details.
• External parasites are usually not a concern for most small pocket pets. Guinea pigs are more likely to carry external parasites like mites, lice, and fleas, and can be treated with the appropriate treatments as needed. Chinchillas can also be at risk.

Common Pocket Pet Pathologies and Procedures

Most pathologies arise from trauma due to mishandling and malnutrition. Other conditions seen are dermatitis and overgrowth of incisors, which may require trimming as needed.

Chinchillas:

• Fur slip: A defence mechanism in chinchillas where they lose hair from being roughly handled or grabbed
• Conjunctivitis: Inflammation in the supportive tissue around the globe of the eye in chinchillas is usually caused by the dust from bathing

Hamsters:

• Cheek pouch impactions

Example

 

Although rare, cheek pouch impactions can occur. It may be hard for the client to know if the cheeks are just full or if they are actually causing a problem. New clients often ask why their hamster’s cheeks are full. As seen in Figure 9.9., one may not know why those cheeks are full of food.

 

References

Kotschwar, S. (2021, June 9). Exotic companion mammal enrichment. LafeberVet. https://lafeber.com/vet/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Exotic-Companion-Mammal-EnrichmentSK2.pdf

Pollock, C. (2007, December 9). Toxic plants. LafeberVet. https://lafeber.com/vet/toxic-plants/

Pollock, C. (2010, February 14). Basic information sheet: Mouse. LafeberVet. https://lafeber.com/vet/basic-information-for-mice/

Pollock, C. (2014, February 19). Chinchillas. LafeberVet. https://lafeber.com/vet/wp-content/uploads/Chinchilla-LafeberVet-handout.pdf

Pollock, C. (2017, November 15). Care of the pet guinea pig. LafeberVet. https://lafeber.com/vet/wp-content/uploads/Care-of-Pet-Gpigs-LV111817B.pdf

Wiese, A. J. (2018, October). Canine & feline pain scales. Clinician’s Brief. https://www.cliniciansbrief.com/article/canine-feline-pain-scales

Image Credits (images are listed in order of appearance)

Hamster Syrian hamster by L0nd0ner, Pixabay Content Licence.

Mouse rodent cute by Alexas_Fotos, Pixabay Content Licence.

Animal attractive beautiful by Shutterbug75, Pixabay Content Licence.

Piggy guinea pig pet by Katya36, Pixabay Content Licence.

Chinchilla grey standing by thefly25, Pixabay Content Licence.

Hamster rodent cage by _Alicja_, Pixabay Content Licence.

Hamster on wheel by Aaron Denunzio, CC0.

Pellets for rabbits by Ben23, CC BY-SA 3.0.

Cheeks by Raining 128, CC BY-SA 3.0.