What are some of the common diseases of pet rodents?
Common conditions of pet rodents include respiratory diseases, anorexia and lethargy, overgrown teeth, and tumors. What are the signs of these diseases? Respiratory infections are commonly seen in pet rodents. Signs include nasal and/or ocular (eye) discharge in mild infections, and wheezing, coughing, and open-mouth breathing in severe infections (pneumonia). The sicker animals often stop eating and become lethargic. Bordetella is one such bacterium that affects guinea pigs; it can be fatal. Since rabbits carry this organism without showing signs of illness, it is recommended that rabbits and guinea pigs not be housed together. In mice and rats, this is often caused by a mycoplasma, a type of bacterium. Other agents, such as Pasteurella and Streptococcus bacteria, can also cause pneumonia. Regardless of the exact cause of respiratory disease in pet rodents, respiratory infections are common. Anything that predisposes the pet to a respiratory infection (such as dusty cage substrate or
