Uncommonly Used Laboratory Animals Class: Mammalia Order: Rodentia Rodents Family: Cricetidae ILAR News, Vol XXIX, No 4 1986 Listed all these under Muridae. Meriones unguiculatus Mongolian Gerbil Calomys callosus Vesper Mouse Dicrostonyx stevensoni Collared Lemming Lagurus lagurus; L sibericus; L curtatus Steppe Lemming, brown lemming, sage brush vole Microtus ochrogaster Prairie vole (meadow mice 44 species) Microtus pennsylvanicus meadow vole Myopus schisticolor Wood Lemming Mystromys albicaudatus White-tailed rat Neotoma spp. Wood rat "Pack Rats" Onychomys torridus/leucogaster Southern/Northern Grasshopper mouse Oryzomys palustris Rice Rat Peromyscus maniculatus/leucopus Prairie Deer Mouse/ White footed Deer mouse Psammomys obesus Sand Rat, Obese Sand Rat Sigmodon hispidus Cotton Rat Tylomys nudicaudatus Peter's Climbing Rat Zygodontomys brevicauda & lasiurus Cane mouse Family: Muridae Mastomys (Praomys) natalensis Multimammate Mouse Thamnomys surdaster Tree Rat Arvicanthis niloticus Nile Grass Rat Acomys cahirinus Egyptian Spiny Mouse Rhabdomys pumlio Four-striped Grass Mouse Family Dasyproctidae Dasyprocta spp. Agouti Family: Chinchillidae Chinchilla laniger Chinchilla Family: Capromyidae Myocastor coypus Nutria Family: Octodontidae Octodon degu Degu, Trumpet-tailed Rat Family: Sciuridae Sciurus niger Fox Squirrel Spermophilus (Citellus) tridecemlineatus Ground squirrel Tamias striatus Chipmunk Cynomys ludovicianus Prairie Dog Marmota monax Woodchuck, Ground Hog, Marmot Family: Heteromyidae Dipodomys spp. Kangaroo Rat Microdipodops spp. Kangaroo Mouse Perognathus spp. Desert Pocket Mouse Liomys spp. Spiny Pocket Mouse Heteromys spp. Forest Spiny Pocket Mouse Family: Myoxidae Dryomys nitedula Tree Dormouse Myoxus glis Common Dormouse Eliomys spp. Garden Dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius Dormouse, Hazel Mouse Glirulus japonicus Japanese Dormouse Family: Caviidae Dolichotis patagona Mara Order: Marsupialia Family: Didelphidae Opossum Didelphis virginiana Opossum Marmosa mitis Mouse Opossum; Pouchless Opossum Caluromys derbianus Woolly opossum Monodelphis brevicaudata (domestica) Short gray bare-tailed Opossum Family: Macropodidae Potorous tridactylus Long nosed, broad faced Rat Kangaroo Setonix brachyurus Short-tailed Scrub Wallaby; Quokka Order: Insectivora Family: Soricidae shrews Cryptotis parva Least Shrew Sorex araneus Common Shrew Suncus murinus Musk shrew Order: Hyracoidea Family: Procaviidae Procavia capensis Rock Hyrax Order: Edentata Family: Dasypodidae Armadillos Dasypus novemcinctus Nine-banded Armadillo Order: Carnivora Family: Mustelidae Mustela vison New World Mink Mustela putorius furo domestic ferret Mephitis mephitis Striped Skunk Family: Viverridae Genetta tigrina Genet Herpestes auropunctatus Mongoose Order: Artiodactyla Family: Cervidae Odocoileus virginianus White-tailed Deer Order: Lagomorpha Family: Ochotonidae Ochotona rufescens Afghan Pika Family: Leporidae hares & rabbits Lepus americanus snowshoe hares Sylvilagus floridanus Cottontail rabbit Class: Aves Order: Galliformes Family: Phasianidae Gallus domesticus Chicken Family: Perdicidae Coturnix coturnix japonica Japanese Quail Order: Columbiformes Family: Columbidae Columba livia Homing & Racing Pigeons Order: Anseriforms Family: Anatidae Anas platyrhynchos Peking Duck Invertebrates Ariolimax californicus Giant Land Slug Haementeria ghilianii Giant Leach ================================================================== Uncommonly Used Laboratory Animals Class: Mammalia Order: Rodentia A single pair of continuously growing incisors with enamel on the anterior & anterio-lateral surface only; they don't have the second pair of incisors, canines, or the first premolars; The molars are rooted and stop growing at maturity in all but hystricomorphs; group housing in deer mice, multimammate rats female woodchucks; solitary housing for male woodchucks, chinchillas, gray squirrels, white-tailed rats, and some ground squirrels; Diseases: neurological- ataxia, behavior changes (aggression, lethargy etc) posterior paresis. differential: rabies, nematode larvae migration (Baylisarcaris columnaris-skunk ascaris, B. procyonis- raccoon ascaris, Toxascaris) & Toxoplasmosis; lesion- parasitic cerebral granuloma with eosinophilic vascular cuffing; Family: Cricetidae ILAR News, Vol XXIX, No 4 1986 Listed all these under Muridae. Meriones unguiculatus Mongolian Gerbil Mongolia & Northern China; 70-150 gms; dorsal brownish, ventral buff; fully haired tail with length equal to body; erect ears; eyes relatively large & protruding; rear legs longer than front; slip tail; 2N=44; ventral midline sebaceous gland; large adrenal gland; persistent thymus; supernumary spleen; incomplete circle of Willis; lipemic; high reticulocyte count; monogamous mating, must pair before puberty; female- separate vaginal, urethral, & anal openings; 4 toes front feet, 5 rear; diurnal; no hibernation; coprophagia for B vit; humidity < 50%; cage NLT 6" height; require bedding changes no more often than E10D; polyestrous, estrus 1 D; G 24 D; (4-17 D delayed implantation possible); altricial ( young naked and helpless); dust baths beneficial; Diseases: Tyzzer's- most common cause of acute death- 1o liver lesions; Salmonella, high mortality especially in young; facial dermatitis (Demodex, Staph); Oxyurid- Dentostomella translucida; Tapeworm- Hymenolepis nana; Filarids- Litomosoides carinii experimentally induced; Ecto- Demodex; B. piliformes stains Giemsa, PAS- red organisms; high incidence of neoplasia (20%) descending order of prevalence: ovarian, adrenal gland, skin; Research Uses: Models, descending order of prevalence: Stroke- induced by unilateral ligation of the carotid; Seizures- inherited, can reach 100% in inbred stains or be selectively inbred for low incidence; Lead nephropathy- occurs quickly after exposure; dental carries- induced with cariogenic diet and Strep mutans & viridans; Arteriosclerosis- but not atherosclerosis (no cholesterol build up even with presence of lipemia (possibly due to low sodium); Parasitology- good because they are free of natural infection but are susceptible; Filariosis- Brugia spp.; Auditory- low incidence of infection & cholesterotomas occur spontaneously in middle ear similar to man and can also be induced; Radiation- 3-5 X more resistant than most other species possibly due to slower GI epithelial turn- over and mitochondrial differences; Endocrinology- ventral scent gland, adrenal glands, hyperadrenocorticism, diabetes mellitus, gonads, isolated gerbil colon prep for prostaglandin bioassay; Behavioral- curious, social territorial, temperament good; infectious; aerospace- due to low water intake and infrequent bedding changes; sensitive to streptomycin; obesity; Sentinel for Tyzzer's. Calomys callosus Vesper Mouse South America; 30 -38 gm. low water intake; high fertility rate; LS 3-5; G 25 D; low crowned cheek teeth. Diseases: free from common latent murine viruses. Research Uses: 1o reservoir for Machupo Virus (agent of Bolivian Hemorrhagic Fever) and Argentina Hemorrhagic fever (Junin) --Both of which are zoonotic. Dicrostonyx stevensoni Collared Lemming Alaska and Arctic; 70 gm.; white in winter, grayish in summer; LS 3-4; G 20-22 D; Only rodent with seasonal color changes. Diseases: Research Uses: High Brucella suis susceptibility; atherosclerosis and high serum cholesterol on atherogenic diet; spontaneous malignant mammary tumors in D. groenlandicus. Lagurus lagurus; L sibericus; L curtatus Steppe Lemming, brown lemming, sage brush vole Russia, Siberia; Western US- L curtatus; burrowing vole 15-25 gms.; LS 4-7; G 24-26 D; Diseases: tularemia, listeriosis Research Uses: resistant to ectromelia; susceptible to tularemia and listeria; skin cancer and tumor transplant studies; brown lemming used for body confirmation studies Microtus ochrogaster Prairie vole (meadow mice 44 species) North America, Central America & Eurasia; 115 gms.; smaller eyes and ears; brown; induced ovulator; LS 4-8; G 21 D; young cling to teats, weaned at 12 D; females mature by 3 weeks and may have 13 litters/year. Diseases: Leptospirosis, Toxoplasma gondii, larvae of Echinococcus multilocularis; Babesia microti, Hemobartonella microti, Trypanosoma microti; Rabies; Pasteurella pseudotuberculosis; Acanthocephalan- Moniliformis clarki & Cochliomyia hominivivax; Research Uses: pesticide toxicity due to population density; Trypanosomiasis Type I & II; Microtus pennsylvanicus meadow vole 43 gms; LS 4; G 21 D; Diseases: same as M ochrogaster except may also carry Hantaan virus wild caught in Fredrick County, Korean Hemorrhagic Fever (KHF). Research Uses: nutrition (anti-quality constituent of forages and bioassays; increase cholesterol c- atherogenic diet); good for bioassay. * Clethrionomys rutilus- Red Backed Vole (LS- 4-5; model for hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. Myopus schisticolor Wood Lemming Northern Europe and Asia; rare Diseases: Research Uses: XY gonadal dysgenesis (XY females) Mystromys albicaudatus White-tailed rat South Africa; 75-185 gms. LS 4-5; G 37 D; young hang on nipples 2-3 weeks; 2 distinct portions in stomach- forestomach separated from glandular (mucosa studded with 1.5 mm long keratin papilla) by annular muscular plica;females have 2 pairs of inguinal mammae;females have large sebaceous gland extending from mammae to vulva (ventral marking gland); females c- rudimentary prostate;males os penis; gall bladder present; no cheek pouches; slip tail; Susceptible to "Ringtail" Diseases: Research Uses: spontaneous diabetes mellitus s- obesity (polygenic, possible sex linked > risk in males c- signs and lesions similar to man; Leishmania donovani; dental caries and periodontal disease; spontaneous tumors; partial albinism WITHOUT sChediak-Higashi Syndrome; poliomyelitis attenuation; histoplasmosis isolation; arthropod borne diseases; M leprii model; radiobiology. Neotoma spp. Wood rat "Pack Rats" North and Central America; 199-431 gms. LS 1-4; G 20-27 D; stay attached to nipples 2 weeks Diseases: Brucella neotomae Research Uses: murine typhus; food preference; karyological divergence; copulatory behavior; lens composition; renal physiology. Onychomys torridus/leucogaster Southern/Northern Grasshopper mouse Desert SW US & Mexico; 40-60 gms; gray dorsal, white ventral/ Northern US; brown dorsal, white ventral; Semi- carnivorous, other rodents & grasshoppers, 3-compartment stomach; LS 2-6; G 33 D; adults housed together tend to fight (box each other) Squeak loudly. Diseases: fleas Monopsyllus exilis; Demodex spp.; Coccidiodes immitis; Coxiella burnetii; St. Louis Equine Encephalitis virus; Research Uses: toxicology; behavior; defects of extremities Oryzomys palustris Rice Rat 100 species; US, Mexico, Tropics; 40-80 gms.; LS 1-7; G 25 D; wean 11-13 D; females puberty 7 weeks; 8 mammae Diseases: Argintina Hemorrhagic Fever- zoonotic. Research Uses: arboviruses; copulatory behavior; dental development; murine typhus; congenital erythrocytic porphyria- O. minutis; 188- periodontal disease with sucrose diet & Spontaneous. Peromyscus maniculatus/leucopus Prairie Deer Mouse/ White footed Deer mouse North & South America; 15-50 gms; large ears & eyes, dark dorsum, light ventral; G 21-27 D; LS 1-9; weaning 3-6 weeks; lifespan 5-8 years; reproduction, thermoregulation, molting nest building influenced by melatonin; seek higher cage temp than mice; Display a thump warning. Diseases: cuterebra fontinella, Rocky Mt Spotted Fever; Chlamydiosis, Q-fever, Adiaspiromycosis, WEE, VEE, Y pestis, Coccidiomycosis, Tyzzer's; Resistant to MHV. Research Uses: Trypanosomiasis (T. equiperdum, T. vivax) sleeping sickness model (T. rhodesiense, T. gambienae); Autosomal recessive senile cataracts; spherocytosis- autosomal hemolytic disease worsened by splenectomy; physiology & genetics; VEE- P gossypinus cotton mouse; model for idiopathic epilepsy which is almost identical to man; Lymes disease reservoir Borrelia burgdorferi .. Also in white tailed deer and is zoonotic. Psammomys obesus Sand Rat, Obese Sand Rat North Africa & Middle East; 150-180 gms; requires 1.5-3% NaCl in drinking water; G 24 D; LS 3-6; Vaginal epithelium sheds as casts; develop very long renal papilla when on normal rat diet; Will fight if paired (m:f) unless female is in estrus. Research Uses: diabetes mellitus c- moderate obesity; renal physiology; behavior; endocrinology; reproduction; hyperlipidemia; albino strains more susceptible to diabetes & male infertility; Sigmodon hispidus Cotton Rat Southern US, Central & South America; 70-200 gms; Dorsal gray, ventral white; G 27 D; LS x-- 5; wean 7 D; mature 6 weeks; S shaped pattern to molar cusp. Diseases: Ringtail, gallstones Research Uses: filariasis; echinococcosis; VEE; murine typhus; poliomyelitis; Riff Valley Fever; Model for Respiratory Syncitial Virus; dental caries; calcinosis; behavior; drug testing for antimicrofilarials; Angiostrongylus spp. Tylomys nudicaudatus Peter's Climbing Rat Central & South America 200-300 gms; resembles Rattus spp. G 39 D; LS 3; hang onto teats for 2-3 weeks; naked tail, black proximally, white distally. Research Uses: spermatozoa, chromosomes; leishmaniasis & arthropod borne viruses Zygodontomys brevicauda & lasiurus Cane mouse Central America & Brazil; 40-80 gms; G 28 D; LS 4; Wean 21 D; mature 3-4 months; 8 mammae. Diseases: Research Uses: yellow fever; VEE; Cocal virus; Nariva Virus Ondatra zibethicus- Muskrat largest crecitid rodent- 1100-1300 gms; excellent swimmer and diver; omnivorous and derives water from vegetation; G 28 D; LS- 4-7; Postpartem estrus; wean young 3-4 weeks; mature 6 Mo. House in rabbit cages with water source Research: Diving reflex not inhibited by anesthesia; brain similar to lab rat; normal diving model is the seal or duck. Family: Muridae Mastomys (Praomys) natalensis Multimammate Rat South Africa y & z strains; 40-80 gms; intermediate between rats and mice; may bite even unprovoked; G 23 D; LS 6-8; estrous 7-8 D; monogamous pairs; well developed prostate in female; os penis- male; 8-10 pair mammae; no gall bladder; Diseases: LASSA FEVER- Zoonotic. Research Uses: Most susceptible rodent to osteoarthritis; Carcinoid tumors- argyrophilic, histamine producing tumors of the gastric mucosa, distal metastasis, transplantable & spontaneous; 185-Antral adenocarcinoma- spontaneous in y & z strains, only animal model in humans; Induced gastric ulcer- injections of ovalbumin into mucosa of stomach of previously sensitized animal; plague (very susceptible); Bilharziasis (Schistoma); 220- Lassa fever (arenavirus) only nonhuman host; toxoplasmosis; chronic renal disease with glomerulonephritis; thymomas & hematopoietic neoplasms; polymyositis; epithelial skin, pancreatic, glandular gastric & prostate tumors; female prostate hormonal effects; congenital erythrocyte porphyria; aging; autoimmune disease Thamnomys surdaster Tree Rat Africa; 55-65 gms; Diseases: Research Uses: Plasmodium berghei natural host used for experimental malaria; circadian rhythm Arvicanthis niloticus Nile Grass Rat (KUSU Rat) Africa Diseases: Highly susceptible to Rift Valley Fever Research Uses: Rift Valley Fever; Schistosomiasis; Plague Acomys cahirinus Egyptian Spiny Mouse Africa & Middle East; 50-90 gms; G 42 D; LS 3; Wean 14 D; only muridae in which young can eat solid food at birth Diseases: Research Uses: congenital erythrocytic porphyria- A musatus; obesity & diabetes due to overeating; Leishmaniasis. Rhabdomys pumlio Four-striped Grass Mouse Africa; nest above ground; sexually mature 3 months; LS 4- 12; Diseases: Research Uses: Behavior, reproduction, & retinal anatomy; Family Dasyproctidae Dasyprocta spp. Agouti Mexico, Central & South America; 1-2 Kg; G 104 D; LS 2-4; Estrous 34 D; 4 pair ventral mammae; vaginal closure membrane; 2N=64; toes 4 front, 3 rear, like G. Pig; hystricomorph; Precocious at birth. Diseases: vesicular stomatitis virus; TB; Eimeria stiedae; titers to Reo 3, & Sendai Research Uses: reproductive physiology; pharmacology; enzymology; model for allergic respiratory conditions in man. Family: Chinchillidae Chinchilla laniger Chinchilla South America, Andes; 500-800 gms; G 111; LS 3 precocious young; estrous 28-40 D; mature 5-8 months; breeding season- November to May; lifespan 10-20; separate vaginal opening between rectum & urethra opening only during estrus, vaginal closure membrane; 3 pr mammae (1 inguinal, 2 lateral thoracic); 2N=64; toes 4 front & rear; hystricomorph. Diseases: Listeriosis c- liver lesions resembling pseudotuberculosis, CNS lesions; Trichophyton mentagrophytes; toxoplasmosis; giardiasis; Hymenolepis spp; coenurosis 2o to Multiceps serialis (dog tapeworm); malocclusion; Pasteurella pseudotuberculosis; trophoblastic emboli; gastroenteritis, intussuception, rectal prolapse (lack of roughage?); bronchopneumonia; Enterotoxemia- Clostridium perfringens Type D, immunize to prevent; Extremely susceptible to Pseudomonas. Research Uses: Model for Chaga's disease; aging; high altitude studies; hearing research (3 turns of cochlea, absence of presbycusis, & limited susceptibility to otitis) Family: Capromyidae Myocastor coypus Nutria South America & Gulf Coast US; 7-10 Kg; G 132 D; LS 10 precocious young wean 5 D; induced ovulator; no vaginal closure membrane; 2N=42; 4 toes front, 5 rear (webbed); hystricomorph; 6 Mammae. Diseases: Research Uses: EEG studies; hemorrhage, shock, bradycardia. Family: Octodontidae Octodon degu Degu, Trumpet-tailed Rat South America, Andes; 200-300 gms; induced ovulation; 2N= 58; G 90 D; LS 5-6; weaning 21 D; mature 5-14 months; vaginal closure membrane; 4 pr mammae; Slip tail. Diseases: Echinococcus granulosus, Trypanosoma cruzi; Research Uses: developmental patterns, reproductive & play behavior; thymic immunity & genetic variation of enzymes; hystricomorph urine composition; congenital cataracts in adults; chemotoxic agent on ocular tissue; 2 anatomically separate thymus glands in cervical & mediastinal areas; Diabetes mellitus; ** Two anatomically separate thymus galnds in cervical and mediastinal areas. Family: Sciuridae Sciurus niger Fox Squirrel 1 0 1-2 3 2x 1 0 1 3 Eastern US; 200-900 gms; G 39 D; LS 4-10; wean 6 weeks; mature 1 year; Diseases: Research Uses: congenital porphyria is normal in gray squirrels S carolinensis & can be used as control. Spermophilus (Citellus) tridecemlineatus Ground squirrel US; 85-100 gms; G 23-28 D; LS 2-13; Brown fat. Diseases: carrier of plague & tularemia; Research Uses: gallstones when fed high cholesterol diet; classical diabetes mellitus at 23 months c- decrease size & no. of islets; hibernation; irradiation; skin grafting Tamias striatus Chipmunk US; 70-140 gms; G 31 D; lifespan 5 years Diseases: Research Uses: congenital erythrocytic porphyria; hibernation; Cynomys ludovicianus Prairie Dog US; 1 Kg; G 28-32 D; LS 2-10; Social Structure. Diseases: Research Uses: gallstones c- high cholesterol diets; tuluremia; Marmota monax Woodchuck, Ground Hog, Marmot Ref: Lab Animal Jan 85. North America; 3-7.5 Kg seasonal spring-fall; G 35-42 D; LS 4-5; mature 2-3 years; lifespan 10-15 years; need nesting box for parturition & hibernation; males should be housed singly; feed large chunk rabbit chow & water in bowl; 3 nipple "like" musk scent glands inside anus. Diseases: Woodchuck Hepatitis Virus c- 2o hepatocellular carcinoma; Rocky Mt. Spotted Fever; Necrotic bronchopneumonia- Morganella morgani; tularemia, leptospirosis, histoplasmosis, toxoplasmosis, pseudorabies, Salmonella typhimurium, Trichinella spiralis; human encephalitis; parasitic encephalitis 2o Baylisasaris spp.; hepatic granuloma 2o cysticercae of Taenia musielae Research Uses: hibernation; adult onset obesity; dietary induced atherosclerosis; aortic rupture; cerebrovascular & cardiovascular diseases; body weight & energy balance; viral hepatitis c- carcinogenesis- hepatic Family: Heteromyidae All are nocturnal & have external fur lined cheek pouches Dipodomys spp. Kangaroo Rat US & Mexico; 35-140 gms; G 29-32 D; LS 1-5; wean 21-24 D; Don't drink water, since they produce "metabolic water", supply lettuce in captivity; Dust bathing is important for their well-being Diseases: susceptible to Pasteurella spp., Coxiella burnetti, Coccidiodes immitis, Francisella tularensis; Research Uses: water conservation; renal physiology; irradiation; psychotropic drug effects; Microdipodops spp. Kangaroo Mouse 10-16 gms; locomotion on hind limbs only c- tail as balancing organ Diseases: Research Uses: Perognathus spp. Desert Pocket Mouse G 25 D; lifespan 6 years; locomotion on all four legs; Diseases: Research Uses: Liomys spp. Spiny Pocket Mouse G 24-26; LS 2-5; Spoon like claw on the hind foot. Diseases: Research Uses: Used in long term space flight studies since no drinking water is required. Heteromys spp. Forest Spiny Pocket Mouse Diseases: Research Uses: Resistant to radiation Family: Myoxidae Dormouse All 5 genera go in deep hibernation at 5-10o C Dryomys nitedula Tree Dormouse Diseases: Research Uses: hibernation. Myoxus glis Common Dormouse Diseases: Research Uses: Eliomys spp. Garden Dormouse Diseases: Research Uses: Muscardinus avellanarius Dormouse, Hazel Mouse Diseases: Research Uses: Glirulus japonicus Japanese Dormouse Diseases: Research Uses: Family: Caviidae Dolichotis patagona Mara Argentina; hystricomorph; 6-9 kg; newborn are precocious at 524 gms; estrous 35 D; vaginal closure membrane only open around the time of estrus; G 96 D; Research Uses: Reproductive endocrine Order: Marsupialia Family: Didelphidae Opossum short gestation & long developmental period; large space separating the trachea from the esophagus allowing animals to breathe & swallow simultaneously; young breath air containing 8-20 times CO2 level Didelphis virginiana Opossum 5 1 3 4 2x 4 1 4 4 =50 only North American marsupial; 2-5.5 kg; 2N=22; yoke sac placenta; monophydont, 50 teeth, 13-18 mammae in pouch; 5 toes front & rear; G 12-13 D; young born immature live in pouch 60-70 D; weaned 100 D; LS 8-18 c- 7 surviving to weaning; opposable big toe, male has forked penis & female has two lateral canals to uterus; mature 6-8 months; lifespan 2-3 years; no lymphocytes are present at birth; esophagus structurally similar to man's; Diseases: resistant to rabies (300x > dogs) & mycobacterium spp.; pseudorabies, equine encephalomyelitis, & Herpes B experiments; Brucella abortus, Pasteurella hemolytica pneumonia & Salmonella; natural reservoir for relapsing fever (Borrelia recurrentis), Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi); Important endoparasite- stomach worm, Physaloptera turgida Research Uses: esophageal burn research- muscle wall resembles man; resistant to snake venom; short gestation food for toxicology, immunology & transplants; #4 bacterial endocardiosis easily induced c- Strep viridans & pyogenes; post-natal regeneration of limbs; embryology- primitive hemoglobins & circulating cells in pouch; immunology; glomerulonephritis, amyloidosis, hematology wound healing & anatomic research due to lobular neurohypophysis Marmosa mitis Mouse Opossum; Pouchless Opossum South & Central America; 95 gms; spontaneous ovulation 23 day estrous; G 15-17 D; LS 6; Weaning 50-60 D; life span 5 years; no pouch & a circle of mammae on the abdomen; 2N=14. Diseases: Research Uses: bioassay for carcinogenesis in embryonic mammalian systems; cytogenetic studies due to low diploid chromosome number; numerous parasites & diseases; Caluromys derbianus Woolly opossum S Mexico & South America; 200-300 gms; LS 2-4; 2N=14; Diseases: Research Uses: bioassay & cytogenetics; teratogenetics & mutagenic studies; Monodelphis brevicaudata (domestica) Short gray bare- tailed Opossum South America; ring of nipples on the abdomen instead of pouch; 80-155 gms; G 15 D; LS 8-14; 28 D estrous; life span 4 years; 2N=18; reverse light cycle; Male has bad odor; neonates attached to teats of female; if removed they can't reattach. Diseases: resistant to infectious diseases Research Uses: reproduction; developmental biology & genetics; microsurgery on newborn; forked penis caudal to scrotum; dermatology; xenographic tumor growth. Family: Macropodidae Potorous tridactylus Long nosed, broad faced Rat Kangaroo Australia; 1.3-1.8 kg; male- 2N=13; female- 2N=12; 3 sex chromosomes in the male (XXY); embryonic diapause occurs G 37 D; 60-65 D in pouch; 3 toes on each foot; Only have 1 offspring/pregnancy. Diseases: prone to pneumonia Research Uses: WBC'S & cell strains maintain a diploid condition; cytogenetics studies; radiation; cytology; locomotor studies; Setonix brachyurus Short-tailed Scrub Wallaby; Quokka Australia; 2-5 kg; G 27 D; one young per year which stays in pouch 5 months; pregastric bacterial digestion similar to that of ruminants; delayed implantation; Diseases: Research Uses: Muscular dystrophy- related to naturally occurring myotonia & rapidly progressing muscular dystrophy similar to man except it can be reversed c- vitamin supplementation; Order: Insectivora Family: Soricidae- shrews short legged resembling mice c- long pointed noses; nervous c- heart rates up to 1200/minute when excited Cryptotis parva Least Shrew Mexico, US, South & Central America; 4-7 gms, smallest mammal; G 21-22 D; LS 4-5; often eat their weight in food daily (insects); Diseases: Periodontal disease Research Uses: The smallest mammal thus good model for aging, thermoregulation & toxicology; comparative behavioral & physiological studies Sorex araneus Common Shrew Europe, Western Siberia; breeding seasons- spring, fall; G 20 D; wean 4-5 weeks; Diseases: Research Uses: reproductive biology Suncus murinus Musk shrew Africa, Egypt to Japan; G 30 D; wean 20 D; Diseases: Pasteurella pseudotuberculosis Research Uses: reproductive biology, endocrinology, & developmental biology; Order: Hyracoidea Family: Procaviidae Procavia capensis Rock Hyrax Middle East & Africa; 14-20 kg; G 225 D; mature in 2 years c- lifespan 6 years; related phylogenetically to elephant & sea cow; feet have foot pads c- vacuum cups for clinging; 4 toes- forefeet, 3 toes- hindfeet; coelomic cecae; testicles firmly attached posterior to the kidneys & ruminant like stomach; Diseases: Research Uses: nutrition (limited water intake); reproductive physiology, endocrinology (abdominal testes); immunology; naturally occurring gastric ulcers; Order: Edentata Family: Dasypodidae Armadillos long, sharp, strong claws on each digit of forefoot; females have common urinary & genital duct; males abdominal testes; double caudal vena cava; small peg "like" teeth continuously growing lacking enamel; Dasypus novemcinctus Nine-banded Armadillo only species of Edentata in North America; 4-8 kg; heterotherm; G 260 D; breed in July or Aug c- delayed implantation for 14-16 weeks c- birth 120 D later; LS 4-8 monozygotic offspring; body temp 32-35o D; lifespan 15 years; ability to build up oxygen debt via apnea 5-10 minutes while digging; 7-9 incisors on both jaws & 20-28 undifferentiated peglike teeth; Diseases: susceptible to variety of diseases including lepto. pulmonary adiaspiromycosis (Emmonsia crescens), ascariasis, & asymptomatic infection of equine encephalitis virus, T. cruzi Research Uses: 165- leprosy-M leprae produces no cellular immunity; Only biological system producing mass quantities of organisms; dissemination of organisms to visceral organs occurs more frequently than in humans probably due to low body temperature; spontaneous recovery from ventricular fibrillation; organ transplant, immunochemistry, embryology, drug metabolism; experimentally susceptible to foot & mouth, relapsing fever, african sleeping sickness, murine typhus, trichinosis, & schistosomiasis; also useful for studying multiple births, transplantation biology, birth defects, surgery, oxygen transport, karyotype analysis, developmental biology; Order: Carnivora Family: Mustelidae Mustela vison New World Mink North America; 1-1.6 kg; induced ovulator; G 30-32 D variable length since mate in spring & can delay implantation; LS 4; classified by phenotypic hair & eye color Diseases: Canine distemper, feline panleukopenia & mink virus enteritis; Pseudomonas pneumonia C. jejuni & botulism is a herd problem; could be due to antibiotics in the feed; coccidiosis Research Uses: 20- Transmissible mink encephalopathy (TME) is a scrapie "like" disease in mink & is a model for Kuru, Creutzfeldt Jacob disease (spongioform encephalopathy with somnolence, ataxia, self biting); Aleutian Disease of Mink- Model for persistent viral infections of man (immunologically mediated glomerulonephritis & arteritis; a/a gun-metal color, Aleutian minks are susceptible (Dx. Iodine Agglutination Test). Congenital malformation of the brain; 73- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome- primary collagen defect in mink & dogs due to autosomal dominant trait (Springer, Dachshund); decrease skin tensile strength. 119- Muscular dystrophy- autosomal recessive in mink; flaccid atrophy, choke to death; 148- Chediak-Higashi Syndrome- Autosomal recessive defect of Aleutian mink, Hereford cattle, beige mice, cats & killer whale manifested by partial oculo-cutaneous albinism, photophobia,fever, recurrent infections. They also have a lysosomal & phagocytic defects & lysosomal storage disease. 216- Hemivertebra- autosomal recessive; involving 4th thoracic c- kyphosis c- rapid onset; progressive onset in man c- scoliosis; Hereditary deafness- white & Hedlund mink similar to blue eyed cats; 231- Pseudodistemper of mink- autosomal recessive similar to human tyrosinemia II (Richner-Hanhart Syndrome) except fatal in minks (due to defective hepatic tyrosine amino transferase (TAT)); effects squamous epithelium; Metachromatic Leukodystrophy- Sulfatide lipidosis of mink & geese causing paralysis & death in newborn dark mink. Radial agenesis; Magnesium Ammonium Phosphate Urolithiasis (Styruvite)- Apr-Jun females; Aug-Nov males; Chasteks paralysis- Thiamine deficiency; model for Warnecke's disease in man; Urate nephrolithiasis- male 1 year, epistaxis, ulcerations on nose & footpad c- CNS & URI signs; may be due to uric acid metabolism defect; Mustela putorius furo domestic ferret 2N=34; tolerate cold better than heat; G 41-43 D; breeding season dependent on photoperiod- 14 hours daylight; female induced ovulator & will stay in heat for 4 months if not bred and can cause fatal bone marrow depression due to high estrogens; pseudopregnancy lasts 42 days; young called kits females called jills, males, Hob; 2 litters/season; colors: fitch, albino, siamese, silver, silver mitt; can't digest fiber; Dental formula 3/3,1/1,4/3,1/2; aorta splits forming carotids and abdominal aorta; endothelial-chorial placenta; five toes on each foot; male urine is usually dark; testicle descend during breeding season. Diseases: very susceptible to canine distemper 100% fatal naso-ocular discharge with "hard pad"; botulism; C. fetus jejuni causing proliferative ileitis; as well as: TB, salmonellosis, influenza, Aleutian disease, rotavirus; eclampsia in pregnant females Tx by feeding raw liver. Research Uses: bacteriological, virological, teratological, pharmacological, endocrinological, gastroenterological, & reproduction; used as sentinel for canine distemper in dog kennels; Model for subacute sclerosing panencephalitis caused by rubella; emetic research; congenital cerebellar hypoplasia with panleukopenia virus; Reye Syndrome- induced with human influenza virus + aspirin + arginine deficient diet; will also develop inner ear disorders (menier's disease/deafness). Mephitis mephitis Striped Skunk US; 0.7-2.5 kg; G 63 D; LS 4-5; lifespan 10 years; Diseases: Research Uses: rabies & canine distemper; Family: Viverridae Genetta tigrina Genet Africa, middle East, Europe; 1-2 kg; LS 2-3; lifespan 10- 34 years; two pair abdominal mammae; Diseases: Research Uses: sickle cell anemia due to natural RBC shape. Herpestes auropunctatus Mongoose Asia, Polynesia; 475-923 gms; G 60 D; LS 2-4; lifespan 7- 12; Diseases: Research Uses: comparative spermatology; experimental pulmonary adenomatosis; digestive tract ulcers; Order: Artiodactyla Family: Cervidae Odocoileus virginianus White-tailed Deer North America; 48-145 kg; mating in Nov-Dec c- G 196-210 D; lifespan 15 years; Diseases: Research Uses: sickle-cell anemia; Lymes Disease Family: Bovidae Cephalophus monticola- Blue Duiker Miniature South African antelope; 4-5 kg 25-30 cm high; house in 5' x 8' pen and feed rabbit chow and hay ad libitum; scent glands ventral to each eye; G- 7 M; Estrous cycle 20 D; Wean 3-5 M; puberty 9-15 M. Research Uses: forage evaluation; ruminant physiology and endocrinology; ruminant physiology and endocrinology; ruminant toxicology; ruminant reproduction. Springbok- model for polycystic kidney disease. Order: Lagomorpha Rabbits, Hares, & Pikas presence of two pair of central incisors; they reingest moist feces Family: Ochotonidae Ochotona rufescens Afghan Pika 2 0 3 3 2x 1 0 2 3 Asia & North America; 125-400 gms; G 25 D; LS 3-4; sexually mature 65 D; 12 pairs mammae; will eat solid food by 8 D age but generally weaned by 21 D; closed nose under water; abdominal testes except during breeding. Family: Leporidae hares & rabbits Lepus americanus snowshoe hares born haired & able to run within a few minutes; breed Mar- Sept; G 36 D; Diseases: susceptible to wide range of agents Research Uses: artificial insemination & reproduction Sylvilagus floridanus Cottontail rabbit born hairless, blind; Diseases: Research Uses: pseudorabies, Shope fibroma viruses Order: Chiroptera Family: Phyllostomidae American leaf-nosed bats Phyllostomus discolor spear-nosed bat robust form; eats fruits, pollens, nectars, insects; harem mating 1-12 females/male Diseases: VEE, chiggers, bat flies; Pseudomonas aeruginosa Research: extensive Glossophaga soricina long-tongued bat polyestrous, single young, sensitive to food deprivation; menstrual cycle and a type of ovum implantation similar to humans; prefer dark roost; Research: reproduction Carolina perspicillata short-tailed fruit bat harem breeding- 1-8 females/male; G 2.5- 3 Mo; single young; prefer dark roost; Disease: Can host Histoplasma capsulatum; ectoparasites; Research: Commonly studied Family: Vespertilionidae Eptesicus fuscus Big brown bat 14-30 gms; forest dweller Canada to South America; hibernates in winter; Females have two mammae; mate in fall, females store sperm through winter, and ovulate in the Spring with parturition from April- July; lifespan- 19 yrs; non-painful procedures are most easily performed on torpid bats exposed over-night to 10o C; Research: Hibernation; echolocation; long-term sperm storage; good model due to relative large size, ease of manipulating metabolic rate, adaptation, and availability; also susceptible to Equine encephalitic virus, Montana myotis leucoencephalitis virus, herpes simplex, pseudorabies virus, and rabies virus; Family: Desmodontidae Desmodus rotundus Vampire Bat 15-50 gms; Mexico & South America; consumes 15-20 ml blood/day; lifespan 19 yrs; quadrupedal locomotor facility; unusual renal function, large blood flow, high urinary concentration; active adjustment of body temp w environmental changes; G 7 mo; single young; Diseases: T cruzi; rabies; Research: comparative placentation, reproduction, renal physiology, thermoreg., C-V Physiology, social behavior, salivary anticoagulants, & orientation. Class: Aves Order: Galliformes Family: Phasianidae Gallus domesticus Chicken US; eggs hatch 21 D; Research Uses: 22- Hereditary muscular dystrophy- autosomal recessive in White Leghorn & New Hampshires (polygenic), degeneration of pectoralis muscle similar to disease in man; 85- Hashimoto thyroiditis- hereditary autoimmune thyroiditis in obese strain (os) White Leghorn, autosomal dominant polygenic; 224- March gangrene- deep pectoral myopathy, model for tibial syndrome in military personnel; 40 % incidence in broilers and turkeys which are stressed. Xanthomatosis; Infantile cortical hyperostosis (Caffey's Disease)- early stages of viral avian osteopetrosis resemble the disease.; Gout; viral leukemia; spontaneous diabetes insipidus; eggs used for culture; hyperlipoproteinemia in White Leghorns; Atherosclerosis & hemoglobinopathy; Family: Perdicidae Coturnix coturnix japonica Japanese Quail C. c. coturnix- European Quail; prolific; short life; sexual maturity 42 D; 10.5 offspring per parental pair/year Diseases: susceptible to avian diseases Research Uses: atherosclerosis; pesticide toxicology; embryology & reproductive physiology; nutrition; physiology; new drug screening; cardiovascular physiology Family: Meleagrididae Meleagris gallopavo- Turkey 1 gobbler/15 hens; egg incubation 28 D; Research Uses: Cardiomyopathy with endocardial fibroelastosis- Round heart disease; 50% incidence in inbred flocks with broad breasts. May have viral etiology with IgG mediators. Mortality prior to 6-8 Months. CS- congestive cardiomyopathy Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency- turkeys with round heart disease also have A1A deficiency. Birds have liver degeneratio with intracytoplasmic globules and congestive (dilatory) cardiomyopathy. Man has the liver and blood changes but has panemphysema in the lungs rather than cardiomyopathy. Hereditary muscular dystrophy- same as chickens; Naturally occurring dissecting aortic aneurysms; dietary induced atherosclerosis. 224- March gangrene- deep pectoral myopathy, model for tibial syndrome in military personnel; 40 % incidence in broilers and turkeys which are stressed. Order: Columbiformes Family: Columbidae Columba livia Homing & Racing Pigeons young feed on pigeon milk for 5 days; otoscope can be used for sexing by observing bilateral sperm duct papillae & females have only a left side oviduct opening; no gallbladder Diseases: Research Uses: Atherosclerosis susceptible- White Carneau 100%; Hyperlipoproteinemia while on atherogenic diet; nutrition; metabolism; Embryology, genetics, & immunology; Eggs- vaccines & microbiology; psychology & drug testing; Atherosclerosis resistant- Homing and Racing Pigeons Order: Anseriforms Family: Anatidae Anas platyrhynchos Peking Duck egg incubation 26-28 D; Diseases: Research Uses: 174- Amyloidosis- spontaneous in aged white Peking Ducks (distribution to liver spleen & adrenals) ORDER: Psittaciformes FAMILY: Psittacidae Melopsittacus undulatus- Budgerigar (parakeet) Australia; blue cere in male; ss rabbit cage with modified perch for housing; requires D3; blood collection by clipping toenail or metatarsal, jugular, or alar vein; 30 gm; lifespan 8-10 Y; wean 30-40 D; Puberty 6 M. Research Uses: Nutrition; anesthesia; physiology; parasitiology; infectious and metabolic diseases (i.e. Klebsiella pneumoniae and Aspergillosis) Invertebrates Ariolimax californicus Giant Land Slug 18 inches long Research Uses: reproductive physiology of male to female transformations; hermaphroditic Haementeria ghilianii Giant Leach Research Uses: chemistry of saliva & nervous system studies; hermaphroditic; Octopus bimaculoides eats live crustaceans; housed individually; brain has 60 distinct lobes; Research: neurological research on visual/tactile discrimination Drosophila melanogaster- model for nephroblastoma/genetic studies; Van Reckling hausen's Disease- model for multiple schwanomas is bicolored damsel fish Pomaceutrus partitus; Bryzoa- mosslike sea animals which contain antibacterial & antitumor properties. Aplysia californicus Sea hare Research Uses: Nerve Ganglion used due to large size of ganglion and nerve cells.