Cardiology in Rodents, Rabbits, and Small Exotic Mammals-Diagnostic Workup

Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2022 May;25(2):503-524. doi: 10.1016/j.cvex.2022.01.010.

Abstract

The incidence of cardiac diseases in pet rabbits and rodents increased over the past decade as these species live longer and diagnostics methods are more precise to diagnose heart diseases even in small-sized animals. The article summarizes diagnostics of cardiac diseases in selected exotic companion mammals, particularly in rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and rats. The emphasis of the paper is given on clinical examination, thoracic radiography, electrocardiography, and echocardiography.

Keywords: Cardiac disease; Chinchilla; Echocardiography; Electrocardiography; Guinea pig; Rabbit; Radiography; Rat.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cardiology*
  • Chinchilla
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Heart Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Heart Diseases* / veterinary
  • Mammals
  • Rabbits
  • Rats
  • Rodentia