Ocular disorders of pet mice and rats

Abstract

As mice and rats become more popular as pets, it is expected that they will be seen more often in general veterinary practice. It is hoped that this increase in doctor visits will be associated with an increased number of clinical reports that describe ophthalmic disorders observed in these species. Until then, clinicians must rely on extrapolation and cautious application of data that are generated in laboratory strains.

Ophthalmologic Diseases in Small Pet Mammals

“…Common abnormalities include retinal degeneration, as in the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat strain 66 ; microphthalmos; and cataracts. 6,33 Bacteriologic culture and sensitivity testing may be indicated in individual rats and mice with persistent conjunctivitis. Ophthalmic examination of 6,000 Sprague-Dawley rats revealed a focal linear retinopathy in 3% and a fundic coloboma in 0.5%.…”