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==Introduction==

==Introduction==

Hamsters are now commonly used in laboratory testing, but for many years other species including mice, rats and guinea pigs were used for studies requiring small easily managed animals. In 1919 the first study using hamsters was undertaken assessing the susceptibility of Chinese hamsters to ''leishmania''. A number of difficulties were encountered including an inability to breed the animals and hamsters were not used again until the 1930s when a Syrian hamster burrow was uncovered by an archaeologist near Aleppo. Nearly all common golden hamster breeds are related to these wild discovered hamsters. Syrian hamsters ''(Mesocricetus auratus)''were used and were found to be easier to breed and had more desirable traits for laboratory testing than Chinese hamsters. Syrian hamsters have gone on to become the most commonly encountered laboratory hamster species with around 500,000 per year currently used in the US. However, approximately ten times more mice and rats are used compared to hamsters.

Hamsters are now commonly used in laboratory testing, but for many years other species including mice, rats and guinea pigs were used for studies requiring small easily managed animals. In 1919 the first study using hamsters was undertaken assessing the susceptibility of Chinese hamsters to ''leishmania''. A number of difficulties were encountered including an inability to breed the animals and hamsters were not used again until the 1930s when a Syrian hamster burrow was uncovered by an archaeologist near Aleppo. Nearly all common golden hamster breeds are related to these wild discovered hamsters. Syrian hamsters ''(Mesocricetus auratus)''were used and were found to be easier to breed and had more desirable traits for laboratory testing than Chinese hamsters. Syrian hamsters have gone on to become the most commonly encountered laboratory hamster species with around 500,000 per year currently used in the US. However, approximately ten times more mice and rats are used compared to hamsters.

==Strains and Stocks==

==Strains and Stocks==

Although Syrian hamsters ''Mesocricetus auratus'' or Golden hamsters are the most commonly encountered laboratory species, a number of other species are also used. These include the Chinese hamster ''Cricetus cricetus'', the Armenian hamster ''Cricetulus migratorius'', the Dzungarian hamster ''Phodopus sungarus'' and the South African hamster ''Mystromyx albicauafus''. There are a number of “[[http://en.wikivet.net/Hamster_Breeds_-_WikiNormals|differences between these types of hamster]]”;

Although Syrian hamsters ''Mesocricetus auratus'' or Golden hamsters are the most commonly encountered laboratory species, a number of other species are also used. These include the Chinese hamster ''Cricetus cricetus'', the Armenian hamster ''Cricetulus migratorius'', the Dzungarian hamster ''Phodopus sungarus'' and the South African hamster ''Mystromyx albicauafus''. There are a number of [[Hamster_Breeds_-_WikiNormals|differences between these types of hamster]];

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==Integument System==

==Integument System==

===Dermatophytosis (Ringworm)===

===Dermatophytosis (Ringworm)===

Fungal infections occur infrequently in hamsters. ''Trichophyton mentagrophytes'' and ''microsporum spp'' are the most commonly isolated. In Infection may be asymptomatic or show clinical signs including small, patchy alopecia.

Fungal infections occur infrequently in hamsters. [[Dermatophytosis|''Trichophyton mentagrophytes'']] and [[Dermatophytosis|''microsporum spp'']] are the most commonly isolated. In Infection may be asymptomatic or show clinical signs including small, patchy alopecia.

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Macroscopic pathology includes irregular to circular, crusty, flaky skin lesions with reddened margins.

Macroscopic pathology includes irregular to circular, crusty, flaky skin lesions with reddened margins.

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===Mange===

===Mange===

The mites ''Demodex criceti'' and ''Demodex aurati'' can have a reasonably high infestation level without clinical signs. Both mites are often found together, although ''Demodex criceti'' is considered to be non-pathogenic. Increased incidence has been reported in males an older animals and also as a secondary condition to malnutrition or concurrent disease.

The mites [[Demodex|''Demodex criceti'']] and [[Demodex|''Demodex aurati'']] can have a reasonably high infestation level without clinical signs. Both mites are often found together, although ''Demodex criceti'' is considered to be non-pathogenic. Increased incidence has been reported in males an older animals and also as a secondary condition to malnutrition or concurrent disease.

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Clinical signs range from none to alopecia, scaly skin, dermatitis and a rough looking coat. Alopecia generally occurs over the rump and back.

Clinical signs range from none to alopecia, scaly skin, dermatitis and a rough looking coat. Alopecia generally occurs over the rump and back.

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===Other Mite Infestations===

===Other Mite Infestations===

Other species of mite reported in hamsters include ''Sarcoptes scabei, Notodres spp'' (ear mite), ''Speleorodens clethrionomys'' (nasal mite) and ''Ornithonyssus bacoti'' (tropical rat mite).

Other species of mite reported in hamsters include [[Sarcoptes|''Sarcoptes scabei'']], [[Notoedres|''Notoedres spp'']] (ear mite), ''Speleorodens clethrionomys'' (nasal mite) and ''Ornithonyssus bacoti'' (tropical rat mite).

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===Abscesses===

===Abscesses===

Skin abcesses are often caused by trauma including fighting. ''Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus spp., Pasturella pneumotropica'' and ''Actinomyces aureus'' have been isolated from skin abcesses.

Skin abcesses are often caused by trauma including fighting. [[Staphylococcus_aureus|''Staphylococcus aureus'']], ''Streptococcus spp.'', [[Pasteurella_pneumotropica|''Pasturella pneumotropica'']] and ''Actinomyces aureus'' have been isolated from skin abcesses.

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==Urinary System==

==Urinary System==

===Amyloidosis===

===Amyloidosis===

Amyloidosis causes soluable proteins to polymerise into insoluable fibrils resulting in chronic infections and impaired renal function. This condition frequently in older (>1) female hamsters.

[[Amyloidosis|Amyloidosis]] causes soluable proteins to polymerise into insoluable fibrils resulting in chronic infections and impaired renal function. This condition frequently in older (>1) female hamsters.

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Macroscopic histology includes rough, pale and enlarged kidneys, enlarged adrenal glands and liver at necropsy. Microscopic histopathology may include glomerular hyalinisation, amyloid deposits in tubules and amyloid deposits in other organs including the spleen, liver and adrenals. Microscopic histopathology can be easily visualised with Congo red stain.

Macroscopic histology includes rough, pale and enlarged kidneys, enlarged adrenal glands and liver at necropsy. Microscopic histopathology may include glomerular hyalinisation, amyloid deposits in tubules and amyloid deposits in other organs including the spleen, liver and adrenals. Microscopic histopathology can be easily visualised with Congo red stain.

==Respiratory System==

==Respiratory System==

===Pneumonia===

===Pneumonia===

Although pneumonia is relatively uncommon in hamsters, it can be caused by a number of bacterial pathogens including ''Streptococcus pneumoniae, S. agalactiae, Pasturella pneumotropica, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bordetella spp, Corynebacterium paulometabulum'' and ''Salmonella spp.''.  

Although pneumonia is relatively uncommon in hamsters, it can be caused by a number of bacterial pathogens including ''Streptococcus pneumoniae, S. agalactiae, Pasturella pneumotropica, Staphylococcus aureus, [[Klebsiella|Klebsiella pneumoniae]], [[Bordetella_species_-_Overview|Bordetella spp]], [[Corynebacterium_species_-_Overview|Corynebacterium paulometabulum]]'' and [[Salmonella|''Salmonella spp.'']].  

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Macroscopic pathology includes respiratory lesions at necropsy.  

Macroscopic pathology includes respiratory lesions at necropsy.  

==Cardiovascular System==

==Cardiovascular System==

===Atrial Thrombosis===

===Atrial Thrombosis===

Atrial thrombosis and congestive heart failure are associated with older female hamsters and occur frequently. Atrial thrombosis is also associated with amyloidosis (see above). Clinical symptoms include dyspnea, tachycardia and cyanosis.

[[Atrial_Thrombosis|Atrial thrombosis]] and congestive heart failure are associated with older female hamsters and occur frequently. Atrial thrombosis is also associated with amyloidosis (see above). Clinical symptoms include dyspnea, tachycardia and cyanosis.

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Macroscopic pathology will display a thrombi most commonly in the left atria.

Macroscopic pathology will display a thrombi most commonly in the left atria.

'''Clostridial Enteritis'''

'''Clostridial Enteritis'''

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''Clostridium perfringens, C. difficile'' and ''C. spireforme'' produce toxins causing oedema, haemorrhage, mucosal dysfunction and necrosis. Clostridial enteritis manifests as 2 syndromes. The first is acute diarrhoea that is likely to have been caused by dietary changes, antibiotic therapy, concurrent diseases or physiological stresses. The second manifestation occurs in older (>6months) hamsters where they slowly loose weight and condition and die without diarrhoea.<br />

''Clostridium perfringens, [[C._difficile|C. difficile]]'' and ''C. spiroforme'' produce toxins causing oedema, haemorrhage, mucosal dysfunction and necrosis. Clostridial enteritis manifests as 2 syndromes. The first is acute diarrhoea that is likely to have been caused by dietary changes, antibiotic therapy, concurrent diseases or physiological stresses. The second manifestation occurs in older (>6months) hamsters where they slowly loose weight and condition and die without diarrhoea.<br />

Acute diarrhoea is macroscopically diagnosed at necropsy by serosal and mucosal haemorrhages of the cecum and sometimes the lower intestine. Definitive diagnosis for either manifestation is made via bacterial culture. The second manifestation is diagnosed macroscopically via a thickening of the cecal wall containing inflammatory cell infiltrate.  

Acute diarrhoea is macroscopically diagnosed at necropsy by serosal and mucosal haemorrhages of the cecum and sometimes the lower intestine. Definitive diagnosis for either manifestation is made via bacterial culture. The second manifestation is diagnosed macroscopically via a thickening of the cecal wall containing inflammatory cell infiltrate.  

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'''Ileitis'''

'''Ileitis'''

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Causative agents include ''Campylobacter coli'', ''Campylobacter fetus'' and chlamydial organisms transmitted via fecal-oral or fomite contamination. Clinical signs include lethargy, anorexia, diarrhoea, dehydration and death. Moist faeces often stains the base of the tail. Ileitis primarily occurs in hamsters of between 3 to 10 weeks.  

Causative agents include ''Campylobacter coli'', [[Campylobacter_fetus_subspecies_fetus|''Campylobacter fetus'']] and chlamydial organisms transmitted via fecal-oral or fomite contamination. Clinical signs include lethargy, anorexia, diarrhoea, dehydration and death. Moist faeces often stains the base of the tail. Ileitis primarily occurs in hamsters of between 3 to 10 weeks.  

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Macroscopic pathology will include yellow to dark red fluid within the small intestine and mesenteric lymph node hyperplasia. There may also be focal coagulative necrosis in the liver.  

Macroscopic pathology will include yellow to dark red fluid within the small intestine and mesenteric lymph node hyperplasia. There may also be focal coagulative necrosis in the liver.  

'''Salmonellosis'''

'''Salmonellosis'''

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The incidence of salmonellosis in hamsters is low. ''Salmonella enterica'' is the common causative agent and is associated with contaminated food and bedding. Diarrhoea may be haemorrhagic, cause septicaemia and can also cause sudden death. Clinical signs are primarily seen in pregnant females or infants.  

The incidence of salmonellosis in hamsters is low. [[Salmonella|''Salmonella enterica'']] is the common causative agent and is associated with contaminated food and bedding. Diarrhoea may be haemorrhagic, cause septicaemia and can also cause sudden death. Clinical signs are primarily seen in pregnant females or infants.  

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Macroscopic pathology includes fluid filled small intestine and cecum. The lungs may have a patchy haemorrhagic appearence. Small white foci are visible in the liver. The most significant macroscopic pathology is a septic lesion partially occluding thrombosis of pulmonary venules. Multifocal necrosis of the liver, lymph nodes and spleen may also be visible.

Macroscopic pathology includes fluid filled small intestine and cecum. The lungs may have a patchy haemorrhagic appearence. Small white foci are visible in the liver. The most significant macroscopic pathology is a septic lesion partially occluding thrombosis of pulmonary venules. Multifocal necrosis of the liver, lymph nodes and spleen may also be visible.

'''Tyzzer's Disease'''

'''Tyzzer's Disease'''

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This is caused by ''clostridium piliforme''. Infected hamsters exhibit a hunched posture and rough hair coats with or without diarrhoea.

This is caused by [[Clostridium_piliforme|''clostridium piliforme'']]. Infected hamsters exhibit a hunched posture and rough hair coats with or without diarrhoea.

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Macroscopic pathology is widespread and includes enterocolitis with oedema, hyperemia of the large intestines, lymphadenitis and multifocal liver necrosis.

Macroscopic pathology is widespread and includes enterocolitis with oedema, hyperemia of the large intestines, lymphadenitis and multifocal liver necrosis.

==Other==

==Other==

===Tularemia===

===Tularemia===

Although this is rarely reported in hamsters, ''Francisella tularensis'' causes acute septicemia and has a high morbidity and mortality rates. Death occurs with 48hrs of onset.

Although this is rarely reported in hamsters, [[Francisella_tularensis|''Francisella tularensis'']] causes acute septicemia and has a high morbidity and mortality rates. Death occurs with 48hrs of onset.

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Macroscopic pathology includes haemorrhagic lungs, enlarged and necrotic liver and spleen, prominent Peyer's patches and enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes.

Macroscopic pathology includes haemorrhagic lungs, enlarged and necrotic liver and spleen, prominent Peyer's patches and enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes.

This is a zoonotic pathogen.

This is a zoonotic pathogen.

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===Yersiniosis (Pseudotuberculosis)===

===Yersiniosis (Pseudotuberculosis)===

''Yersinia pseudotuberculosis'' is usually the result of fecal contamination of food or water and leads to acute septicemia and intermittent diarrhoea.  

[[Yersinia_pseudotuberculosis|''Yersinia pseudotuberculosis'']] is usually the result of fecal contamination of food or water and leads to acute septicemia and intermittent diarrhoea.  

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Macroscopic pathology includes lesions in the mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen, liver, lungs, gallbladder and intestinal walls.

Macroscopic pathology includes lesions in the mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen, liver, lungs, gallbladder and intestinal walls.

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===Cholangiofibrosis===

===Cholangiofibrosis===

Also called cholangiohepatitis, the cause of this pathology is thought to be from a Helicobacter species called ''H. cholecysticus''. Affected hamsters display no clinical signs.

Also called cholangiohepatitis, the cause of this pathology is thought to be from a [[Helicobacter|Helicobacter]] species called ''H. cholecysticus''. Affected hamsters display no clinical signs.

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Macroscopic pathology includes bile duct hyperplasia, pericholangial fibrosis and centrilobular pancreatitis.

Macroscopic pathology includes bile duct hyperplasia, pericholangial fibrosis and centrilobular pancreatitis.

A common route of infection of LCM in research laboratories is via the transplantation of LCM-containing tumours. Macroscopic pathology may include splenomegally, swollen or shrunken pitted kidneys and hepatomegally. Microscopic pathology may include lymphocytic meningitis, chronic glomerulonephropathy, widespread vasculitis and widespread lymphocytic infiltration.

A common route of infection of LCM in research laboratories is via the transplantation of LCM-containing tumours. Macroscopic pathology may include splenomegally, swollen or shrunken pitted kidneys and hepatomegally. Microscopic pathology may include lymphocytic meningitis, chronic glomerulonephropathy, widespread vasculitis and widespread lymphocytic infiltration.

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