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Questions and Answers
Where did rats originate from?
Southern Russia or Northern China
Which of the following is the most prominent species of rat?
Rats are known to be aggressive animals.
False
What type of hair serves to provide insulation in rats?
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Which of the following is a characteristic feature of rats?
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What is the structure in rats that functions as tactile sensors?
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What type of diet is recommended for rats?
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Match the following rat anatomical details with their functions:
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Rats can tolerate cold better than ______.
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Study Notes
Rat Overview
- Originated from Southern Russia or Northern China; over 130 species exist.
- Most common species: black rat and brown rat.
Comparison of Black and Brown Rat
- Black rats have slimmer, longer tails compared to brown rats.
Rats as Pets
- Easily handled, non-aggressive, social creatures.
- Highly trainable; infrequently bite.
General Features of Rat
- Elongated body with small eyes and ears.
- Short fur with hairless tails; body covered with two types of hair:
- Guard Hair: Long and coarse, protects from abrasion and moisture.
- Under Hair (Undercoat): Provides insulation and helps maintain body temperature.
- Vibrissae (whiskers) are tactile sensors aiding navigation and environmental awareness.
- Physical characteristics: bulging eyes, visible cornea, one permanent set of teeth, five digits with nails.
- Notable anatomy: large cecum, diffuse pancreas, os penis; lacks gall bladder.
Housing and Husbandry
- Cannot vomit due to a structured esophageal ring.
- Exhibits coprophagic behavior (eating feces) and lacks sweat glands.
- Tolerates cold better than heat.
- Housing preferences:
- Prefer single housing, can live together during experiments.
- Adult males can share space.
- Recommended cage size: 24”W x 24”L x 12”H with ¼” to 1” bedding depth.
- Optimal temperature: 18-26˚C, humidity: 40% to 70%.
Reproduction and Sexing
- Males identifiable by distinct scrotum; females have visible nipples.
- Anogenital distance used for sexing.
- Can be monogamous or polygamous in breeding.
Rat Nutrition
- Diet should consist of pellets; avoid all-seed diets to prevent obesity.
- Recommended intake: 5-10g of pellets per 100g body weight.
- Water requirement: 10 mL per 100g body weight available ad libitum.
Venipuncture Techniques
- Common collection sites include:
- Lateral saphenous vein
- Lateral tail vein
- Orbital venous plexus
- Cardiac puncture
Anesthetic Agents and Analgesics
- Specific anesthetic agents and pre-anesthetics are utilized for these animals.
Diseases of Rats
- Routine examinations are similar to those for mice, with rats recognized for higher intelligence.
- Examination protocol:
- Handle using claw-type restraint or body grasp.
- Gather history including source, diet, and environment.
- Perform a physical exam from nose to tail.
- Diagnostic procedures may involve feces and urine collection.
- Preventive medicine measures include monitoring health for diseases and potential medications.
- Notably, atropinase in rats breaks down atropine, impacting certain medical treatments.
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Description
This quiz covers key concepts in rat production, medicine, and diseases, focusing specifically on the biology, origin, and characteristics of rats. Learn about the differences between black and brown rats, their roles as pets, and their behavioral traits. Perfect for students and enthusiasts in veterinary medicine.
