Cats and Dogs: ALAT Chapters 24 and 25
What are some signs that a cat is in pain/distress/illness?
- quiet - stiff posture - not eating - growling or hissing when approached -Pain in the head region o Usually presents as a head-tilt -Abdominal pain o Usually presents in a hunched posture -Sore limb oUsually presents itself as swollen or being favored by the animal -Upper respiratory infections o Sniffling, wheezing, obvious green mucous around the eyes\nose -Bothersome ears o Pinna may be pinned down, head shaking, scratching
What are cats used for in research?
- similar to humans - Used for neurological/ behavioral sciences
What is the anatomy and physiologically of a cat?
-Agile -Muscular -Predators -Long bodies with broad heads -Forward facing eyes with nictitating membrane o 3rd eyelid -Retractable claws -Purring vocalizations -Normal feces is firm\brown in color -Urine of females= pale yellow with a faint odor -Urine of males= musky odor Males more prone to urinary obstructions
What are forms of identification for a dog?
-As with cats, the USDA requires that dogs be identified with either sturdy tags on a collar or by a tattoo o Animal may have a few identifiers (i.e. USDA number, facility ID number, microchip number, and study animal number) -A unique number is usually assigned to each animal at the breeding facility o Tattooed on the hairless part of the ear -Coat color\markings may be used as a secondary identifier when animals are group housed
What are the body languages of a fearful cat?
-Crouches at the back of the cage -Twitching tail -Ears pinned back -Partially closed eyes -Growling\hissing\wailing -Raised hind end -Piloerection
What is the anatomy and physiology of a dog?
-Dogs vary widely in their size, shape, and coat color -Specialized shearing-cutting teeth (upper 4th premolars) known as the Carnassial teeth -Relatively short GI tract -Have a nictitating membrane that provides protection to the eye -See well at lower levels of illumination compared to humans -Urine is clear, yellow-amber in color -Feces are firm and medium-dark brown in color depending on their food
What does a healthy and calm alert cat look like when interested in their surroundings?
-Eyes are bright -Ears are erect -May be purring\vocalizing
What does the number of cats housed in the same cage depend on?
-Size of the room\caging -Reproductive status of the animals -Cat's personalities
What are signs of pain/distress/illness in a dog?
-Stiff movements or an unwillingness to move are indications that a dog is in pain or is uncomfortable -A dog with less severe pain may seem restless -Common signs of pain\illness Shivering, heavy panting, whimpering, howling Scratching\favoring\licking at irritated areas -A dog that is in pain is more apprehensive and aggressive than normal -A sick dog will try to isolate itself in a corner of its cage in a curled position -Animals that are sick or in pain may not respond to their handler's call and may tremble, growl, snarl, or whimper
What are forms of identification for a cat?
-USDA regulations require that cats have either a durable, legible tag attached to a collar or a tattoo (applied to the ear) -Microchips, dyes, and coat color may be used as secondary identifiers
How long is the gestation period for cats?
58-67 days
How long is the gestation period of a dog?
59-68 days
What is the weaning age for dogs?
6-8 weeks
How long does a dogs estrus last?
7-10 days
How long is a dogs sexual reproduction cycle?
7-10 days
What is the weaning age in cats?
7-8 weeks
How can you fix the problem of a cat eliminating outside of their litter pan?
Add more litter or changing type of litter/ pan style
What is the most commonly used breed of dog?
Beagles
What is the scientific name for a dog in research?
Canis familiaris
How often should cat litter pans be cleaned?
Daily
What does the amount of feed depend on with a dog?
Dog's size, age, health, activity, and whether it's pregnant or lactating
When should the administration of tranquilizers\narcotics\barbiturates only be used?
Done by trained personnel under the supervision\guidance of a veterinarian
According to the AWA regulations, what should all cat cages have?
Each cat cage must have a resting board that is elevated above the cage floor
How often must a cats cage be changed/cleaned?
Every two weeks
What is the scientific name for a laboratory cat?
Felis catus
What are dogs used for in research?
Great models for: cardiovascular and orthopedic (bone) research
What is the body language of a submissive dog?
Had low, ears flattened, body close to the ground, and tail between it's legs - but wagging
What is the body language of an exuberant dog?
Head held high, bright eyes, ears extended, and tail wagging
What are signs of the start of estrus in a dog?
Is characterized by a swollen vulva and blood-tinged vaginal discharge (attractive to males during this time which is about 11-17 days after the onset of the estrous cycle.
What is the difference of sexing a kitten?
Male -
What is the difference of sexing a kitten?
Male - Genital opening rounded - Anogenital Distance is larger in the mail Female - Genital opening has a slit
How long does estrus cycle last when a female cat is mating, and when they are not mating?
Mating: 1-4 days Not mating: 10 days
What is considered a well balanced diet for dogs?
Meat products, grains, and vegetables
What is the most common method of euthanasia in dogs?
Most common method used deals with an overdose of barbiturates
What is the common method of euthanasia in cats?
Most common method used deals with an overdose of barbiturates or inhalant anesthetics
When queens are only induced ovulators, what does this mean?
Ovulate only in response to copulation
What are signs of anger and annoyance in a cat?
Pinned ears, growling, hunched posture, piloerection, hissing
How are the dogs generally in research, purpose bred or mongrels?
Purpose bred
What is a female cat called?
Queen
What kind of reproductive cycle does a female cat have?
Queens are polyestrous and will breed all year long
What do cats need in their diets due to not being able to synthesize it on their own?
Taurine
If a cat has a urinary obstruction/ issue, what will their urine look like?
The first sign will be a decrease in urine output and\or blood in the urine (hematuria)
What is the most commonly used cat in research?
The short-haired, medium-sized cat
What is a male cat called?
Tom
What is a female dog called?
bitch
What is a male dog called?
dog
When does estrus (heat) occur in a female dog?
every 7-8 months
What will a female cat display if they are in estrus?
females display lordosis, and are extremely vocal
What should be done to avoid unwanted behaviors, such as: (spraying, aggression) or accidental pregnancies in cats?
spay or neuter
When does ovulation occur in dogs?
takes place during early to mid-estrus
What is harem mating in cats?
where 1 male is with a group of females for 1 week to 10 days