Prairie Dog
Disease Conditions

Obesity
Obesity is a common condition observed in prairie dogs. They have a tendency to become overweight when given unlimited feed and minimal exercise.
It is, however, important to realize that the body confirmation of prairie dogs is typically heavy and stocky. Once they do become obese, these rodents have a much greater tendency towards heart disease and respiratory problems (both will be discussed later in detail). The best way to guard against obesity is to limit access to food pellets (give only one-fourth to one-third cup daily) and provide ample hay. In addition, these animals should be given the opportunity to exercise and burrow.

Pneumonia
Respiratory disease is one of the most common medical problems encountered in the prairie dog. As mentioned above, obesity and poorly ventilated cages often play a role in an animal’s susceptibility. Pneumonia can result from a number of viral and bacterial agents. Many of these disease causing organisms routinely inhabit the respiratory tract of clinically healthy animals, and they serve as opportunistic invaders when the pet’s body defenses are lowered as a result of stress or other disease. Signs of pneumonia may include difficulty breathing (dyspnea), discharge from the nose and eyes, loss of appetite and lethargy.

Veterinary consultation should be sought when a prairie dog exhibits any of the above symptoms. A bacterial culture with antibiotic sensitivity of the throat and/or nasal discharge may be required to assist the veterinarian in the selection of an appropriate antibiotic. Aggressive antibiotic therapy in addition to supportive care of the patient is often necessary to get the condition under control. Unfortunately, even though elimination of the symptoms may be possible with appropriate therapy, eradication of the causative bacteria may never occur. In addition to treating the symptoms, correction of the predisposing factors is necessary to reduce the chance of recurrence.

Heart Disease
Heart disease occurs in prairie dogs at a higher rate than other rodents. This condition is often associated with obesity and may lead to apparent respiratory disease. Signs of possible heart disease include lethargy, respiratory difficulty, reluctance to move, sudden collapse, cold extremities and pale to purple discoloration of the tissues lining the mouth (mucus membranes). When any of these signs are observed, veterinary assistance should be sought. A veterinarian can make the diagnosis of heart disease based on the above clinical signs, listening to the heart (auscultation) and chest X-rays. This condition cannot be completely cured, but only clinically managed. The goals to therapy involve correction of underlying factors, such as obesity, and management of the symptoms.

Pseudotuberculosis
Prairie dogs have been shown to be natural carriers of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. This bacteria is spread by fecal contamination. Affected animals exhibit nonspecific signs such as weight loss, lethargy, loss of appetite and diarrhea. To make a diagnosis, the veterinarian may be able to culture the organism from blood, feces or tissues of the affected prairie dog. In addition, enlargement of the spleen, liver and abdominal lymph nodes may be observed. Once a diagnosis has been established, treatment with a broad-spectrum antibiotic and supportive care may be effective.

Ringworm
Prairie dogs are susceptible to mycotic (fungal) infections commonly known as ringworm. Microsporum gypseum is the agent most commonly associated with prairie dog ringworm, but infections with other fungal agents cannot be ruled out. Affected animals exhibit areas of hair loss, increased pigmentation and thickened skin over the chest, abdomen, lower back, tail and head. In itself, this condition does not appear to be very itchy (pruritic). A veterinarian can confirm a diagnosis with skin scrapings and fungal cultures. Treatment consists of antifungal agents given topically and systemically.
© 2004 Midwest Bird and Exotic Animal Hospital