Post by Katt on Sept 13, 2011 22:30:18 GMT -9
While most rodents will self regulate, obesity is still a fairly common problem in domestic rodents. Causes can include poor diet, not enough exercise, poor genetics/mental health, and a tendency to overeat. If your rodent is obese, first check your diet - is it healthy? Does it contain a lot of fattening foods and preservatives? Next check your animal's activity level. Do they have a wheel? Do you let them out to run in a ball or pen? If diet and exercise are not at fault, then you will need to limit the food available to the rodent by only offering a set serving daily rather than free-feeding. A vet can recommend feeding amounts based off of your existing diet. Below are some examples of an obese mouse compared to a mouse of healthy weight. Both mice are housed together, receive the same diet, and the same exercise opportunities.
Obese Mouse:
note the pear shaped body
This mouse is not pregnant - she has never been housed with a male. Note how the fat is dispersed over her entire body and not just as a bulge in her midsection as is seen with pregnant mice.
Round Body
Side view
(lol looks like a pointer dog)
Top View
Healthy Mouse:
Note the parallel sides when the mouse is extended
There is no excess fat over the body
Side View - the mouse is sitting collected, giving a more round appearance as opposed to the obese mouse which appeared round when placing weight on all four feet evenly.
Obese Mouse:
note the pear shaped body
This mouse is not pregnant - she has never been housed with a male. Note how the fat is dispersed over her entire body and not just as a bulge in her midsection as is seen with pregnant mice.
Round Body
Side view
(lol looks like a pointer dog)
Top View
Healthy Mouse:
Note the parallel sides when the mouse is extended
There is no excess fat over the body
Side View - the mouse is sitting collected, giving a more round appearance as opposed to the obese mouse which appeared round when placing weight on all four feet evenly.