Determinación del nivel de tenencia responsable de los hámsteres domésticos en el Ecuador mediante el análisis de encuestas realizadas a tutores y veterinarios.

Abstract

Hamsters are solitary, crepuscular rodents native to deserts, grasslands and farmlands of Asia, Europe, and Africa. There are two domestic species in Ecuador: the Syrian hamster Mesocricetus auratus and the Dwarf Russian hamster Phodopus sungorus. Although they are very popular pets in the Americas, information about their correct handling and care is scarce. In Ecuador, the products available on the market for these animals are not suitable for them because of their design, size, and function; therefore, this study was carried out to determine the level of responsible ownership of domestic hamsters in Ecuador through the analysis of surveys conducted with owners and veterinarians. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study and 101 owners and 23 veterinarians were surveyed, collecting information on basic aspects of keeping (veterinary care, enclosure, substrate, wheel, food, sand, environmental enrichment and behavior). Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive techniques. The overall assessment of responsible ownership was 50.21 % inadequate care and 49.79 % ideal care. In addition, only 8.70 % of the veterinarians surveyed had specialized training in non-conventional pets. Finally, a basic care guide for domestic hamsters was designed based on these results. It was concluded that the level of responsible ownership of domestic hamsters in Ecuador is low, which highlights the need for further research on these species to guarantee their welfare in captivity. This work constitutes a guideline for the elaboration of an updated, affordable and more complete scientific guide for the proper care of domestic hamsters.