Prevention of Trichobezoar in the Cotton Rat, Sigmodon hispidus hispidus

Abstract

Fifty-one cotton rats received the basic sugar caries-producing diet of Shaw et al. (1945); Group II, containing 15 weanling rats, received the same diet plus 10% by wt. of finely divided cellulose. Group I was divided to 3 equal subgroups so that a rat in subgroup A had a littermate in B and C. Group II was similarly divided. One-third of I and II (IA and IIA) drank distilled water, while to the drinking water on the other 2/3 (IB, IC, and IIB, IIC) varying amts. of K oxalate were added. This was maintained for 14 wks. Rats dying during the expt. were weighed and autopsied. All survivors were killed, weighed, and autopsied. All Group I rats consistently showed trichobezoar formation. They were of sufficient size to interfere with gastric emptying. Some filled the stomach completely. All other organs were normal on gross examination. All Group II animals lived the full 14 wks. (the mortality rate in Group I being 40%) and were normal in appearance. They showed no evidence of trichobezoar formation. There was a significant difference in the wts. gained, perhaps due to cellulose.