10- treating the ferret

Question 1

what do you vaccinate ferrets against

Answer 1

canine distemper

Question 2

describe the vaccination protocols for ferrets against canine distemper

Answer 2

high risk area- 2 initial vaccines at 8 and 12 weeks old
low risk area- one initial vaccine at 12 weeks old
booster every 18-24 months

Question 3

Give 2 differential diagnoses for hair loss in the ferret

Answer 3

ectoparasites
persistent oestrus
hyperadrenocorticism

Question 4

give 2 differentials for lethargy in ferrets

Answer 4

insulinoma
lymphoma
heart disease

Question 5

what is a ferrets normal moulting season

Answer 5

change hair coat 2x a year - autumn and spring

Question 6

when is a ferrets breeding season

Answer 6

march to september

Question 7

hyperoestrogenism in ferrets causes what

Answer 7

induces bone marrow suppression–> pancytopenia –> death

Question 8

what is pancytopenia

Answer 8

A condition in which there is a lower-than-normal number of red and white blood cells and platelets in the blood.

Question 9

list 3 ectoparasites that can cause hair loss in ferrets

Answer 9

Sarcoptes scabei
Lynxacarus mustelae
Demodex spp
Fleas (Ctenocephalidea spp)

Question 10

List 3 clinical signs of hyperadrenocorticism in ferrets

Answer 10

Symmetrical/bilateral alopecia and ‘rat tail’
Vulvar swelling
Sexual behaviours
Pruritus
Dysuria/urinary obstruction
Mammary hyperplasia

Question 11

T/F hyperadrenocorticism occurs in an entire ferret

Answer 11

False- only occurs in neutered animals

Question 12

List 2 alternative/ additions to surgically neutering ferrets

Answer 12

Leave entire and give a yearly ‘Jill jab’ when females are in season.
Vasectomise males and leave females entire.
Neuter AND give a hormone implant to prevent HAC.
Use the hormone implant to chemically neuter on its own.