Biology Flashcards
Describe the trachea in the ferret. How is this useful as a research model?
Proportionally long, due to narrow and elongated thorax. Tracheal size and laryngeal anatomy make endotracheal intubation difficult, and thus ferret serves as a species for pediatric intubation training.
Why is the ferret an attractive model for pulmonary research studies?
Lungs are relatively large, and total lung capacity is nearly three-times that which would be predicted based on body size, as compared with other mammals. This, plus higher degree of bronchiolar branching and more extensive bronchial submucosal glands.
Describe the ferret GIT. (4)
Specialized as a carnivore. Simple monogastric stomach, no cecum, indistinct ileocecal junction, and short alimentary tract with 3h transit time.
What two glands are present in ferrets? What gland do they lack?
Paired anal scent glands - Often descented
Sebaceous glands - Distinctive musky odor even in descented intact males and estrous jills
Lack well-developed scent glands, so are predisposed to heat prostration when ambient temps reach 32C/90F
What causes splenomegaly in ferrets?
May be seen secondary to common extramedullary hematopoiesis, pathologic conditions, or isoflurane.
Do ferrets have naturally occurring antibodies against unmatched erythrocyte antigens? Do they develop these after transfusions?
No and no.
What type of breeders are ferrets?
Seasonal breeders.
What can prolonged estrus cause in females? How can this be reproduced?
Aplastic anemia. Reproduced with exogenous estrogen administration.
At what age and weight are ferrets weaned?
400g, 6-8 weeks.
How much do sexually intact males and females weigh? Gonadectomized prior to weaning?
Males: 1-2 kg
Females: 0.5-1 kg
Gonadectomized: 0.8-1.2 kg
Adult, sexually intact ferrets may be subject to seasonal fluctuations in body fat percentage, which can cause body weight to fluctuate how much?
30-40%
How long do ferrets typically live?
6-8 years, as long as 11 years
At what age do ferrets reach sexual maturity? What is the length of their breeding life?
4-12 month maturity
2-5 year breeding life
How long is ferret gestation?
42 days
How much do newborn ferret kits weigh? When do they open their eyes and begin to hear?
Weigh 6-12g at birth.
Begin to hear at 32 days, eyes open at 34 days
What is a distinctive hematological characteristic of the ferret?
Relatively robust erythron, with hematocrit, hemoglobin, and total erythrocyte and reticulocytes higher than those of dogs and cats
What compound can be found in low amounts in normal ferret urine?
Protein.
Ferrets are strict carnivores with a high requirement for what two dietary components? They should not be given diets high in what two dietary components? What protein source should be avoided?
Need: Fat and protein
Avoid: Complex carbs or fibers
Breeding animals require a higher percentage of fat or protein in their diet?
Protein (35%) than fat (25%)
Why must can be taken when extrapolating data from feline dietary research to ferrets?
Ferret digestibility of crude proteins in much lower than cats, while digestibility of crude fat is higher.
Does the source of the protein matter?
Yes, high levels of plant proteins can lead to urolithiasis.
As a general rule, a diet low in carbs is preferred for the maintenance of ferrets, but what can result in pups of a ferret bitches fed such a diet?
Lower viability, probably due to hypoglycemia.
Describe the similarities of ferret and humans regarding B- carotene.
Both convert B-carotene to vitamin A in the gut and absorb B-carotene intact.
