Ferrets Flashcards
What is the genus and species of domestic ferrets?
Mustela putorius furo
What is the genus and species of the Black-footed ferret?
Mustela nigripes
Why are ferrets not legal in some states?
Because of the between domestic ferrets and black-footed ferrets
The active sebaceous gland produces what?
Musky smell
What is the average life span of ferrets?
5-8 years
What is the estrus cycle length in ferrets?
Continuous
What is the length of gestation in ferrets?
41-42 days
What is the average litter size in ferrets?
8
What is the weaning age in ferrets?
6-8 weeks
Ferrets are used as animal models for what studies?
Influenza viral studies
Neuroendocrinology
Toxicology
What are female ferrets called?
Jills
What are male ferrets called?
Hobs
What is an excessive amount of active estrogen that suppresses the bone marrow and increases the risk of severe anemia?
Hyperestrogenism
What does commercial ferret chow or kitten food have to have?
at least 30% protein
What do ferrets lack that requires aspiration of feeding tube to confirm placement?
Cough reflex
In what season do ferrets develop thicker skin so a longer needle may be needed to do SQ injections?
Winter
Where are IM injections given?
Quadriceps or semimembranous
What blood collection technique requires anesthesia?
Retroorbital sinus
Where can blood be collected on a ferret?
Anterior vena cava or jugular
Lateral saphenous
Cephalic
How long should a ferret be fasted for?
No more than 8 hours
If performing a blood transfusion do you need to perform a cross-match?
No
What bacterial infection can occur under stress and the clinical signs include: GI dysfunction, anorexia, weight loss, gastric ulcers?
Helicobactor mustelae
What is the most serious bacterial infection seen in ferrets?
Desulfovibrio
What is Desulfocibrio?
A Campylobacter-like organism
What is Desulfovibrio a causative agent for?
Proliferative bowl disease
What are the clinical signs of Desulfovibrio infection?
Tenemus
Small, frequent production of stool with frank blood and mucus
Rectal prolapse
Fatal if let untreated
What is nearly 100% fatal in unvaccinated ferrets?
Canine Distemper
What are the clinical signs of Canine Distemper?
Photophobia Mucopurulent oculonasal discharge Hyperkeratosis of the footpads Papular rash Bronchopneumonia
What is rarely seen in ferrets but they are susceptible?
Rabies
What has reduced the incidence of rabies in ferrets?
Rabies
What are the clinical signs of rabies
Nervous system abnormalities
Ferrets are susceptible to what types of influenza?
A and B
How is influenza transmitted in ferrets?
Contact with aerosol droplets from infected humans in the household
What are the clinical signs of Influenza?
Pyrexia Sneezing Nasal discharge Lethargy Conjunctivitis
What is the treatment of influenza in ferrets?
Reducing the severity of symptoms
Maintaining hydration
What is the causative agent of epizootic catarrhal enteritis?
Coronavirus
What is a highly transmissible diarrheal disease in ferrets?
Coronovirus
What are the clinical signs of Coronavirus?
Anorexia
Lethargy
Green mucoid diarrhea
What else can Coronavirus cause in ferrets?
Progressive systemic disease that resembles FIP
Is there treatment for FIP in ferrets?
No. Mortality rate is high
What causes diarrhea in young ferrets and has a high mortality rate in neonates?
Rotavirus
What is the clinical sign of rotavirus?
Green
Mucoid diarrhea
What is the treatment of Rotavirus?
Fluid therapy
Antimicrobial therapy
What is a parvovirus in hobs?
Aleutian Disease
What does Aleutian disease cause?
Hypergammaglobulinemia
What are the clinical signs of Aleutian disease?
Glomerulonephritis Bile duct proliferation Weight loss Ataxia Progressive wasting CNS signs can occur Secondary infections from immune suppression
How is Aleutian’s Disease transmitted?
Direct contact with infected body fluids
Contaminated fomaites
What is the treatment for Aleutian disease?
No definitive treatment available
What are the ectoparasites that can affect ferrets?
Sarcoptes scabiei
Ctenocephalides species
Otodectes cynotis
Can ferrets be infected with canine heartworms?
Yes.
What are the clinical signs of heartworms in ferrets?
Coughing Lethargy Weakness Dyspnea Right-sided heart failure Sudden cardiac death
Can ferrets get dental disease?
Yes high incidence
What is rarely seen in ferrets if fed a high-quality ferret or kitten food?
Urolithiasis
What is the most common urinary calculi ferrets can get?
Struvite
Calcium oxalate and cystine calculi can occur
What are common neoplasias seen in ferrets?
Adrenocortical neoplasia
Insulinomas
Mast cell tumors
Malignant lymphoma
What is an insulinoma?
Tumor of the beta cells of the pancreatic islets
What is the treatment of Insulinoma?
Surgical excision
What is associated with hypersecretion of estrogen in femals and testosterone in males?
Adrenocortical neoplasia
What are the clinical signs of Adrenocortical neoplasia?
progressive and bilaterally symmetrical alopecia, vulvar swelling in jills may occur, behavioral changes in neutered hobs are possible
What is the treatment of Adrenocortical neoplasia?
Surgical excision or media
What causes anemia and treatment consists of chemotherapy, radiation or palliative care?
Malignant lymphoma
What is the most common skin neoplasm?
Benign basal cell tumors
What miscellaneous diseases are ferrets susceptible to?
Dermatophytosis
Megaesophagus
GI foreign bodies
Female ferrets are:
Seasonally polyestrus and induced ovulators
Which method of restraint can be used to calm a ferret for simple procedures such as nail trimming?
Grasping the skin over the back of the neck and suspending the animal
At what temperature are ferrets prone to heat stroke?
85 degrees F
