Ferrets Flashcards
Ferrets belong to the class Mammalia, order\_\_\_\_\_ family \_\_\_\_ They are related to
Order Carnivora
Family mustelidae
Related to weasels, mink, badgers and skunks
Ferrets are true
Carnivores
Describe the differences in anatomy in ferrets, who is there anatomy most similar to
Most similar to that of cats but is elongated
Their heart is very caudal in the thorax (sinus arrhythmia is common)
Spleen is often very large and palpable, if smooth, not clinically significant
Describe what ferrets need to be vaccinated for, what are they somewhat prone to?
Rabies: annually
Canine distemper: 3 sets at 8,12,16 weeks and then annually
Vaccine reactions are somewhat common to older vaccines -monitor for 20 minutes post vaccine
Describe how ferrets are most commonly sold
Most come sold spayed/neutered and have had their anal glands removed
Where does the majority of the ferrets natural stink come from? What will make it decrease?
Most of the smell comes from scent glands in the skin, not the anal glands, and the smell decreases after spaying/neutering
What type of ovulaters are ferrets, describe this.
Induced ovulators, so they can stay in heat for extended periods of time until they have physically stimulation that stops the heat
This increases production of estrogen and can lead to hyperestrogenism and then pancytopenia -decreases all cell types because estrogen is toxic to bone marrow (anemia and thrombocytopenia can be fatal)
What is the average life span of ferrets
6-10 years
What are some common diseases/problems found in ferrets?
Adrenal disease (hyperadrenocorticism)
Insulinoma
Foreign bodies
Human influenza
Lymphoma
Ear mites
What is adrenal disease (hyperadrenocorticism) in ferrets, what are the clinical signs?
Hypertrophy/adenoma/adenicarcinoma of adrenal glands resulting in the over production of sex hormones (not cortisol as seen in other animals, it is different in humans)
Clinical signs:
- bilateral alopecia (may be seasonal) is the most common c/a
- increased door
- sexual/dominant behaviour
- vulvar swelling
- prostate enlargement (difficult urination)
- pruritis
How is hyperadrenocorticism in ferrets diagnosed, how is it treated?
Diagnosis: Blood tests for hormone levels, palpation of enlarged adrenal glands, often based on clinical signs and history
Treatment:
- surgical: removal of the adrenal glands: expensive, risky, not always effective
- medical: monthly hormone injections or an implant put under the skin
What is Insulinoma in ferrets, what are the clinical signs?
A functional tumor of the beta cells (insulin producing cells) of the pancreas that causes an overproduction of insulin which leads to hypoglycemia
Clinical signs:
- episodic/acute weakness or periods of unresponsiveness/glazed expression
- salivation
- chomping/pawing at mouth
- seizures (maybe)
What is the diagnosis and treatment of Insulinoma in ferrets
Diagnosis: test blood glucose during a weakened episode, can test insulin levels (not always needed)
Treatment:
- feed a high protein diet and avoid sugary treats
- surgical: removal of part of or half of the pancreas may increase time before medical treatment is needed
- medical: acute: IV/oral glucose, diazepam for seizures
- prednisone daily (life long)
- quick fix: something sugary on gums
Why should ferrets have a kitten diet rather than an adult cat food diet
Kitten diets have more protein levels than adult diets (true carnivores, need a lot of protein)
Describe human influenza in ferrets
Ferrets Can catch the common flu from humans and vice versa
Signs: sneezing, nasal discharge, fever etc
Most important history question: is anyone else in the household sick
Ferrets can also catch a mild form of covid 19, but they are unlikely to pass it to people
