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
What is lymphoma in ferrets
Ferrets are very prone to this form of cancer
A occur until any organ
Chemotherapy is possible for treatment
Ferrets are very prone to ear mites, what should you always do first in appointments with ferrets?
Check the ears
Describe the general husbandry needed for ferrets
Ground dwellers
Like to hide under things to sleep
Need to pad flooring and ramps with hammocks and condo style enclosures (poor vision, prone to injury)
Medium to large dog kennels are common -do not use glass tanks (inadequate ventilation and they are prone to RESP disease -very sensitive respiratory system)
Line cage with newspaper or towels (no shavings/corn cob/recycled paper)
Have a litter box -common in corners
Should have constant access to water and food
Temp should not be below 20 degrees F or above 90 degrees F (don’t deal with extremes well)
Why do ferrets need constant access to a litter box, food and water even when not in the cage
They have a very short GOT and get hungry often and pass feces often
What are some ways to help reduce the smell of ferrets
Clean and change bedding in the cage often
How often should you bathe ferrets? What may occur if you bathe them more often?
Bathe monthly at the most with specific ferret or kitten shampoo
If you bathe more, than this will actually increase sebaceous gland secretions and increase odor
Describe a ferrets use of a litter box
Will use a litter box if it is in the right place at the right time
If “busy” or playing, it will back into the nearest corner and elevate hind end to eliminate
Litter box should be triangular to fit into corners and high a high back for elevated hind end
Use basic un-scented litter
Often will just refute to use Litter box
Ferrets are very curious, and often known to be trouble makers, what are some precautions you should take
Choose toys carefullY
Be mindful of things like power cords and small object (foreign bodies)
Must supervise at all times
True or false
Ferrets teeth do not grow continuously throughout life
True
Describe handling and restraint of ferrets
Pick up with one hand behind the shoulders
Usually relax with all 4 feet away from a surface (comfortable with just hanging there)
Should support hind end for longer handling period
Very flexible and fast
Calm handling and as littler restraint as possible is ideal
Describe scruffing ferrets
Grabbing a log of skin right behind the neck
Will relax and the scruff will induce a yawn reflex
Not recommended if they are very scared, injured or painful
Hold over a surface
How are vaccinations often given to ferrets
Sub-cutaneously
How should medications be given to ferrets
PO as much as possible
Very reactive to IM injections (will chew on the area)
Very wiggly -high risk of injury
Describe where blood collection can be taken from in ferrets
Lateral saphenous
Cephalic
Right jugular for large amounts
Cranial vena cava (use general anesthesia to prevent movement and potential laceration)
How should you restrain for blood collection in ferrets, what size needle should you use?
May need general anesthesia if they are not compliant
Dorsal recumbency with 2 handlers and 1 collector
Stretch head forward and pull front legs back
Restrain the hind end
25g needle and 3ml syringe
Describe fluid therapy for ferrets
Maintenance rate: 75-100ml/kg/day
LRS or Normosol recommended for IV fluids
SQ fluids -use extension set to allow for movement
Describe sedation/anesthesia for ferrets, what needs to be monitored? What reflex should be used to measure depth?
Gas/inhalant is preferred
Similar for cats and dogs
Fast for no longer than 4 hours (very short and fast GIT -empties much fast than dogs and cats)
Initially mask down or use induction chamber, then intubate
Lose body heat quickly so you need to maintain and support temperature
Use toe pinch/palpebral reflex’s to measure depth
Describe radiographs of ferrets
Sedation is often needed
Symmetry is difficult -use positioning aids
Otherwise Similar to cats and dogs
Describe urine collection of ferrets
Cystocentesis
Catheters are difficult -requires anesthesia
