Ferrets Flashcards
What type of virus is canine distemper virus
Enveloped, non-segmented RNA virus
What age do ferrets commonly get infected with distemper?
3-6 months (when they lose maternal antibodies)
What systems does CDV affect?
Respiratory, dermatologic, neurologic, (GI)
What are the most common early signs of CDV?
Lethargy, oculonasal discharge, diarrhea +/- fever
What are the mid-late signs of CDV?
Pruritus, papular rash affecting the chin and inguinal regions, hyperkeratosis, dyspnea, seizures, coma and death
What is the gestation length in ferrets?
39-43 days (most at 41-42, after 43 they die in utero)
What age do ferrets wean?
6-8 weeks
What is significant about ferret milk?
The fat content is 8-10% fat at birth, increases to 20% fat at 3 weeks
What can be used as a milk substitute for nursing ferrets?
Ideally keep at least partially on jill and add puppy/kitten MR q4 hrs OR 80% cows milk (full fat - 4%) + 20% chicken egg yolk or strained beef liver
What is the prognosis for ferrets who contract CDV?
Poor - can reach up to 100% mortality
How is CDV treated in ferrets?
Vaccination w/in 48hrs of infection (and to prevent transmission through herd), Vitamin A inj, oral Vit C, antibiotics, supportive care (famotidine, buprenorphine, etc)
What vaccines can induce CDV infection?
Modified live canine or mink origin vaccines (but less fatal infection)
What are the clinical signs of ferret rotavirus?
Yellow, watery diarrhea, dehydration, distended abdomen, soiled/erythematous perineum, death
How is ferret rotavirus transmitted?
Contact with infectious mothers or contaminated environment; via fecal-oral or possibly respiratory route
What age ferrets are most affected by rotavirus?
<2 months of age, with 1-3 weeks being affected the worst
What group of ferrets has the highest morbidity with rotavirus?
Primiparous jills at 90% morbidity; decreases 10-20% with each gestation
How is ferret rotavirus diagnosed?
PCR of fecal or small intestinal segments or electron microscopy of feces; ELISA will not detect all ferret rotavirus so not recommended
What species of coccidia affects ferrets?
Eimeria furonis
What type of vaccine is Purevax?
Live canarypox vector recombinant vaccine
How long are maternal antibodies present in ferret kits?
6 to 14 weeks
How common are congenital anomalies in ferrets?
They affect 3-4% of newborns
What association is there with appearance and congenital sensorineural deafness in ferrets?
Strong association with white-patterned coat and premature graying (panda, American panda, blaze colors)
What is the suspected cause of CSD in ferrets?
Failure of migration or maturation, premature death or dysfunction of neural crest melanocytes to stria vascularis of cochlea
What behavioral changes can be seen in deaf ferrets?
Abnormal social interactions, biting tendencies, louder than normal vocalizations
What is the most common ferret spinal congenital malformation?
Transitional vertebra
What is the most common congenital disease/malformation affecting the renal tract of ferrets?
Polycystic kidney disease (26% of ferrets in a study) and simple renal cysts (22%)
At what age do ferret testicles descend?
In fetal development in most cases, but occasionally delayed for several months after birth
What are two common differentials for diarrhea in juvenile ferrets?
Rotavirus and coccidiosis
What clinical signs can be observed with congenital cardiac malformations?
Cardiac murmur, exercise intolerance, chronic cough
What diagnostic test(s) should juvenile ferrets with tetraparesis, paraparesis, or ataxia have done? What is the most common cause?
Spinal radiographs including skull +/- CT/myelogram; spinal malformations such as transitional or block vertebrae
What tissues should be examined for viral inclusions in suspected CDV cases in ferrets?
Urinary bladder, renal pelvis and biliary epithelium
What 3 characteristics of the ferret GI tract indicate that they naturally consume little to no carbohydrates?
- Lack of cecum
- Limited brush border enzymes
- Unsophisticated gut microflora
In terms of macronutrients, what should ferret diets consist of?
High protein (35-40% DMB) and fat (15-20% DMB), low to no carbohydrates
What 3 essential fatty acids are required for optimal growth and health in ferrets?
Linoleic (omega 6), linolenic (omega 3), and arachidonic acid
Why is a fish-based diet not ideal for ferrets (2 reasons)?
- Palatability - ferrets don’t like
- Can cause thiamine deficiency due to thiaminase activity in fish
What is the ideal protein:fat ratio for ferret diets?
2:1 protein:fat ratio
Ferret diets should have less than __% carbohydrates and less than __% starch?
20%; 5%
What are the clinical signs of Helicobacter gastritis?
Melena, anorexia, lethargy, weight loss, hypersalivation, bruxism, coughing/gagging
Name 5 differentials for Helicobacter gastritis
- Foreign body
- Toxin ingestion
- Neoplasia
- NSAID usage
- Azotemia
What areas of the stomach/SI does Helicobacter colonize?
Antral area of stomach and pyloric area of duodenum
What is in the triple therapy commonly used to treat Helicobacter gastritis in ferrets?
Amoxicillin 10 mg/kg q8hrs, Metronidazole 20 mg/kg PO q8hrs, and bismuth subsalicylate 1 mL/kg PO q8hrs all for at least 21 days
What is the causative agent of epizootic catarrhal enteritis?
Ferret enteric coronavirus
What ferrets are most susceptible to ECE?
Adults
How is ECE treated?
Prednisone 1 mg/kg PO BID x 14 days and easily digestible diet OR Tylosin
What disease in ferrets resembles dry FIP in cats?
Ferret systemic coronavirus
What disease in ferrets is associated with these clinical signs: chronic weight loss, palpable abdominal masses, diarrhea, hypergammaglobulinemia, leukocytosis, anemia and possible CNS signs?
Ferret systemic coronavirus
What are 4 differentials for inflammatory bowel disease in ferrets?
- Eosinophilic gastroenteritis
- ECE
- Dietary indiscretion
- Lymphoma (primary ddx)
What are 4(+) causes of rectal prolapse in ferrets?
Coccidiosis, proliferative bowel disease, colitis, neoplasia (but really anything that causes diarrhea - prostatic disease, UO, enlarged sublumbar LN)
What type of neoplasia can chronic Helicobacter gastritis cause?
Pyloric adenocarcinoma or MALT lymphoma
How can GI lymphoma be grossly differentiated from adenocarcinoma of the GIT?
Lymphoma tends to be more diffuse and blend with surrounding tissue; adenocarcinoma is more localized and can cause blockage more readily
How is Helicobacter gastritis diagnosed?
Typically a diagnosis of exclusion; Definitive - histopath of endoscopic or surgical biopsy with silver-stain OR PCR of gastric mucosa or feces
What gastrointestinal condition is ubiquitous in North American ferrets and become clinically apparent at times of stress?
Helicobacter mustelae gastritis
Chronic infection with what disease can cause a ‘bird seed-like’, tan diarrhea in ferrets?
Ferret enteric coronavirus or epizootic catarrhal enteritis
What appearance can the stool of anorexic ferrets have?
Dark green/bile stool that resembles melena
What disease causes mucoid, green diarrhea, palpably thickened large bowel and proliferative rectal mucosa in ferrets?
Lawsonia intracellularis or proliferative bowel disease
How is proliferative bowel disease treated?
Chloramphenicol 50 mg/kg PO q12hrs x 10 days
At what age are ferrets considered geriatric?
3 yrs old
Where is blood pressure assessed in ferrets?
Forelimb or base of tail
What is the most common cardiac disease in ferrets?
Dilated cardiomyopathy
What test can differentiate between DCM, HCM and adult heartworms in the heart?
Echocardiography
What medication/dose is used to decrease pulmonary edema?
Furosemide 2-2.5 mg/kg q8-12hrs
What drugs are used to treat DCM in ferrets?
Digoxin initially, then switch to pimobendan for maintenance. Diuretics PRN, ACE-inhibitors s/a enalapril
What drugs are used to treat HCM?
Beta blockers such as atenalol or Ca++ channel blocker like diltiazem
What are the symptoms of a heart attack in ferrets?
Semiconsciousness, tachypnea, cold extremities, erratic cardiac rhythm or bradycardia
How is a heart attack treated in ferrets?
Oxygen therapy, IV or IO dobutamine, atropine and lidocaine
What is the MOA of deslorelin?
gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist
Besides a GnRH agonist, what other medications can be administered to a ferret with hyperadrenocorticism affecting the prostate?
Anti-androgen medications such as finasteride or bicalutamide
What are 3 ways a ferret can be tested for myasthenia gravis?
- Electromyelography
- Serologic testing for acetylcholine receptor antibodies
- Single dose of neostigmine methylsulfate administered IV - positive test shows significant lessening of clinical signs for ~6 hours
How is myasthenia gravis treated in ferrets?
Pyridostigmine and prednisolone
How do mast cell tumors in ferrets behave differently than in other small animals?
They do not metastasize and are benign, but can recur. Even with recurrence they do not carry a poor prognosis
What is the most common cause of splenomegaly in ferrets?
Extramedullary hematopoiesis
What is the mechanism for EMH in ferrets?
Another medical condition increases the demand for tissue oxygen (s/a with cardiomyopathy)
What are 6 potential causes of conjunctivitis in ferrets?
Improper bedding, early canine distemper virus, human influenza virus, salmonellosis, disseminated Mycobacterium, distichiasis
What causes haired skin on the corneal surface of the eye?
Congenital dermoid cysts
How can you check if bradycardia is vagally mediated?
Administer atropine 0.02-0.05 mg/kg IV, IM or SQ. If HR increases or there is improved SA/AV node conduction within 15-30 minutes there is vagal involvement
If a ferret has a constant PR interval and a fixed relationship between atrial and ventricular rate of 2 P waves to each QRS complex, what type of block is this?
Second degree type II AV block
What are the three mainstays in treatment of acute CHF in ferrets?
1) Oxygen therapy
2) Reduce preload with diuretics or nitroglycerin (venous dilator)
3) Reduce afterload w/ACE-inhibitors (induce vasodilation and decrease water and salt retention)
How are ventricular tachycardias treated acutely and long term?
IV lidocaine, then beta blockers (atenolol) or calcium channel blockers (diltiazem)
How are bradycardias or bradyarrhythmias treated?
Atropine short term, then longer acting parasympatholytics such as propantheline
How is 3rd degree AV block treated?
Sympathomimetic drugs such as metaproterenol or isoproterenol or permanent pacemaker implantation
What is the most reported congenital cardiac abnormality in ferrets?
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)
What are the most common acquired cardiac diseases in ferrets?
Dilated cardiomyopathy and acquired valvular disease
Ultrasound findings of thin ventricular walls, left ventricle dilation with increase in end-systolic/diastolic dimension, atrial enlargement, and reduced fractional shortening are consistent with what cardiac disease?
Dilated cardiomyopathy
How do ACE-inhibitors help in CHF?
Reduce preload and afterload, improve cardiac output, and reduce congestion
What diagnostic is the most useful in diagnosing heartworm disease in ferrets?
Echocardiography (Serology is first choice but false negatives are common)
How are adult heartworms in ferrets treated?
Ivermectin 0.05 - 0.1 mg/kg q30d SQ until CS and microfilaremia resolution with prednisone for at least 4 months OR transvenous heartworm extraction
How is microfilaremia in ferrets treated?
4-6 weeks after adulticide therapy, dithiazanine iodide or milbemycin oxime
How is bacterial endocarditis diagnosed?
2+ positive blood cultures and echo evidence of vegetations/valve destruction or recent onset regurgitant murmur
Where is a murmur associated with mitral valve regurgitation best ausculted? Tricuspid?
Systolic murmur over left apical region; right parasternal region
Where is hair lost during seasonal alopecia in ferrets and what season does it occur?
The tail and perineal area during breeding season; most prominent in jills
A ferret presenting with brown cerumen in the ear canal should have wat test performed?
Otoscopy +/- ear cytology to evaluate for Otocariasis
When should ivermectin be avoided in ferrets?
In pregnant jills due to teratogenicity
A ferret presents with a pruritic rash on the chin and inguinal region, with swelling and hyperkeratosis of the footpads. It also has signs of a respiratory infection. What is the most likely diagnosis and what is the best initial test?
Canine distemper virus;
Antigen detection via IFA or PCR of conjunctival, tonsillar or respiratory secretions
A ferret initially had annular alopecia and then developed nodules with ulcerations and discharge. What is the cause of this and what is it called?
Dermatophytosis spreading into the dermis/SQ;
Dermatophytic pseudomycetoma
A ferret presents with an erythematous, scaly, pruritic rash on the nasal bridge with numerous cutaneous masses. What diagnostic should be performed and what is the most likely diagnosis?
Impression smears of lesions revealing fungal hyphae or fungal growth of aspirates of masses/LNs;
Cryptococcosis
What disease is transmitted via inhalation near sandy, acidic soil near water in Eastern North America?
Blastomycosis
What organism causes cervical abscesses, or lumpy jaw in ferrets? How is it treated?
Actinomyces spp.;
Penicillin or tetracycline
A jill presenting with tail base alopecia, pale mucus membranes and ecchymoses is likely suffering from what?
Hyperestrogenism causing pancytopenia
How is hyperestrogenism in ferrets treated?
Acute stabilization, blood transfusion if needed, HCG or GnRH (deslorelin) to end estrus. Once stable, surgical or chemical neutering should be performed (deslorelin implant)
What test should be done in a ferret with nonpruritic erythema, papules and crusts starting in the inguinal region and spreading to the axilla, face, ears and footpads?
Tape cytology to evaluate for cornified epithelial cells consistent with erythema multiforme
Infection with what pathogen can cause respiratory disease, panniculitis, sialadenitis and abscesses?
Pseudomonas luteola
What organism that causes SQ swellings in ferrets has the appearance of a 2-3 um rod-shaped organism with a clear to basophilic halo with Romanowsky stain?
Pseudomonas luteola
How is infection with Pseudomonas luteola treated?
Abscess removal surgically; Third-generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, or aminoglycosides (only if not dehydrated) IV
What clinical signs/findings can be seen with Pseudomonas luteola infection in ferrets?
Mediastinal masses, pleural effusion, anemia, hypoalbuminemia, bronchopneumonia, fever, dyspnea, swelling
How is ferret hepatitis E virus transmitted?
Fecal-oral and potentially through contaminated environment
What 3 patterns of natural infection with ferret HEV have been noted?
Subclinical infection, acute hepatitis and persistent infection
What findings can occur in ferrets with HEV?
Increased ALT and hepatomegaly, Increased IgG and IgM serum antibodies
How does nociception cause changes to physiologic variables like heart rate?
By activating the sympathetic nervous system which leads to catecholamine release
What drug caused 93% of ferrets to develop neuro signs and over 50% GI signs?
Ibuprofen
What is the minimum lethal dose of ibuprofen in ferrets?
220 mg/kg
Where are epidural injections typically administered in ferrets and why?
At the lumbosacral space because it is larger and because the dural sac does not extend past L7
What pure mu opioid has a <2 hour duration of action in ferrets?
Hydromorphone
What effect does isoflurane anesthetic gas have on ferret hematologic values?
A dramatic decrease (36% reduction in PCV)
When should sampling for blood glucose be performed in ferrets?
After a 4 hour fast to prevent hypoglycemia and avoid misinterpreting a postprandial hyperglycemia
How much blood can be removed from a healthy 750g jill or a healthy 1 kg hob?
Up to 4 mL, and 6 mL. (Blood volume is 5-7% body weight, can remove up to 10% of that every 14 days)
Where is the urethral opening located on male ferrets?
The ventral surface of the penis on the junction of the os penis and pink penis musculature (not at the very distal tip as the os penis extends more distally than the tissue)
Where is CSF collected in ferrets?
The cisterna magna
What are 4 major causes of anemia in ferrets?
- Bone marrow effacement, usually lymphoma
- Dirofilariasis (destruction)
- Anemia of chronic disease
- Adrenal disease (hyperestrogenism)
A ferret with diarrhea and an absolute eosinophil count over 1700 is indicative of what disease process?
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE)
For what analyte do ferrets have a narrow normal range, therefore even a slight increase is cause for concern?
Creatinine
A ferret who has undergone bilateral adrenalectomy presents for lethargy and anorexia. Labwork shows hyperkalemia and a hyponatremia. What condition is this patient likely suffering from?
Iatrogenic Addison’s disease
Hypergammaglobulinemia is associated with what infectious disease in ferrets?
Aleutian disease
What 3 hormones should be assessed when evaluating a ferret for hyperadrenocorticism?
- Estradiol
- Androstenodione
- 17-B-OH-progesterone
A urine pH of >/< ___ will likely cause struvite formation in ferrets?
> 6.5
What can cause green urine in ferrets?
Intravascular hemolysis (secondary to heartworm disease)
What region of the adrenal gland produces the hormones that cause disease with adrenal disease in ferrets?
Zona reticularis (produces androgens)
Which adrenal gland carries more risk with surgical resection in ferrets and why?
The right adrenal gland because it is more cranial, typically attached to the CVC and is in close proximity to the liver
When is it appropriate to ligate the CVC during adrenalectomy in a ferret? What is a risk?
When it is already mostly occluded and collateral circulation is established; Distal hypertension leading to ARF
What are 3 common causes of increased ALP values in adult ferrets?
GI foreign body, gastritis, gastric ulceration (higher with biliary stasis vs. hepatic necrosis)
How common (%) are pancreatic beta cell tumors in ferrets >3 yrs of age?
30-40%
How can CDV be diagnosed?
PCR on 5 g of lung, kidney, bladder or brain, 1 mL of blood/serum, or nasal or conjunctival swab
How is ECE diagnosed?
PCR on 1-5g of jejunum or ileum, or swab of feces in saline, or serology/Electron microscopy
How is a suspected diagnosis of rabies confirmed in ferrets?
Direct fluorescent antibody test on CNS tissue
How is proliferative bowel disease diagnosed in ferrets?
Based on CS and gross/histo lesions (firm, thickened colon or SI w/mucosal surface proliferation); PCR on feces, rectal swab or ileum is also available
A ferret with diarrhea and a thickened GI tract has histopathology showing hypertrophy of the muscularis and monocytic and/or granulocytic infiltration. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Proliferative bowel disease
What is the most common type of lymphoma in young ferrets and what IHC pattern is expected?
T-cell; CD3+ (B-cell less common and is CD79A+)
What is the most common cause of adrenal gland disease in ferrets?
Adrenal gland adenoma
What type of surgery has been shown to be a negative prognostic indicator and is no longer recommended in ferrets with adrenal gland disease?
Cryosurgery
Where are insulinomas most commonly found in ferrets?
The left limb of the pancreas
What feature do ferrets have that can be mistaken for a mass or lesion on AUS?
A single, large jejunal lymph node
How is IBD diagnosed and treated in ferrets?
Full-thickness intestinal biopsies (to ddx from lymphoma);
Azathioprine or corticosteroids
How is Helicobacter mustelae able to colonize/survive in acidic stomach environment in ferrets?
Produces urease (enzyme) that locally increases the pH
What ‘new’ therapy was found to be more effective than amoxicillin-based triple therapy for Helicobacter gastritis in ferrets?
Clarithromycin + ranitidine bismuth or omeprazole (But TID like triple tx); Enrofloxacin + colloidal bismuth is BID so easier
What causes a ‘bottlebrush’ appearance to ferret’s tails?
Excitement
When do ferrets establish their food preference through olfactory imprinting?
2-4 months of age
