Ferrets Flashcards
1
Q
What type of virus is canine distemper virus
A
Enveloped, non-segmented RNA virus
2
Q
What age do ferrets commonly get infected with distemper?
A
3-6 months (when they lose maternal antibodies)
3
Q
What systems does CDV affect?
A
Respiratory, dermatologic, neurologic, (GI)
4
Q
What are the most common early signs of CDV?
A
Lethargy, oculonasal discharge, diarrhea +/- fever
5
Q
What are the mid-late signs of CDV?
A
Pruritus, papular rash affecting the chin and inguinal regions, hyperkeratosis, dyspnea, seizures, coma and death
6
Q
What is the gestation length in ferrets?
A
39-43 days (most at 41-42, after 43 they die in utero)
7
Q
What age do ferrets wean?
A
6-8 weeks
8
Q
What is significant about ferret milk?
A
The fat content is 8-10% fat at birth, increases to 20% fat at 3 weeks
9
Q
What can be used as a milk substitute for nursing ferrets?
A
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
10
Q
What is the prognosis for ferrets who contract CDV?
A
Poor - can reach up to 100% mortality
11
Q
How is CDV treated in ferrets?
A
Vaccination w/in 48hrs of infection (and to prevent transmission through herd), Vitamin A inj, oral Vit C, antibiotics, supportive care (famotidine, buprenorphine, etc)
12
Q
What vaccines can induce CDV infection?
A
Modified live canine or mink origin vaccines (but less fatal infection)
13
Q
What are the clinical signs of ferret rotavirus?
A
Yellow, watery diarrhea, dehydration, distended abdomen, soiled/erythematous perineum, death
14
Q
How is ferret rotavirus transmitted?
A
Contact with infectious mothers or contaminated environment; via fecal-oral or possibly respiratory route
15
Q
What age ferrets are most affected by rotavirus?
A
<2 months of age, with 1-3 weeks being affected the worst
16
Q
What group of ferrets has the highest morbidity with rotavirus?
A
Primiparous jills at 90% morbidity; decreases 10-20% with each gestation
17
Q
How is ferret rotavirus diagnosed?
A
PCR of fecal or small intestinal segments or electron microscopy of feces; ELISA will not detect all ferret rotavirus so not recommended
18
Q
What species of coccidia affects ferrets?
A
Eimeria furonis
19
Q
What type of vaccine is Purevax?
A
Live canarypox vector recombinant vaccine
20
Q
How long are maternal antibodies present in ferret kits?
A
6 to 14 weeks
21
Q
How common are congenital anomalies in ferrets?
A
They affect 3-4% of newborns
22
Q
What association is there with appearance and congenital sensorineural deafness in ferrets?
A
Strong association with white-patterned coat and premature graying (panda, American panda, blaze colors)
23
Q
What is the suspected cause of CSD in ferrets?
A
Failure of migration or maturation, premature death or dysfunction of neural crest melanocytes to stria vascularis of cochlea
24
Q
What behavioral changes can be seen in deaf ferrets?
A
Abnormal social interactions, biting tendencies, louder than normal vocalizations
25
What is the most common ferret spinal congenital malformation?
Transitional vertebra
26
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%)
27
At what age do ferret testicles descend?
In fetal development in most cases, but occasionally delayed for several months after birth
28
What are two common differentials for diarrhea in juvenile ferrets?
Rotavirus and coccidiosis
29
What clinical signs can be observed with congenital cardiac malformations?
Cardiac murmur, exercise intolerance, chronic cough
30
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
31
What tissues should be examined for viral inclusions in suspected CDV cases in ferrets?
Urinary bladder, renal pelvis and biliary epithelium
32
What 3 characteristics of the ferret GI tract indicate that they naturally consume little to no carbohydrates?
1. Lack of cecum
2. Limited brush border enzymes
3. Unsophisticated gut microflora
33
In terms of macronutrients, what should ferret diets consist of?
High protein (35-40% DMB) and fat (15-20% DMB), low to no carbohydrates
34
What 3 essential fatty acids are required for optimal growth and health in ferrets?
Linoleic (omega 6), linolenic (omega 3), and arachidonic acid
35
Why is a fish-based diet not ideal for ferrets (2 reasons)?
1. Palatability - ferrets don't like
2. Can cause thiamine deficiency due to thiaminase activity in fish
36
What is the ideal protein:fat ratio for ferret diets?
2:1 protein:fat ratio
37
Ferret diets should have less than __% carbohydrates and less than __% starch?
20%; 5%
38
What are the clinical signs of Helicobacter gastritis?
Melena, anorexia, lethargy, weight loss, hypersalivation, bruxism, coughing/gagging
39
Name 5 differentials for Helicobacter gastritis
1. Foreign body
2. Toxin ingestion
3. Neoplasia
4. NSAID usage
5. Azotemia
40
What areas of the stomach/SI does Helicobacter colonize?
Antral area of stomach and pyloric area of duodenum
41
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
42
What is the causative agent of epizootic catarrhal enteritis?
Ferret enteric coronavirus
43
What ferrets are most susceptible to ECE?
Adults
44
How is ECE treated?
Prednisone 1 mg/kg PO BID x 14 days and easily digestible diet OR Tylosin
45
What disease in ferrets resembles dry FIP in cats?
Ferret systemic coronavirus
46
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
47
What are 4 differentials for inflammatory bowel disease in ferrets?
1. Eosinophilic gastroenteritis
2. ECE
3. Dietary indiscretion
4. Lymphoma (primary ddx)
48
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)
49
What type of neoplasia can chronic Helicobacter gastritis cause?
Pyloric adenocarcinoma or MALT lymphoma
50
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
51
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
52
What gastrointestinal condition is ubiquitous in North American ferrets and become clinically apparent at times of stress?
Helicobacter mustelae gastritis
53
Chronic infection with what disease can cause a 'bird seed-like', tan diarrhea in ferrets?
Ferret enteric coronavirus or epizootic catarrhal enteritis
54
What appearance can the stool of anorexic ferrets have?
Dark green/bile stool that resembles melena
55
What disease causes mucoid, green diarrhea, palpably thickened large bowel and proliferative rectal mucosa in ferrets?
Lawsonia intracellularis or proliferative bowel disease
56
How is proliferative bowel disease treated?
Chloramphenicol 50 mg/kg PO q12hrs x 10 days
57
At what age are ferrets considered geriatric?
3 yrs old
58
Where is blood pressure assessed in ferrets?
Forelimb or base of tail
59
What is the most common cardiac disease in ferrets?
Dilated cardiomyopathy
60
What test can differentiate between DCM, HCM and adult heartworms in the heart?
Echocardiography
61
What medication/dose is used to decrease pulmonary edema?
Furosemide 2-2.5 mg/kg q8-12hrs
62
What drugs are used to treat DCM in ferrets?
Digoxin initially, then switch to pimobendan for maintenance. Diuretics PRN, ACE-inhibitors s/a enalapril
63
What drugs are used to treat HCM?
Beta blockers such as atenalol or Ca++ channel blocker like diltiazem
64
What are the symptoms of a heart attack in ferrets?
Semiconsciousness, tachypnea, cold extremities, erratic cardiac rhythm or bradycardia
65
How is a heart attack treated in ferrets?
Oxygen therapy, IV or IO dobutamine, atropine and lidocaine
66
What is the MOA of deslorelin?
gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist
67
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
68
What are 3 ways a ferret can be tested for myasthenia gravis?
1. Electromyelography
2. Serologic testing for acetylcholine receptor antibodies
3. Single dose of neostigmine methylsulfate administered IV - positive test shows significant lessening of clinical signs for ~6 hours
69
How is myasthenia gravis treated in ferrets?
Pyridostigmine and prednisolone
70
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
71
What is the most common cause of splenomegaly in ferrets?
Extramedullary hematopoiesis
72
What is the mechanism for EMH in ferrets?
Another medical condition increases the demand for tissue oxygen (s/a with cardiomyopathy)
73
What are 6 potential causes of conjunctivitis in ferrets?
Improper bedding, early canine distemper virus, human influenza virus, salmonellosis, disseminated Mycobacterium, distichiasis
74
What causes haired skin on the corneal surface of the eye?
Congenital dermoid cysts
75
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
76
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
77
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)
78
How are ventricular tachycardias treated acutely and long term?
IV lidocaine, then beta blockers (atenolol) or calcium channel blockers (diltiazem)
79
How are bradycardias or bradyarrhythmias treated?
Atropine short term, then longer acting parasympatholytics such as propantheline
80
How is 3rd degree AV block treated?
Sympathomimetic drugs such as metaproterenol or isoproterenol or permanent pacemaker implantation
81
What is the most reported congenital cardiac abnormality in ferrets?
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)
82
What are the most common acquired cardiac diseases in ferrets?
Dilated cardiomyopathy and acquired valvular disease
83
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
84
How do ACE-inhibitors help in CHF?
Reduce preload and afterload, improve cardiac output, and reduce congestion
85
What diagnostic is the most useful in diagnosing heartworm disease in ferrets?
Echocardiography (Serology is first choice but false negatives are common)
86
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
87
How is microfilaremia in ferrets treated?
4-6 weeks after adulticide therapy, dithiazanine iodide or milbemycin oxime
88
How is bacterial endocarditis diagnosed?
2+ positive blood cultures and echo evidence of vegetations/valve destruction or recent onset regurgitant murmur
89
Where is a murmur associated with mitral valve regurgitation best ausculted? Tricuspid?
Systolic murmur over left apical region; right parasternal region
90
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
91
A ferret presenting with brown cerumen in the ear canal should have wat test performed?
Otoscopy +/- ear cytology to evaluate for Otocariasis
92
When should ivermectin be avoided in ferrets?
In pregnant jills due to teratogenicity
93
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
94
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
95
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
96
What disease is transmitted via inhalation near sandy, acidic soil near water in Eastern North America?
Blastomycosis
97
What organism causes cervical abscesses, or lumpy jaw in ferrets? How is it treated?
Actinomyces spp.;
Penicillin or tetracycline
98
A jill presenting with tail base alopecia, pale mucus membranes and ecchymoses is likely suffering from what?
Hyperestrogenism causing pancytopenia
99
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)
100
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
101
Infection with what pathogen can cause respiratory disease, panniculitis, sialadenitis and abscesses?
Pseudomonas luteola
102
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
103
How is infection with Pseudomonas luteola treated?
Abscess removal surgically; Third-generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, or aminoglycosides (only if not dehydrated) IV
104
What clinical signs/findings can be seen with Pseudomonas luteola infection in ferrets?
Mediastinal masses, pleural effusion, anemia, hypoalbuminemia, bronchopneumonia, fever, dyspnea, swelling
105
How is ferret hepatitis E virus transmitted?
Fecal-oral and potentially through contaminated environment
106
What 3 patterns of natural infection with ferret HEV have been noted?
Subclinical infection, acute hepatitis and persistent infection
107
What findings can occur in ferrets with HEV?
Increased ALT and hepatomegaly, Increased IgG and IgM serum antibodies
108
How does nociception cause changes to physiologic variables like heart rate?
By activating the sympathetic nervous system which leads to catecholamine release
109
What drug caused 93% of ferrets to develop neuro signs and over 50% GI signs?
Ibuprofen
110
What is the minimum lethal dose of ibuprofen in ferrets?
220 mg/kg
111
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
112
What pure mu opioid has a <2 hour duration of action in ferrets?
Hydromorphone
113
What effect does isoflurane anesthetic gas have on ferret hematologic values?
A dramatic decrease (36% reduction in PCV)
114
When should sampling for blood glucose be performed in ferrets?
After a 4 hour fast to prevent hypoglycemia and avoid misinterpreting a postprandial hyperglycemia
115
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)
116
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)
117
Where is CSF collected in ferrets?
The cisterna magna
118
What are 4 major causes of anemia in ferrets?
1. Bone marrow effacement, usually lymphoma
2. Dirofilariasis (destruction)
3. Anemia of chronic disease
4. Adrenal disease (hyperestrogenism)
119
A ferret with diarrhea and an absolute eosinophil count over 1700 is indicative of what disease process?
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE)
120
For what analyte do ferrets have a narrow normal range, therefore even a slight increase is cause for concern?
Creatinine
121
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
122
Hypergammaglobulinemia is associated with what infectious disease in ferrets?
Aleutian disease
123
What 3 hormones should be assessed when evaluating a ferret for hyperadrenocorticism?
1. Estradiol
2. Androstenodione
3. 17-B-OH-progesterone
124
A urine pH of >/< ___ will likely cause struvite formation in ferrets?
>6.5
125
What can cause green urine in ferrets?
Intravascular hemolysis (secondary to heartworm disease)
126
What region of the adrenal gland produces the hormones that cause disease with adrenal disease in ferrets?
Zona reticularis (produces androgens)
127
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
128
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
129
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)
130
How common (%) are pancreatic beta cell tumors in ferrets >3 yrs of age?
30-40%
131
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
132
How is ECE diagnosed?
PCR on 1-5g of jejunum or ileum, or swab of feces in saline, or serology/Electron microscopy
133
How is a suspected diagnosis of rabies confirmed in ferrets?
Direct fluorescent antibody test on CNS tissue
134
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
135
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
136
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+)
137
What is the most common cause of adrenal gland disease in ferrets?
Adrenal gland adenoma
138
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
139
Where are insulinomas most commonly found in ferrets?
The left limb of the pancreas
140
What feature do ferrets have that can be mistaken for a mass or lesion on AUS?
A single, large jejunal lymph node
141
How is IBD diagnosed and treated in ferrets?
Full-thickness intestinal biopsies (to ddx from lymphoma);
Azathioprine or corticosteroids
142
How is Helicobacter mustelae able to colonize/survive in acidic stomach environment in ferrets?
Produces urease (enzyme) that locally increases the pH
143
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
144
What causes a 'bottlebrush' appearance to ferret's tails?
Excitement
145
When do ferrets establish their food preference through olfactory imprinting?
2-4 months of age
