Ferrets Flashcards
Genus species name
Mustela putorius furo
Most common color
Sable
Which organ is normally enlarged?
Spleen
Gestation
41-42 days
Juvenile ferrets are called ___.
Kits
Cage requirements
24” x 24” x 8”
Multiple levels
Hiding/den area
Litter box
Food/water easily accessible
Common diseases
-Influenza (zoonotic)
-Rabies
-Canine distemper (severe upper respiratory diseases)
-Intestinal obstructions
-Bruxism
-Eizootic catarrhal enteritis
-Tumors
-Adrenal disease
-Lymphoma
-Insulinoma
-Renal cysts
-Ecto/endoparasites; ringworm
-Myofascitis
Signs of canine distemper
-ocular and nasal discharge
-crustal facial and eyelid lesions
-hyperkeratosis of footpads
-anorexic
Signs of epizootic catarrhal enteritis (green slime disease)
-profuse green diarrhea
-dehydration
-anorexia
-progressive wasting
Signs of adrenal disease
-hair loss on abdomen
-vulvar enlargement in spayed females
Signs of insulinoma
-weight loss
-dehydration
-moderate-severe depression
-anorexia
-comatose
Signs of myofascitis
-pain
-reluctant to move
-diarrhea
-vomiting
-anorexia
Common procedures done on ferrets
- Gastrotomies
- Enterotomies
- Adrenalectomies
- Cystotomies
- Partial Pancreatectomies
- Lymph node biopsies
- Mass excisions of dermis
- spay/neuter
Life span
5-8 years
Temp
100-104ºF
HR
180-250 bpm
Is it okay to scruff a ferret?
Yes - helps will oral exam; they should yawn from scruff
Are ferrets legal in all 50 states?
No, some states do not allow ferrets; like California
“Wherever the _____ goes, the rest of the _____ follows.”
Head, body
Why are ferrets at a higher risk for hyperthermia?
They have no sweat glands, harder for them to regulate body temp
What gives ferrets their distinct odor?
Their oil glands - not anal glands
GI transit takes ~_____hrs
3-4
Ferrets are _______ ovulators.
Induced
What will happen if a female ferret is not bred
She will remain in estrus/heat and develop bone marrow suppression
Where are the adrenal glands located?
Left- medial to kidney
Right- more dorsal and attached to vena cava
What are lymphomas?
Tumors that can form anywhere in the lymphoid system; affecting lymphoid tissue
What sites are commonly used in practice for venipuncture?
Jugular and cranial vena cava
