Ferrets Flashcards
How long have ferrets been used as a working per?
Since 4bc
What is the scientific name for ferrets?
Mustela putorious furo
What are five other animals in the same family ferrets?
Mink, skunk, otter, weasel, badger
Where do ferrets get their smell from?
Anal sacs and sebaceous glands
What is a ferrets dentition?
I3/3 c1/1 p3/4 m1/2
How come ferrets have a limited ability to digest food?
They have a short GI tract
How long is the estrus cycle?
As long as it takes to be bred or until the end f the season
How much will their body weight change over the year?
30-40%
When will they gain weight?
In fall
When will ferrets loos weight?
Spring
How do ferrets release heat?
Panting
What type of area do ferrets like to sleep in?
Dark enclosed spaces
What type of eater are ferrets?
Cadnivorous
What type of diet do ferrets need?
High protien, fat, low fiber
What should a ferret diet contain?
30-35% protien and 20-30% fat
What are two vaccines that should be given to ferrets?
Distemper and rabies
When should a ferret be vaccinated for distemper?
6-8 weeks
How often should distemper be repeated at the beginning?
Every three weeks until 14-16 weeks old
How often should distemper be repeated for the rest of their lives?
Yearly
When should a ferret be vaccinated for rabies?
14-16 weeks old
How often should rabies vaccine be done?
Yearly
What is adrenal gland disease in ferrets?
High levels of adrenal hormones produced by a tumor or a hyper plastic adrenal gland
What age are ferrets effected by adrenal gland disease?
Middle age to older ferrets
What present of tumors in ferrets are adrenal tumors?
~25%
What are four theories behind adrenal gland disease?
Early neutering, diet, light cycle, and genetics
What are four symptoms of adrenal gland disease?
Symmetric slope via on rump, tail, abdomen. Priorities, vulvar enlargement, dusuria
What are three ways to diagnose adrenal gland disease?
Signs, ultrasound, and hormone assay
What are three ways of treating adrenal gland disease?
gnRH agonists (leuprolide or deslorelin), and melatonin implant, surgical removal
What is insulinoma?
Cancerous tumor involving the insulin producing beta cells in the pancrease
What age are ferrets effected by insulinoma?
Middle aged to older
How many tumors are because of insulinoma?
25%
What are six signs of insulinoma?
Lethargy, weakness, ataxia, paresis, seizures, coma
What is the third most cmon neoplasm and the most common malignancy?
Lymphoma
What are six symptoms of lymphoma?
Enlarged lymph nodes, lethargy, anorexia, weightloss, visceral invasion, and organ failure
What is hypererstrogenism?
Abnormally high estrogen level in the body of intact female
What can hypererstrogenism lead to?
Bone marrow suppression
What are 7 signs of hypererstrogenism?
Lethargy, weakness, enlarged vulva, alopecia of tail/abdomen, pale mucous membranes, pinpoint hemorrhage a, bloody stool
How do you diagnose hypererstrogenism?
Hostory, signs, PVC, CBC
How is distemper transmitted?
Aerosolized virus or body fluids from infected
What are 7 symptoms of distemper?
Rash on chin, anus, or inguinal area. Anorexia, fever, mucho purulent nasal/ocular discharge, hyper keratosis of footpads, coughing, CNS abnormalities
What are three CNS abnormalities of distemper?
Ataxia, torticollis, nystagmus
What virus has human strains that can effect ferrets?
Influenza
What are 2 symptoms of the flu?
Sneezing and runny eyes/nose
What can cause urolithiasis?
Struvite urolithiasis can occur with inadequate diet
What type of external parasite is common in ferrets?
Ear mites and fleas
What are three ways to hold a ferret?
Scruffiness, hand over back, light restraint on table
How much does a Jill weigh?
1-2.5 lbs
How much does a jobs weigh?
2.5-4.5 lbs
What is the average body length?
30-40cm
What is the heart rate of a ferret?
180-250
What is the respiration if a ferret?
30-33
