Ferrets Flashcards
What family do ferrets come from?
Mustelidae
Ferrets are a domesticated form of what other animal?
European polecat
Are ferrets closely related to mongoose?
No
Are ferrets omnivores, carnivores or herbivores?
Strict carnivores like cats
What type of GI tract do ferrets have?
Carnivore GI tract with simple stomach.
How long is GI transit time in a ferret?
148-219 minutes
Ferrets can be a model for what 5 human diseases?
- Gastric and duodenal ulcers
- Gastro-esophageal reflux
- Gastric carcinoma and lymphoma
- Helicobacter mustelae (H. pylori in humans)
- Model to test anti-emetics
Since the jejunum and ileum cannot be differentiated in a ferret, what is this section of intestine known as?
Where does it end?
- Jejuno-ileum
- Ends at ascending colon
Do ferrets have a cecum?
No
The ferret colon is similar to that of what 2 other species?
- Cats
- Dogs
Overly manipulating a ferret in the cervical region can lead to cervical (mechanical) vagal stimulation which can affect what?
Affect intestinal motility
Dental diseases in ferrets are similar to those that can be seen in what other species?
Cats
What age range of ferrets tend to be more affected by dental disease?
Middle aged and older
What are 3 examples of dental disease that can be seen in ferrets?
- Tartar
- Gingivitis
- Periodontal disease
What is a tooth that can be commonly broken in ferrets?
Broken canines
What are 2 examples of acute causes of gastric ulceration in ferrets?
2 examples of chronic causes?
- Acute: foreign body, toxins
- Chronic: infectious disease, renal disease
What is a very common cause of gastric ulcers in ferrets?
Helicobacter mustelae
What is something that is endemic in most commercially produced ferrets?
Helicobacter gastritis
Can ferrets be asymptomatic carriers of Helicobacter?
Yes
What can be a factor in triggering helicobacter gastritis?
Stress or other disease
What are 5 possible clinical signs of Helicobacter gastritis?
- Bruxism
- Ptyalism
- Anorexia
- Chronic weight loss
- Melena
What is bruxism?
Teeth grinding
What is a clinical sign that may be, but is not normally, seen with Helicobacter gastritis?
Vomiting, may be blood-tinged
What are 5 factors for diagnosing Helicobacter gastritis?
- Fecal occult blood (consider carnivorous diet)
- CBC (regenerative anemia)
- Difficult to culture, endemic
- Pyloric or duodenal mucosal biopsy
- Warthin-starry stain
What are 4 types of drugs that can be combined in the treatment of Helicobacter gastritis?
- Antibiotics
- Proton pump inhibitors
- Mucosal protectants
- H2 receptor agonists
What are 3 examples of antibiotics that can be used in the treatment of Helicobacter gastritis?
- Metronidazole
- Amoxicillin
- Clarithromycin
What is an example of a mucosal protectant that can be used in the treatment of Helicobacter gastritis?
Sucralfate
What is a drug that should not be used if the ferret has an actively bleeding ulcer since is has an NSAID component?
Pepto-Bismol
What are 2 examples of H2 receptor agonists that can be used in the treatment of Helicobacter gastritis?
- Famotidine
- Ranitidine
Since ferrets explore with their mouths, what is something they can get?
GI foreign body
Can ferrets get hairballs?
Yes
What are 6 possible types of clinical signs that can be seen in ferrets with a GI foreign body?
- Acute or chronic
- +/- Diarrhea and melena
- +/- Vomiting
- lethargic
- Anorexic
- Weight loss
What are 3 factors in diagnosing a GI foreign body in ferrets?
- Palpation
- Radiographs
- Exploratory
What are 4 possible forms of treatment for GI foreign bodies in ferrets?
- Lubricants
- Antibiotics
- fluids
- Surgery when necessary
If a ferret has diarrhea, a detailed history should be obtained including what 7 factors?
- Source of ferret/breeder
- Volume, color, consistency, frequency, duration
- If other pets in household are sick as well
- Activity level, time of day
- Environmental factors
- Toys, treats, bedding, sanitation
- Tenesmus, vocalization, flatulence, bruxism
What are 6 possible etiologies of diarrhea in ferrets?
- Foreign body
- Viral
- Dietary indiscretion
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Proliferative bowel disease
- Lymphoma
What is a viral disease that can cause diarrhea in a ferret?
What virus causes it?
- Epizootic catarrhal enteritis (ECE)
- Corona virus
What are 2 bacteria that can cause proliferative bowel disease in a ferret?
- Campylobacter
- Lawsonia intracellularis
Inflammatory bowel disease in ferrets is similar to cats in that it is usually what?
Usually lymphoblastic
Is there a genetic predisposition in ferrets for inflammatory bowel disease?
Yes
What is a possible causative factor of inflammatory bowel disease in ferrets that can be found in foods?
Grain carbohydrates in commercial foods.
What drug should be used cautiously in ferrets with inflammatory bowel disease?
Prednisone
What are 2 antibiotics that can be used with inflammatory bowel disease in ferrets?
What is a vitamin that can be given?
- Azothiaprine, Metronidazole
- Vitamin B12
Azothiaprine and metronidazole are both what?
Both immunosuppressive
What are 3 descriptors for the type of diarrhea caused in ferrets by corona virus?
- Profuse
- Mucoid
- Green slime
What age group of ferrets are more susceptible to viral diarrhea caused by ECE?
Which group is more likely to be carriers?
- Older ferrets susceptible
- Younger are carriers
What are 3 possible clinical signs of ECE in ferrets?
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
- Anorexia
What is the mortality rate of ECE in ferrets?
Low with treatment
What should the treatment of ECE in ferrets mainly focus on?
What can be given for secondary infections?
- Hydration
- Antibiotics
What is an emerging disease in ferrets that came to light in 2004?
Ferret systemic corona virus
What feline disease does ferret systemic corona virus resemble?
Feline Infectious Peritonitis
Where are 4 locations ferret systemic corona virus can cause pyogranulomatous inflammation?
- Peritoneum
- Liver
- Kidneys
- Pancreas
If a ferret has mucoid stool, what are 4 things that should be on the differentials list?
- Parasites (coccidia)
- Helicobacter
- Campylobacter
- Viral
If a ferret has melena, what are 3 things that should be on the differentials list?
- Foreign body
- Hairball
- Ulcers
If a ferret has a form of stool other than mucoid or melena, what are 2 things that should be on the differentials list?
- Metabolic disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease
The larynx in the ferret is similar to what other species?
Humans
How does the larynx in a ferret function?
Closes airway to raise intra-abdominal pressure and keeps ingesta from being aspirated.
How many ribs does a ferret have?
How many sternebrae?
- 14 ribs
- 9 sternebrae
Where is the lung field in a ferret?
Does ferrets have a small or large lung capacity?
- 1st-10th/11th ICS
- Large lung capacity
Are the lung lobe divisions in a ferret similar to a dog/cat?
Yes
Ferrets are the only domestic species susceptible to what?
Human influenza
Photophobia, catarrhal nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, pyrexia, anorexia, malaise, dysphagia and +/- pneumonia are all possible clinical signs that can be seen with what disease in ferrets?
Influenza
How long does influenza usually last in ferrets?
7-14 days
What are 4 aspects of treating influenza in ferrets?
- Supportive
- Antihistamines
- Cough suppressants
- Prophylactic antibiotics
What is one way to prevent influenza in ferrets?
Separate from ill humans.
What are 3 possible causes of pneumonia in ferrets?
- Aspiration of medication/vomit
- Bordetella bronchiseptica
- Pasteurella multocida
Which bacteria responds poorly to antibiotics so may develop into penumonia in ferrets?
Bordetella
What are 2 possible treatments for pneumonia in ferrets?
- TMS
- Chloramphenicol
What are 2 ways to try to prevent pneumonia in ferrets?
- Separate from sick dogs
- Separate boarding facilities
What respiratory disease is fatal in ferrets?
Canine distemper
What is the time frame for the disease progression of canine distemper in ferrets?
12-42 days
What are 5 ways canine distemper can be transmitted in ferrets?
- Direct contact
- Fomites
- Aerosolization of urine
- Feces
- Nasal exudate