Ferrets Flashcards
List the 6 main DDX for GIT disease in ferrets
Helicobacter mustelae Epizootic cattarhal Enteritis Ferret systemic coronavirus Proliferative colitis IBD Eosinophilic gastroenteritis
What four bacteria spp cause GIT disease in ferrets
Helicobacter mustilae
Salmonella
Campylobacter
Coliforms
What 4 types of parasites often cause GIT disease in ferrets
Giardia
Crypto parvum
Coccidiosis
GI nematodes
What Sx does helicobacter mustelae cause in ferrets
D+, V+, abdominal pain, chronic Gastritis, duodenitis, melaena, mesenteric lymphadenopathy, Anaemia
What may develop secondary to helicobacter infection in ferrets
Ulcers
How is helicobacter infection Dx in ferrets
Silver staining of tissue
How can helicobacter be Tx in ferrets
Ranitidine, omeprazole for ulcers
AntiB e.g. metronidazole, amoxicillin
What causes epizootic cattarhal Enteritis
Coronavirus
What are the Sx of epizootic cattarhal Enteritis in ferrets
V+, free mucoid D+, weight loss
What causes ferret systemic Coronavirus disease
Coronavirus
Which cat disease is ferret systemic Coronavirus related to
FIP
What are signs of ferret systemic Coronavirus
D+, weight loss, lethargy, anorexia, HL weakness, splenomegaly, pyrexia, hypergammaglobinaemia
Which form of ferret systemic Coronavirus is most commonly seen
Granulomatous / dry form
What causes proliferative colitis in ferrets
Lawsonia intracellularis
How is proliferative colitis in ferrets Tx
Chloramphenicol for 2-3wks
What are the 3 main oral diseases seen in ferrets
Dental disease
Salivary mucocele
Neoplasia
What is the main lice spp of ferrets
Sarcoptes scabiei
What are the three main mite spp of ferrets
Lynxacarus mustelae
Demodex
Otodectes cyanosis
Why are female ferrets prone to oestrogen toxicity
Reflex ovulators
Undated = exposed to high oestrogen = bone marrow suppression and pancytopenia = aplastic Anaemia
When does adrenal gland disease present in ferrets
3-4yrs post neutering
Which zone of the adrenal gland is affected by adrenal disease in ferrets and what is the pathophysiology
Zone reticularis = hyperadrenogism
FSH and LH can’t act on gonads = no -ve feedback
Receptors form on adrenal gland = adrenal Hyperplasia or neoplasia = androgen production
What are the main Sx of adrenal disease in ferrets
Adrenal Hyperplasia = Adenoma = adenocarcinoma
Bilateral symmetrical alopecia, pruritis, vulval swelling, postateomegaly
How can adrenal Disease be Dx in ferrets
Serum adrenal panel for oesteodiol etc BUT doesn’t distinguish from ovarian remnant disease
Rx often unremarkable except prostatomegaly
Ultrasound to ID adrenomegaly
How is adrenal Disease best Tx in ferrets
Exploratory surgery to remove L adrenal gland if affected or de-bulk the R
GnRH analogue - useful in early stages of disease
Melatonin / photoperiod manipulation - ferrets seasonally polyoestrus
How can adrenal Disease be Px in ferrets
Keep outdoors - seasonally polyoestrus
Alternatives to neutering - deslorelin implant, proligestone Jill jab, vasectomise hob
What are the options for Px persistent oestrus in ferrets
Jill jab - proligestone, given SC as they come into season in spring
Buserelin (receptal) - induce ovulation
Vasectomise hob
Deslorelin implant every 12-24 months
How are Male ferrets managed to prevent adrenal disease
Implant with suprelorin
Neuter +/- implant
What is the aetiology and signlament of insulinoma in ferrets
B cell tumours - Adenoma or adenocarcinoma
Males, 4-6yrs
What are the Sx of insulinoma in ferrets
HL weakness or ataxia Stargazing Dull Seizure May resolve following meal Collapse Salivation Nausea
How is insulinoma Dx in ferrets
Persistent hypoglycaemia = blood glucose < 3.4 after 4hrs without food
How is insulinoma Tx in ferrets
Emergency stabilisation with glucose
Surgical resection
Medical - prednisolone, diazoxide
Dietary - high fat and protein meals, simple sugars
What is the most common form of heart disease seen in ferrets
DCM
Which deficiency is DCM NOT related to in ferrets
Taurine
What other three CVS diseases other than DCM may be seen in ferrets
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Restrictive cardiomyopathy
Degenerative valvular Disease
What causes influenza in ferrets
Orthomyxoviridae - strains of human flu virus A and B infectious to ferrets
What are ferrets mostly vaccinated against
Canine distemper - used off cascade
What causes canine distemper in ferrets
Paramyxovirus - morbillivirus
What are the main Sx of canine distemper in ferrets
Photosensitivity Anorexia Pyrexia Mucopurulent oculonasal discharge Ataxia Hyperkeratosis
What disease does parvovirus cause in ferrets
Aleutian Disease
What is Aleutian Disease in ferrets
Immune complex Mediated disorder
What are the Sx of Aleutian Disease in ferrets
Multiple organ failure
Hypergammaglobinaemia
What are the top three neoplasia in ferrets
Insulinoma
Adrenal gland disease
Lymphoma
