Ferrets, rabbits and rodents Flashcards
Ferrets are what classs
Class Mammalia; Order Carnivora; Family Mustelidae (related to weasels, mink, badgers and skunks)
What is the anatomy and physiology of ferrets
True Carnivores
Most anatomy/physiology similar to that of cats (although elongated)
Heart is very caudal in the thorax; sinus arrhythmia common
Spleen often very large and palpable, if smooth, not clinically significant
What vaccines are given to ferrets
Need to be vaccinated for Rabies and Canine Distemper
Rabies given annually
Distemper - 3 sets at 8, 12, 16 weeks, then annually
Vaccine reactions somewhat common – monitor for 20 min post vaccine
What is commonly removed from ferrets before being sold
Most ferrets are sold already spayed/neutered and have had anal glands removed
Why do ferrets smell
Most of the smell comes from scent glands in the skin, not anal glands, and the smell decreases significantly after spay/neuter
What kind of ovulators are ferrets
Induced ovulators, so can stay in heat for extended periods of time – increased estrogen can lead to pancytopenia
Anemia/thrombocytopenia can be fatal
What are the normal values for a ferret
Temperature – 37.8C–40.0C
HR – 250-300bpm
RR – 33-36/min
Urine pH – 6.5-7.5
Average Lifespan – 6-10 years
What are common diesases affecting ferrets
Adrenal disease
Insulinoma
foreign bodies
Human influenza
Lymphoma
Ear mites
COVID 19
What are common adrenal disases for ferrets
Hyperadrenocorticism
Hypertrophy/adenoma/adenocarcinoma of adrenal glands
Not Cushings – not overproducing cortisol
Overproduction of sex hormones
What are the clincial signs of adrenal disease of ferrets
Bilateral alopecia (may be seasonal/cyclic) most common c/s
Others include increased odor, sexual/dominant behaviour, vulvar swelling, prostate enlargement (difficult urination), or pruritis
How do you diagnose adrenal disase with ferrets
Blood test for hormone levels, US to look for enlarged adrenals
Often based on C/S
How do you treat ferrets with adrenal disease
Surgical – expensive, risky and not always effective
Medical – Monthly injections; implant put under the skin
What is insulioma with ferrets
Functional tumour of the beta cells of the pancreas
Causes an overproduction of insulin which leads to hypoglycemia
What are the clinical signs with insulinoma for ferrets
Episodic/acute weakness or periods of unresponsiveness/glazed expression
Salivation, chomping/pawing at mouth or seizures can occur
How do you diagnose insulinoma in ferrets
Blood glucose during a weakness episode; can test insulin levels, but not usually necessary
How do you treat ferrets with insulinoma
Feed a high protein diet, avoid sugary treats
Surgical – removal of part or half of the pancreas may increase time before medical treatment is required
Medical
Acute – IV/oral glucose, diazepam for seizures
Prednisone daily
Are foreign bodies common in ferrets and why
Like to chew on everything; foreign bodies quite common
Surgical
What does human infleunza look like in a ferret
Can catch from Owners and vice versa
Sneezing, nasal discharge, fever, etc
Where is lymphoma common in ferrets and how to treat
Can occur in any organ
Chemotherapy possible
When do you check for ear mites on ferrets
Very common – always check at first appointment
How do ferrets get COVID 19
Ferrets, like cats, are susceptible to COVID 19
Can catch it, but unlikely to transmit it to people
What is the ferrets natural routine
Do NOT require elaborate enclosures
Ground dwellers
Naturally will go down and under things to sleep
Enjoy sleeping sacs on cage floor – safer and easier to access
If using hammocks or condo style enclosure need to pad floors and ramps
Poor vision – results in injury
What should a ferrets cage be made with
Medium to large dog kennels are often fine
Do not usually play in den so set it up for sleeping
Water bottle, full food cup, soft bedding, litter box at the opposite end
When they are out to play leave door open to ensure constant access to food and water
What should a ferrets substrate look like
Substrates: NO wood shavings, corn cob, recycled paper, etc.
Line floor with newspaper or use pile of soft towels/clothes