Reproduction of Pocket Pets Flashcards
What is an intact female ferret?
Jill
What is an intact male ferret?
Hob
What is a spayed female ferret?
Sprite
What is a neutered male ferret?
Gib
When do ferrets reach sexual maturity?
4-8 months
What is the cyclicity of ferrets?
Seasonally polyestrus (March-August)
True or false: ferrets are induced ovulators
True
What is the gestation length offerrets?
41-42 days
What is the average litter size of ferrets?
8-10
What is pregnancy toxemia in ferrets?
Negative energy balance in late gestation due to poor or insufficient diet to meet the needs of gestation
What are the clinical signs of pregnancy toxemia in ferrets?
Lethargy prior to due date, collapse
Dehydration with black tarry stools
Hair falls out
Hypoglycemic, azotemic, ketonuric
What is the prognosis with pregnancy toxemia in ferrets?
Poor
What is used to treat pregnancy toxemia in ferrets?
Immediate c-section to save the dam
What diet causes struvite urolithiasis in ferrets?
Diets with plant proteins the produce alkaline urine
True or false: Jills are more likely to have complete obstruction with struvite urolithiasis
False. Hobs are more likely
What does straining due to struvite urolithiasis in ferrets lead to?
Rectal and/or vaginal prolapse
What could straining in late gestation be due to?
Struvite stones
How can you diagnose struvite urolithiasis?
Palpate and radiograph
What can be done for treatment of struvite urolithiasis?
Cystotomy and possible c-section
What must be done for prevention of struvite urolithiasis?
Must change the diet
What is dystocia in ferrets often due?
Small litter size (1-2 kits) Prolonged gestation in small litters Insufficient hormonal stimulus to trigger delivery Very large kits Deformed fetuses Anasarcous kits
What can be given to help with dystocia issues?
Jills with small litters can be induced on day 41 with Lutalyse followed by oxytocin in 1-4 hours
How long does parturition take for ferrets?
2-3 hours, approximately 5 kits per hour
When is surgery indicated for ferrets during parturition?
When a jill has been in labor for 24 hours or in distress for much shorter
What is the poor mothering of kits common in?
Primiparous jills
How can you correct the poor mothering of kits?
Confine the jill with her kits in a very small space until the kits are accepted and then she can be give more space
Monitoring is necessary because cannibalization is common
When does acute mastitis occur in ferrets?
Right after whelping or after the 3rd week of lactation because of the high demand for milk and teeth that can damage the teats
What are common causes of mastitis in ferrets?
Staphs and coliforms
How should mastitis in ferrets be treated?
Immediate aggressive treatment with antibioctics, hydration, and flunixin
What is associated with metritis in ferrets?
+/- excessive vaginal discharge following parturition
Uterine distention
How do you treat metritis in ferrets?
Lutalyse and antibiotics (TMS/Clavamox)
When does sexual maturity occur for female rabbits?
6-12 months
True or false: rabbits are induced ovulators
True
What is the gestation length of rabbits?
30-33 days
What is the litter size of rabbits?
4-12 kits
What is the copulation time for rabbits?
2 seconds
What is unique about the repro tract of female rabbits?
It lacks a uterine body
How often does a female rabbit nurse?
Only once a day for 3-5 minutes
What is unique about the repro tract of male rabbits?
Lack an os penis
Inguinal canals do not close
When do the testes of rabbits descend?
Around 12 weeks of age
When do male rabbits initiate copulation?
Within seconds or minutes after introduction
What do male rabbits during courtship?
Exhibit enurination (the emission of a jet or urine at a partner)
What is the most common neoplasia in female rabbits?
Uterine adenocarcinoma
What are signs of uterine adenocarcinoma?
Hematuria or serosanguinous vaginal discharge with concurrent cystic mammary glands
Depression, anorexia, and dyspnea
How can you prevent uterine adenocarcinoma?
OHE prior to 2 years of age
What are the signs of pyometra in rabbits?
Vaginal discharge Anorexia Lethargy Weakness Enlarged abdomen
What is the treatment of pyometra in rabbits?
OHE with pre-op antibiotics
What are the common causes of pyometra in rabbits?
Pasturella multiocida
Staph aureus
When does pregnancy toxemia occur in rabbits?
During the last week of gestation
What is pregnancy toxemia in rabbits common in?
Obese rabbits
What are the signs of pregnancy toxemia in rabbits?
Weakness Depression Incoordination Anorexia Convulsions Coma Breath with acetone odor Urine will be acidic, proteinuria, ketonuria, and hepatic lipidosis
What is the treatment of pregnancy toxemia in rabbits?
No effective treatment
Prevention is key by avoiding fasting and undernutrition in late gestation
When does mastitis generally occur in rabbits?
During lactation
What are the clinical signs of mastitis in rabbits?
Depression Fever Anorexia Polydipsia Firm, hot, swollen glands with discolored skin
What are causes of mastitis in rabbits?
Staph, Strep, Pasturella species
What should be used to treat mastitis in rabbits?
Systemic antibiotics: Baytril, TMS, penicillins
When do guinea pigs reach sexual maturity?
Female: 2 months
Male: 3 months
What is the cyclicity of guinea pigs?
Nonseasonal polyestrus
How long is the estrous cycle of guinea pigs?
15-17 days with spontaneous ovulation
What is the gestation length of guinea pigs?
59-72 days (average 68 days)
What is the placentation of guinea pigs?
Hemochorial placentation
What is the litter size of guinea pigs?
1-12 (avg 2-4)
When are guinea pigs weaned?
21 days
What happens prior to parturition in guinea pigs?
Pubic symphysis separates
15mm separation 2 days prior with 25 mm separation at time of delivery
Why may sows (female guinea pigs) that are bred for the first time after 7-8 months have dystocia?
Failure of pubic symphysis separation
