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Ferrets Flashcards

1
Q

What family do ferrets come from?

A

Mustelidae

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2
Q

Are ferrets closely related to mongoose?

A

NO

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3
Q

What sort of diet do ferrets need?

A

Strict carnivores

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4
Q

What should you remember about their mouths (2 things)?

A

Dental disease similar to cats, broken canines

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5
Q

What is a common GI disease ferrets get?

A

Gastric and duodenal ulcers

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6
Q

What bacteria is a problem for ferret GIs?

A

Helicobacter

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7
Q

What are ferrets a good model to test?

A

Anti-emetics

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8
Q

What is unique about their GIT?

A

Have jejuno-ileum b/c can’t differentiate the two

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9
Q

Do ferrets have a cecum?

A

No

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10
Q

What can affect intestinal motility in the ferret?

A

Cervical (mechanical from scruffing) vagal stimulation

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11
Q

What are 2 common causes of acute gastric ulcers?

A

FB

Toxins

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12
Q

What is a common causes of chronic gastric ulcers?

A

Infectious disease

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13
Q

What organism is a very common cause of gastritis?

A

Helicobacter mustelae

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14
Q

What are 5 clinical signs of Helicobacter gastritis?

A 
Bruxism
Ptyalism
Anorexia
Chronic weight loss
Melena
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15
Q

Do you expect vomiting with Helicobacter gastritis?

A

No, but can see blood-tinged vomit sometimes

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16
Q

How is Helicobacter gastritis diagnosed (2 ways)?

A

Fecal occult blood (remember carnivorous diet though)

CBC (regenerative anemia)

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17
Q

What makes it difficult to diagnose Helicobacter (2 things)

A

Difficult to culter

Endemic

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18
Q

What 4 things do you give to treat Helicobacter gastritis?

A

Abx (Metronidazole)
PPI (Sucralfate)
Mucosal protectant (Pepto)
H2 Receptor agonist (Famotidine or Ranitidine)

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19
Q

If you give Pepto to ferrets as a mucosal protectant, what do you need to be aware of?

A

NSAIDs in Pepto

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20
Q

What are clinical signs for FB?

A

Similar to that in other animals

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21
Q

What aer 3 ways you can dx a FB in a ferret?

A

Palpation
Radiographs
Exploratory

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22
Q

What 4 methods can be used to treat a FB?

A

Lubricants
Antibiotics
Fluids
Sx when needed

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23
Q

How does a hairball look on RADs with contrast?

A

See a stringy effect

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24
Q

What do you need to get in cases of ferret diarrhea?

A

A detailed history (where ferret came from, description of diarrhea, home environment, behaviour)

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25
What are 6 causes of diarrhea?
``` FB Viral Dietary indiscretion IBD Proliferative bowel dz Lymphoma ```
26
What major virus causes diarrhea?
Corona virus causes ECE (epizootic catarrhal enteritis) NOTE: Similar to FIP
27
What 2 bacteria cause proliferative bowel dz?
Campylobacter | Lawsonia
28
What is IBD usually?
Lymphoblastic
29
What are 4 possible causes of IBD?
Genetics Food allergy Prednisone (can allow Helicobacter overgrowth) Azothiaprine and metronidazole (both immunosuppressive) and Vit B12
30
What type of diarrhea do you see with ECE?
Profuse, mucoid, green slime
31
What causes Epizootic catarrhal enteritis?
Coronavirus
32
What ferrets are susceptible to ECE?
Older ferrets
33
What 3 clinical signs will you see with ECE?
Lethargy Dehydration Anorexia
34
What does ferret systemic coronavirus resemble?
Looks like FIP b/c causes pyogranulomatous inflammation in peritoneum, liver, kidneys, pancreas etc.
35
If you have mucoid stool, what should you think of?
Parasites
36
If you have melena, what 3 things should you think of?
FB Hairball Ulcer
37
If you have other abnormal stool forms, what should you think of?
Metabolic dz | IDB
38
Where is the ferret lung field?
From 1st-10th intercostal space
39
How many ribs do ferrets have?
14
40
How many sternebrae do ferrets have?
9
41
How are lungs divided in the ferret?
Same as dogs and cats Left - cranial and caudal lobes Right - cranial, middle, caudal and accessory
42
What must you remember with ferret influenza?
Can get it from humans, so make sure owners know that sick people should stay away from ferret or at least wear a mask
43
How long does ferret influenza last?
7-14 days
44
What 4 things can you give to treat ferret influenza?
Support Antihistamines Cough suppressants Prophylactic abx (prevent progression to pneumonia)
45
What are 3 causes of pneumonia in ferrets?
Aspiration (meds or vomit) Bordatella Pasturella
46
How do you treat ferret pneumonia (2 drugs)?
TMS | Chloramphenical
47
How can you prevent pneumonia?
Separate from sick dogs/separate boarding facilities
48
What dz is fatal in ferrets?
Canine distemper NOTE: NOT TX, MUST VACCINATE
49
How fast does distemper progress?
12-42 days
50
What are 3 ways distemper is transmitted?
Direct contact Fomites Aerosolization
51
What are 5 major clinical signs of distemper?
``` Anorexia Pyrexia Chin dermatitis Nasoocular discharge Hardpad (hyperkeratosis) ```
52
What can you see in the CNS with Distemper?
Non-suppurative encephalitis/demyelination
53
How do you dx a ferret with heartworm (2 ways)?
Echo | Snap test
54
What clinical signs will you see with HW?
Similar to dog
55
What two things can you use to treat HW in a ferret?
Thiacetarcemide | Ivermectin plus steroids
56
How do you prevent HW in ferrets (2 ways)?
Heartgard | Feline Revolution off label
57
Can ferrets have allergies?
Yes
58
In a ferret with respiratory distress, what must you always remember to check?
Teeth, could have tooth root abscess
59
What 3 things should you consider if there is blood or continuous sneezing?
FB Rhinitis Sinusitis
60
What can cause urolithiasis and urinary tract obstruction?
Poor quality diet -> causes crystals to form
61
What are 2 other diseases that can cause urinary tract obstruction?
Adrenal dz | Prostatomegaly
62
How can you treat urinary tract obstruction or urolithiasis (3 ways)?
Urinary catheter Fluids Sx
63
What are 2 things you can do to help in urinary tract obstruction or urolithiasis aftercare?
Diet change | Antimicrobial therapy
64
How do you pass a urinary catheter in a female ferret?
Ventral recumbency, back end elevated. | Urethral opening on floor of urethral vestibule ~1cm cranial to clitoral fossa
65
How do you place a urinary catheter in a male ferret?
Dorsal recumbency, penis exteriorized Urethral opening on ventral surface of penis Dilate opening with 24G IVC, then insert urinary cath
66
How do you treat hyperestrogenism in a ferret?
HCG injection to stop estrus, and OVH when stable
67
If a ferret is not bred, what 2 issues can she develop?
Estrogen toxicity | Bone marrow suppression
68
What is prostatic dz often secondary to?
Adrenal dz
69
What can prostatic dz lead to?
Urethral obstruction
70
What are 4 ways to treat prostatic dz?
Tx adrenal dz Abx Drain infected fluid Surgical debulking
71
What is the most common cutaneous neoplasia?
Mast cell tumors and Basal cell tumors
72
What are 3 major points to know about mast cell and basal cell tumors?
They don't typically metastasize Can be surgically removed Prognosis is good
73
What 2 types of cutaneous neoplasias metastasize?
Fibrosarcoma | Sebaceous gland adenoma
74
What are 2 common dermatophytes we see with ferrets?
Microsporum canis | Trichophyton metagrophytes
75
How are the dermatophytes transmitted?
direct contact
76
How do you treat the dermatophytes (4 ways)?
Iodine shampoo Chlorhexidine shampoo Griseofulvin Disinfect environment
77
Do ferrets get fleas?
Yes
78
Do ferrets get ear mites?
Yes
79
What 3 places do you see generalized sarcoptes?
Face Pinna Ventrum
80
What 3 places do you see localized sarcoptes?
Paws Nails Toes
81
How do you diagnose sarcoptes?
Skin scrape
82
How do you treat sarcoptes?
Ivermectin or lyme sulfur dips
83
What is the most common cause of otitis media/interna?
Pasturella multiocida
84
How do you diagnose otitis media/interna?
RADs
85
What are 3 treatments for otitis media/interna?
Enrofloxacin systemic and topical Chloramphenicol Flush ears with saline (under anaesthesia)
86
What should be your top 2 differentials if you suspect a viral dz causing neurologic signs?
Distemper (more likely) | Rabies
87
What is the prognosis of distemper
Grave
88
If neurotropic phase of distemper develops, what is the best course of action?
To elect euthanasia because it can be very painful and stressful
89
What should be done if you suspect rabies?
Euthanize and send to state lab for testing. NOTE: Keep Rabies on ddx for rabbits and GPs and other rodents with neuro signs and exposure to wildlife
90
What are the 2 big endocrine diseases of small ferrets?
Adrenal dz | Insulinoma
91
What is the most common endocrine dz of ferrets?
Adrenal dz
92
What is the typical presentation of a ferret with adrenal dz?
Perfectly symmetrical bilateral alopecia
93
What adrenal gland dz will you NOT see in a ferret?
Hypersecretino of cortisol (Cushings)
94
What is good to remember about adenomas, adenocarcinomas and adrenocarcinomas?
Lots are benign, but should never assume. If you remove it, biopsy
95
What is adrenal glang dz going to be a hypersecretion of?
Sex hormones
96
What is adrenal dz related to in ferrets?
Early spay/neuter as altered animals will again develop sex hormones
97
What 4 tests can't you use in ferrets for endocrine testing?
Serum cortisol (not elevated) ACTH stim test/Dex suppression test Urinary Cortisol:Creatinine (not a specific indicator)
98
What is the only reliable means of diagnosing adrenal dz?
Serum concentrations of steroid hormones at Tennessee
99
What are 8 clinical signs of adrenal dz?
``` Symmetrical alopecia Pruritis Erythema Secual behaviours Vulvar enlargement Bone marrow toxicity Urinary obstruction Stronger smell ```
100
How do you treat adrenal dz medically?
Leuprolide acetate monthly injection NOTE: This is a GnRH agonist
101
Why is adrenalectomy not common to see done (2 reason)?
Right adrenal glad is REALLY close to vena cava | Recurrence likely in other gland if only unilateral
102
What is an insulinoma?
Beta cell tumor of the pancreas causing hypersecretion of insulin
103
What are 8 clinical signs of a insulinoma?
``` Decreased activity Weight loss Difficult arousal from sleep Hypothermia Ptyalism Mental dullness Tremors Collapse ```
104
How do you dx an insulinoma?
BG
105
What can be really frustrating about insulinomas?
Lots of little ones pop up that are not mets, makes this really difficult to remove surgically
106
How do you treat an insulinoma?
Prednisone to block peripheral uptake of glucose and increase hepatic gluconeogenesis
107
T/F: After a nodulectomy or partial pancreatectomy, pancreatitis is rare.
True
108
What age do ferrets seem to get lymphoma?
6mos -1yr or 3-5 yrs
109
What is the description of lymphoma in a young ferret?
Acute onset, rapidly progressive, multicentric, involves lung and kidney (among others)
110
What is the description of lymphoma in an older ferret?
Chronic, better survival times
111
What are the 3 general clinical signs of lymphoma?
Anorexia Weight loss Lethargy
112
What are 4 clinical signs of GI/abdominal lymphoma?
Emesis Diarrhea Tenesus Splenomegaly
113
What are 3 clinical signs of mediastinal lymphoma?
Dyspnea Coughing Regurgitation
114
How do you diagnose lymphoma?
Biopsy
115
What are 3 ways you can treat lymphoma?
Surgery Chemo Steroids
116
What is a ferret chordoma?
Smooth, round, firm mass that develops on the tail tip from the original notocord
117
Can a chrodoma metastasize?
Yes
118
How do you treat a chordoma?
Tail amputation
119
What is Aleutian dz?
A parvovirus that lays dormant until animal is stressed Is an immune mediated disorder
120
How is Aleutian dz transmitted?
ferret-ferret or mink-ferret with aerosolization OR contact VERY hardy in environment
121
How is Aleutian dz characterized?
Hypergammaglobulinemia
122
What are 5 clinical signs of Aleutian dz?
``` Chronic wt. loss Cachexia Malaise Melena Posterior paresis ```
123
What is the progression of Aleutian dz?
Vasculitis -> Multiple organ failure -> Sudden death
124
What is the treatment for Aleutian dz?
None...
125
What 3 signs do you see in cardiac dz?
Cyanosis Tachypnea Increased CRT
126
What might you notice about the jugular in cardiac dz?
Distended or pulses
127
What might you hear in the lungs with a case of cardiac dz?
Pulmonary crackles | Ascites
128
What are 4 major radiographic signs you'll see in cardiac dz?
Globoid heart Diffuse interstitial pattern Hepato/splenomegaly Pleural effusion
129
Describe a normal ECG.
Small P wave Large R wave Short QT interval Elevated ST segment
130
What is the normal range for a ferret heart rate?
180-230bpm
131
What is the most common cardiac dz in ferrets?
DCM
132
What are 3 things that we should recommend in cases of cardiac dz?
O2 Low sodium diet Diuretics
133
What is the prognosis of cardaic dz?
Poor, even with aggressive therapy
134
How common is splenomegaly and how is it typically found?
Very common, incidental finding
135
What are 3 causes for primary splenomegaly?
Lymphoma Splenic neoplasia ADV
136
What are 4 causes for secondary splenomegaly?
Insulinoma Adrenal dz Cardiac dz Dental dz
137
What are some indications for a splenectomy?
``` Discomfort Inflammation Neoplasia Torsion Rupture Abscess ```
138
What is hypersplenism?
Excessive destruction of RBCs, WBCs and/or platelets (cytopenia on CBC, confirm with bone marrow aspirate)
139
How do you dx hypersplenism?
Cytopenia on CBC
140
How do you confirm hypersplenism?
Bone marrow aspirate
141
What are 3 indications for a splenic aspiration?
Anything irregular with the spleen Anemia of unknown origin Lymphoma/sarcoma
142
What is the technique for splenic aspiration?
Percutaneous with rigid restraint of spleen using a 25G needle with 6cc syringe

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