U5Ch32 : Ferrets

Question 1

common uses for ferrets in research

Answer 1

Ferrets are commonly used in studies of viral and respiratory diseases, as well as in dental research and in the study of the reproductive and digestive systems. They are also used as a model in safety testing of drugs and chemicals, and as an alternative to the cat for pharmacological studies.

Question 2

Ferret taxonomy

Answer 2

The ferret (Mustela putorius furo) is in the taxonomic order Carnivora, and is in the same family as otters, weasels, and minks.

Question 3

What is the scientific name of the ferret?

Answer 3

Mustela putorious furo

Question 4

Color variation seen in ferrets

Answer 4

Fitch (wild type/ tawny + brown) Albino

Question 5

What seasonal change does an adult ferret undergo?

Answer 5

Losing weight in the spring/summer during mating season and gaining weight back in the fall

Question 6

What color is a fitch ferret?

Answer 6

Wildtype with tawny and brown markings

Question 7

nomenclature for ferrets

Answer 7

males = hobs, females = jills, young = kits

Question 8

Which statement is TRUE about ovulation in ferrets?
Ferrets are induced ovulators.
Ferrets do not ovulate.
Ferrets can remain in perpetual ovulation.
Ferrets ovulate only in the spring.

Answer 8

Ferrets are induced ovulators.

Question 9

What is the term for a male ferret?

Answer 9

Hob

Question 10

Common ferret behavior

Answer 10

Ferrets are playful and mischievous. They are very social animals and prefer to be housed in pairs or groups. They are escape artists, however, so they must be housed in escape-proof caging.

An interesting characteristic of ferrets is the difficulty they have waking up from sleep. If approached, a ferret may take up to 30 seconds to awaken. Do not mistake this for poor health unless the time for the ferret to awaken far exceeds 30 seconds. Another unique behavior of the ferret is the shivering that often occurs when it awakens or becomes excited. This is normal. In addition, when the ferret is held by the scruff of the neck, it often yawns and relaxes its body.

Ferrets produce several distinct vocalizations that can alert a watchful technician to different conditions. Kits make a cheeping sound when hungry. Older ferrets chuckle or hiss when they are playing or excited, and hiss or screech in stressful situations.

Question 11

What is unusual about the way ferrets wake up?

Answer 11

They have difficulty waking up and may take up to 30 seconds to do this.

Question 12

handling and restraint of ferrets

Answer 12

After adjusting to their new environment, ferrets can usually be handled without difficulty, and usually without restraint gloves. The adult ferret is best held by grasping it just behind the forelimbs with one hand, and supporting the hindquarters with the other hand. Holding the hind legs of a ferret will cause it to struggle. An alternative method of restraint is to place one hand across the animal�s shoulders, with the thumb and forefinger around the neck and the other fingers around the chest behind the forelimb. Ferrets can also be scruffed. When held in this manner, the animal will generally relax, allowing simple procedures such as nail trims and intramuscular injections to be performed. Scruffed ferrets may also yawn, making it easier to perform oral examinations.2

Question 13

Identification methods used in ferrets

Answer 13

Individual identification of ferrets is typically accomplished by the use of ear tags or microchips. Ferrets may also be tattooed, but the technique is made difficult by the thickness of their hair coat and their small ears.

Question 14

How are ferrets usually identified?

Answer 14

Ear tag or microchip

Question 15

Ferret environmental temperature concerns

Answer 15

Ferrets are sensitive to heat, and should be kept in rooms less than 27 �C (81 �F); they seem to prefer temperatures between 13 �C and 18 �C (55 �F and 64 �F). Ferrets generally shed their coats twice a year; temperature fluctuations and day length are likely to influence when they shed.

Question 16

Ferret diet considerations

Answer 16

Ferrets require a high protein diet. Their diet should be at least 35% protein and should be animal-based, as they are obligate carnivores. Laboratory ferrets are generally fed a commercial ferret diet, which fulfills their nutritional needs. Ferrets have a short digestive tract, and must eat frequently. Hypoglycemia may occur if they are fasted or feed-restricted; ad libitum feeding is the standard practice.

Question 17

How much protein do ferrets require in the their diet?

Answer 17

More than 35%

Question 18

How often do ferrets normally shed their coats?

Answer 18

2x per year

Question 19

Enviornmental enrichment for ferrets

Answer 19

Ferrets are intelligent, curious, and social animals and need a complex and stimulating environment. Tubes, hammocks, boxes, and even paper bags can provide an opportunity to crawl and burrow. Ferrets like water, and enjoy an occasional water bath. In choosing toys for enrichment, the ferret�s propensity to chew should be taken into consideration. Only hard, durable toys should be used; toys should be checked often for signs of chewing

Question 20

signs of pain, distress or illness in ferrets

Answer 20

Ferrets usually arch their backs. If a ferret�s back is straight, it is a sign of an underlying illness, neurological disease, or fatigue. An uncomfortable ferret will not curl into its normal relaxed sleeping position, and may be lethargic and anorexic. Aggressive behavior in a normally gentle animal is often a sign of pain, as is rapid breathing.

If the animal is hurt or angered in any way, a foul-smelling substance is sometimes emitted (not sprayed) from the scent glands located on either side of the anus.

Ferrets also vocalize; they will chuckle, hiss, or screech in situations of discomfort or stress. An animal that grinds its teeth may suffer from abdominal pain.

Ferrets vomit very infrequently; observation of active vomiting or of yellow foamy liquid in the cage should be immediately reported to the veterinary staff. Any kind of sneezing, breathing difficulty, nasal discharge, or eye discharge should also be reported immediately, as ferrets are susceptible to some human respiratory infections. Female ferrets may also develop estrogen toxicity if they are intact, or if some reproductive tissue was accidentally left behind when they were spayed. The presence of a persistently swollen vulva may be an indication of this condition. Fur loss may be another sign of estrogen toxicity, or it may be caused by other hormonal conditions

Question 21

Where are the ferret’s scent glands located?

Answer 21

on either side of the anus

Question 22

Why should any nasal or ocular discharge be reported to the veterinary staff immediately? (ferret)

Answer 22

Ferrets are susceptible to some human respiratory viruses

Question 23

What physiological change occurs with ferrets when they sleep?

Answer 23

Their body temperature drops