Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 3rd Edition PDF
Preview Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 3rd Edition
F E R R E T S, R A B B I T S, and R O D E N T S Clinical Medicine and Surgery T H I R D E D I T I O N Katherine E. Quesenberry DVM, MPH, Diplomate ABVP (Avian) Service Head Avian and Exotic Pet Service The Animal Medical Center New York, New York James W. Carpenter MS, DVM, Diplomate ACZM Professor of Zoological Medicine Department of Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine Kansas State University Manhattan, Kansas 3251 Riverport Lane St. Louis, Missouri 63043 FERRETS, RABBITS, AND RODENTS: CLINICAL MEDICINE AND SURGERY ISBN: 978-1-4160-6621-7 Copyright © 2012 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Some material was previously published. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Details on how to seek permission, further information about the Publisher’s permissions policies and our arrangements with organizations such as the Copyright Clearance Center and the Copyright Licensing Agency, can be found at our website: www.elsevier.com/permissions. This book and the individual contributions contained in it are protected under copyright by the Publisher (other than as may be noted herein). Images in Chapter 34 © Stephen J. Divers. Notice Knowledge and best practice in this field are constantly changing. As new research and experience broaden our understanding, changes in research methods, professional practices, or medical treat- ment may become necessary. Practitioners and researchers must always rely on their own experience and knowledge in evalu- ating and using any information, methods, compounds, or experiments described herein. In using such information or methods, they should be mindful of their own safety and the safety of others, including parties for whom they have a professional responsibility. With respect to any drug or pharmaceutical products identified, readers are advised to check the most current information provided (i) on procedures featured or (ii) by the manufacturer of each product to be administered, to verify the recommended dose or formula, the method and duration of administration, and contraindications. It is the responsibility of practitioners, relying on their own experience and knowledge of their patients, to make diagnoses, to determine dosages and the best treatment for each individual patient, and to take all appropriate safety precautions. To the fullest extent of the law, neither the Publisher nor the authors, contributors, or editors, assume any liability for any injury and/or damage to persons or property as a matter of products liability, negligence or otherwise, or from any use or operation of any methods, products, instruc- tions, or ideas contained in the material herein. Previous editions copyrighted 2004 and 1997. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Ferrets, rabbits, and rodents : clinical medicine and surgery / [edited by] Katherine E. Quesenberry, James W. Carpenter. — 3rd ed. p. ; cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 978-1-4160-6621-7 (pbk. : alk. paper) I. Quesenberry, Katherine E. II. Carpenter, James W. (James Wyman), 1945- [DNLM: 1. Ferrets—surgery. 2. Rabbits—surgery. 3. Rodentia—surgery. 4. Surgical Procedures, Operative—veterinary. SF 997.3] 636.932’2—dc23 2011039100 Vice President and Publisher: Linda Duncan Publisher, Veterinary Medicine: Penny Rudolph Associate Developmental Editor: Brandi Graham Publishing Services Manager: Catherine Jackson Senior Project Manager: Carol O’Connell Design Direction: Paula Catalano Printed in the United States of America Last digit is the print number: 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Contributors Sean Aiken, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVS Vittorio Capello, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Exotic Companion Veterinary Specialty Hospital Mammal), Diplomate ECZM (Small Mammal) San Diego, California Exotic Companion Mammal Medicine and Surgery Clinica Veterinaria S.Siro Natalie Antinoff, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian) Clinica Veterinaria Gran Sasso Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists Milano, Italy Avian and Exotics Houston, Texas Stephen J. Divers, BSc (Hons), BVetMed, Diplomate ACZM, Diplomate ECZM (Herpetology), Diplomate ZooMed, Heather W. Barron, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian) FRCVS Professor and Chair Professor of Zoological Medicine Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department of Small Animal Medicine & Surgery School of Veterinary Medicine College of Veterinary Medicine St. Matthew’s University University of Georgia Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, British West Indies Athens, Georgia Louise Bauck, DVM, MVSc Thomas M. Donnelly, BVSc, Diplomate ACLAM Professor of Biology Warren Institute Department of Math and Science Ossining, New York Brenau University Gainesville, Georgia Peter G. Fisher, DVM Director Teresa Bradley Bays, DVM, CVA Pet Care Veterinary Hospital Director Virginia Beach, Virginia Belton Animal Clinic and Exotic Care Center Animal Urgent Care of Cass County Anthony J. Fischetti, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVR Belton, Missouri Department Head of Diagnostic Imaging The Animal Medical Center Judith A. Bell, DVM, PhD New York, New York Department of Population Medicine Ontario Veterinary College James G. Fox, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACLAM University of Guelph Professor and Director Guelph, Ontario, Canada Division of Comparative Medicine Massachusetts Institute of Technology R. Avery Bennett, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVS Cambridge, Massachusetts Chief of Surgery The Animal Medical Center Carley J. Giovanella, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (Neurology) New York, New York Gulf Coast Veterinary Neurology and Neurosurgery Houston, Texas Cynthia R. Bishop, DVM Assistant Professor Jennifer Graham, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian, Exotic Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences Companion Mammal), Diplomate ACZM Seattle Pacific University Avian and Exotic Medicine Seattle, Washington Angell Animal Medical Center Boston, Massachusetts Cynthia Brown, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian) Avian and Exotic Medicine Michelle G. Hawkins, VMD, Diplomate ABVP (Avian) New England Veterinary Medical Center Associate Professor, Companion Avian and Exotic Pet Medicine Mystic, Connecticut Department of Medicine and Epidemiology School of Veterinary Medicine Susan A. Brown, DVM University of California, Davis Rosehaven Exotic Animal Veterinary Service Davis, California North Aurora, Illinois Laurie Hess, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian) Michelle L. Campbell-Ward, BSc, BVSc (Hons I), DZooMed, Veterinary Center for Birds and Exotics MRCVS Bedford Hills, New York Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo, NSW, Australia iii iv CONTRIBUTORS Heidi L. Hoefer, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian) Marla Lichtenberger, DVM, Diplomate ACVECC Island Exotic Veterinary Care Department of Emergency and Critical Care Huntington Station, New York; Milwaukee Emergency Center for Animals Consultant and Adjunct Clinician Greenfield, Wisconsin Exotics Emergency and Critical Care Long Island Veterinary Specialists Teresa Lightfoot, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian) Plainview, New York Avian and Exotic Service BluePearl Veterinary Partners Sharon M. Huston, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (Cardiology) Tampa, Florida San Diego Veterinary Cardiology San Diego, California Andrew S. Loar, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM ALX Laboratories Evelyn Ivey, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian) The Animal Medical Center Four Corners Veterinary Hospital New York, New York Concord, California Lori Ludwig, VMD, MS, Diplomate ACVS Jeffrey R. Jenkins, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian) Veterinary Surgical Care, LLC Avian and Exotic Animal Hospital Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina San Diego, California Douglas R. Mader, MS, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Canine and Cathy A. Johnson-Delaney, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian, Feline) Exotic Companion Mammal) Marathon Veterinary Hospital Avian and Exotic Animal Medicine Center Marathon Sea Turtle Hospital Kirkland, Washington Conch Republic Amy S. Kapatkin, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVS Christoph Mans, MedVet Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery Special Species Health Service Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences Department of Surgical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine School of Veterinary Medicine University of California–Davis University of Wisconsin Davis, California Madison, Wisconsin Eric Klaphake, DVM, Diplomate ACZM, Diplomate ABVP Mark A. Mitchell, DVM, MS, PhD, Diplomate ECZM (Avian) (Herpetology) Animal Medical Center Professor, Zoological Medicine Bozeman, Montana College of Veterinary Medicine University of Illinois Marc S. Kraus, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (Cardiology, Internal Urbana, Illinois Medicine) Senior Lecturer James K. Morrisey, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian) Department of Clinical Sciences Senior Lecturer College of Veterinary Medicine Exotic and Wildlife Medicine Cornell University Department of Clinical Sciences Ithaca, New York College of Veterinary Medicine Cornell University Pamela Ming-Show Lee, DVM, MS Ithaca, New York Cardiology Service The Animal Medical Center Robert D. Ness, DVM New York, New York Ness Exotic Wellness Center Lisle, Illinois Angela M. Lennox, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian) Avian and Exotic Animal Clinic Barbara L. Oglesbee, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian) Indianapolis, Indiana; Clinical Associate Professor Adjunct Assistant Professor Department of Veterinary Clinical Science Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine School of Veterinary Medicine The Ohio State University Purdue University Capital Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center West Lafayette, Indiana Columbus, Ohio CONTRIBUTORS v Connie Orcutt, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian, Exotic Thomas N. Tully, Jr., DVM, MS, Diplomate ABVP (Avian), Companion Mammals) Diplomate ECZM (Avian) Avian and Exotic Animal Medicine Professor of Zoological Medicine Putnam Veterinary Clinic Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences Topsfield, Massachusetts School of Veterinary Medicine Louisiana State University Peter J. Pascoe, BVSc, Diplomate ACVA, DVA, Diplomate Baton Rouge, Louisiana ECVAA Professor Alexandra van der Woerdt, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVO, Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences Diplomate ECVO School of Veterinary Medicine Staff Ophthalmologist University of California, Davis The Animal Medical Center Davis, California New York, New York Joanne Paul-Murphy, DVM, Diplomate ACZM David Vella, BSc, BVSc (Hons), Diplomate ABVP (Exotic Professor Companion Mammal) Department of Companion Avian and Exotic Pets North Shore Veterinary Specialist Centre; School of Veterinary Medicine Animal Referral Hospital University of California, Davis Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Davis, California James Walberg, DVM, Diplomate ACVP Anthony A. Pilny, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian) Consultant Avian and Exotic Pet Medicine Department of Pathology Veterinary Internal Medicine and Allergy Specialists The Animal Medical Center New York, New York New York, New York Christal G. Pollock, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian) Bruce H. Williams, DVM, Diplomate ACVP Veterinary Consultant Senior Pathologist Lafeber Company Veterinary Pathology Service Cleveland, Ohio Joint Pathology Center Washington, D.C. Lauren V. Powers, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian) Avian and Exotic Pet Service Nicole R. Wyre, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian) Carolina Veterinary Specialists Chief, Special Species Section Huntersville, North Carolina Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital School of Veterinary Medicine Karen L. Rosenthal, DVM, MS University of Pennsylvania Associate Professor of Special Species Medicine Philadelphia, Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine University of Pennsylvania Ashley Zehnder, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Post Doctoral Scholar Department of Comparative Medicine Jonathan Rubinstein, DVM Stanford University Avian and Exotic Service Stanford, California BluePearl Veterinary Partners Tampa, Florida Andrea Siegel, DVM ALX Laboratories The Animal Medical Center New York, New York Kathy Tater, DVM, Diplomate ACVD Master’s of Public Health Candidate in Quantitative Methods Harvard School of Public Health; Clinical Assistant Professor Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine Tufts University North Grafton, Massachusetts I dedicate this book to all of my friends and very close colleagues who have supported me through some very difficult times in these last 5 years. Without their encouragement and support, pulling this book together in the face of both personal and professional challenges would not have been possible. In particular, I thank Connie Orcutt, Laurie Hess, Tom Donnelly, Heidi Hoefer, Susan Orosz, and my co-editor, Jim Carpenter, all of whom I have worked with and learned from for many years in this profession. I thank my sister, Marcia Quesenberry, for her unwavering support, encouragement, and love. I also give special thanks and love to my children, Zachary and Chelsea Messinger, who are always at the center of my life and being. Katherine E. Quesenberry I wish to acknowledge all those who have contributed to our knowledge and understanding of small mammal medicine; Dr. Kathy Quesenberry for graciously cajoling me into collaborating on yet another edition of the Pink Book; and the many colleagues, interns and residents, and students who have inspired my professional life. I also wish to thank veterinary students Caitlin Burrell, Richard Brooksby, and Amy Guersey for their “office assistance,” and especially Dr. Chris Marion for his editorial assistance in the preparation of this edition of Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery. I would like to dedicate this book to my family (wife, Terry; son, Michael; and daughter, Erin, and her family–husband, Steve, and kids, Kylie, Hayden, and Asher) who have supported me as I pursue my passion for zoological medicine. James W. Carpenter Preface In the 15 years since the first edition of Ferrets, Rabbits, and With this third edition of Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents: Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery, the specialty of exotic pet Clinical Medicine and Surgery, we have tried to stay true to our mammal medicine and surgery has become more mainstream original mission of publishing up-to-date information in a in veterinary practice, and, as a matter of fact, has become an reader-friendly, comprehensive yet concise format. All of the integral component of most small animal clinical practices. The chapters have been updated, with new authors on many of the knowledge base has expanded tremendously as interest in small topics and new chapters added on “Emergency and Critical mammals has prompted research in these animals not as just as Care” and “Behavior.” As the information about these species laboratory species, but as companion animals. As information has exploded, we have tried to focus on the most pertinent and about these species has become much more accessible via Inter- reliable information to present to our readers. Our authors are net websites and chat groups, the public has increasingly recog- among the most respected in veterinary medicine and encom- nized that these species are valued as pets and deserving of high pass a broad range of specialists in exotic pet mammals, internal quality veterinary care. Many pet owners look beyond the finan- medicine, surgery, critical care, and laboratory animal medicine. cial value of these animals and expect state of the art veterinary We are proud to present this third edition of Ferrets, Rab- care at the same level as that given to dogs and cats. The num- bits, and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery to our colleagues bers of small mammals, particularly pet rabbits, chinchillas, and and readers, and we are especially pleased that this edition is guinea pigs, presented to veterinarians for health care has grown in color. We are very grateful to the chapter authors and to our steadily, as a consequence of more accessible information about team at Elsevier, especially Penny Rudolph, Brandi Graham, and their care to the public as well as the increase in spending on Carol O’Connell, for their patience and very hard work in bring- companion animal care in general. As veterinarians, we there- ing this publication together. We are confident that the format, fore must be able to provide a high level of medical and surgical presentation, information, and reliability of the “Pink Book” will care, based on a solid knowledge base, for these pets. continue to set it apart as the standard in this subspecialty of The number of books, publications, and websites that are veterinary medicine. now devoted to the husbandry and veterinary care of small pet mammals is enormous. Whereas previously only a few veteri- Katherine E. Quesenberry, nary texts were published about these species, now there are DVM, MPH, Diplomate ABVP (Avian) many books, serial publications, and journal articles available James W. Carpenter, on various topics ranging from medicine, surgery, imaging, and MS, DVM, Diplomate ACZM clinical techniques to behavior. Some of this work is original, and some works only present the same material reworded into different formats. ix S E C T I O N O N E Ferrets 1 CHAPTER Basic Anatomy, Physiology, and Husbandry Lauren V. Powers, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian), and Susan A. Brown, DVM their obligate carnivore lifestyle. The European polecat is found Domestication History in various areas from the Atlantic to the Ural mountains and Uses dwells along the edges of woodlands and wetlands.12 The Sibe- Anatomy and Physiology rian polecat is found in Eurasia from the thirtieth to the sixtieth Integument degree of latitude, may be larger than the European polecat, and Gastrointestinal System lives primarily in open areas such as steppes, slopes of ravines, Urogenital System and semi-deserts.12 The black-footed ferret is native to the prai- Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Systems ries of North America. It almost became extinct in the wild Respiratory System because of habitat destruction and the decimation of its main Endocrine System food source, the prairie dog, from poisoning and hunting.12 Currently, captive breeding and reintroduction programs are Musculoskeletal System under way in an attempt to reestablish the black-footed ferret Neurologic System and Special Senses into its native range. It is illegal to own this endangered species. Physiology and Reproduction The origin of the domestic ferret, which is traditionally Physiology referred to as Mustela putorius furo, is shrouded in mystery. Body Size and Seasonal Weight Variation The Latin name translates loosely as “mouse-eating (mustela) Reproduction smelly (putorius) thief (furo).” Currently there is a move toward Husbandry using nomenclature that differentiates the wild progenitors of Housing a domesticated species from the domesticate, and some mam- Environmental Enrichment mologists are moving toward referring to the domesticated Nutrition ferret as Mustela furo.5,11 The domesticated ferret may have originated from either the Siberian or the European polecat, or possibly both.5,8,33 It is difficult to find archaeological evi- dence of domestication, possibly because of the ferret’s small skeleton, which may have deteriorated rapidly or was indistin- guishable from wild ferrets living in the environment, or the DOMESTICATION HISTORY lack of paraphernalia associated with the ferret, making them Ferrets belong to the family Mustelidae and are related to wea- archaeologically unimportant.5 Ferrets have been domesticated sels, mink, otters, badgers, stoats, and martens. There are cur- for approximately 2,000 to 3,000 years.5 The first clear reference rently three living species of ferrets (also known as polecats in to domestication is in the writings of the Spaniard Isidore of Europe and Asia): the European polecat (Mustela putorius), the Seville in 622 ad.5 There is a high probability that ferrets were Steppe or Siberian polecat (Mustela eversmanni), and the black- brought by Romans or Normans during their invasions, but footed ferret (Mustela nigripes). All three species live primarily there are currently no references that irrefutably link Romans solitary social lives and are very efficient hunters supporting and Greeks with domestication of ferrets.5 It is likely that ferrets Copyright © 2012 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. 1 2 SECTION I Ferrets were first domesticated over a wide area somewhere in the south Ferrets have long been used to hunt rabbits—not only for to southeastern portion of Europe near the Mediterranean.5 control, but as a food source for human beings. “Ferreting” was Over the centuries, numerous references have been made to the a common sport in the United Kingdom and many other areas use of ferrets in Europe for rodent control in homes, farms, and of Europe. It is still practiced today but to a much lesser degree. ships and for hunting rabbits both for damage control and for Ferrets are released in a rabbit warren area, where they investi- human food, as well as for their pelts. gate burrows and flush out rabbits. The rabbits are then caught The domestic ferret was introduced into Australia from in nets or by dogs or shot by the waiting hunter as they exit their Europe in the 1800s to control the populations of European burrows. rabbits that had been previously released.19 Fortunately, enough Domestic ferrets have been bred for their pelts. A coat made other predators, such as foxes, dingoes, and hawks, preyed on of ferret fur is referred to as fitch. Ferret hair has also been used the ferret so that feral populations never developed.19 However, in other products such as artist’s brushes.19 Ferret fur never when they were introduced into New Zealand for the same really took hold in the United States, but it still exists in a few reason in the late 1800s along with stoats and weasels, there areas of Northern Europe. were no predators to control their numbers.19 Feral populations An entertainment peculiar to English pubs and still found of domestic ferrets therefore developed and are still present in a few isolated areas of the United Kingdom is called ferret- today.8,19 The impact of feral ferrets on native wildlife has been legging. This is a sport in which a man securely ties his trouser controversial. legs closed at the ankles and then places two ferrets, each with The domestic ferret was probably introduced into the United a full set of teeth, into his trousers. He then securely ties the States from Europe by the shipping industry in the 1700s. They trousers closed at the waist. The contest is to see how long he may have come as pets or as hunting companions.8,19 Ferrets can stand having the ferrets in his trousers. If a ferret bites, it can were also used for their pelts and the town of New London, only be dislodged from the outside of the trousers. The record of Ohio, became known as Ferretville because of its huge breeding 5 hours and 26 minutes was set by a 72-year-old Yorkshire man.8 population of ferrets around 1915.19 At the turn of the twentieth Domestic ferrets have also been used to transport cables century, hunting with ferrets was banned in some states to pro- through long stretches of conduit. They have been used to string tect against destruction of the native rabbit population.19 cable for oilmen of the North Sea, for camera crews, in jets, and The pet ferret has changed from its wild progenitor in the pro- for telephone companies.8 cess of domestication in the areas of physiology, reproduction, Ferrets have been used in biomedical research since the and behavior. Reproductively, ferrets mate two or more times a early 1900s, when they were used to study human influenza year compared to polecats at generally once a year.5 The ferret’s and other viral diseases.8 Today ferrets are used in the fields of litter size average of eight is larger than the polecat’s at six.5 Ferret virology, reproductive physiology, anatomy, endocrinology, and coat color has changed, as is the case with most animals that are toxicology.8 Although the use of ferrets in research is very dis- domesticated. Albino ferrets have been bred for centuries and are tasteful to some, much of the information gained has directly often preferred for hunting because of their high visibility. Albino benefited the pet ferret as well. ferrets may also have alterations in their vision and hearing.5 Other The main use for ferrets today, however, particularly in the changes include a 15% to 20% smaller cranial capacity, a wider United States, is as a companion animal. Their popularity has postorbital constriction, and dental crowding.5 Behaviorally, fer- increased dramatically over the past few decades. There has been rets appear to be more gregarious than their wild counterparts, but a proliferation of ferret organizations dedicated to the well- this may be due to juvenilization, which is a common side effect being of this pet. It is difficult to say when the first ferret was of domestication that allows ferrets to live in “litter groups” rather kept strictly as a pet, but it is hard to imagine people in the dis- than their more naturally solitary lifestyle.5 The most noticeable tant past not feeling some attraction to the engaging personality behavioral change is a loss of the innate fear of humans, as well of this animal. as a lack of fear toward unfamiliar objects in their environment.5 Ferrets make suitable pets for many people. They are small, clean, and very interactive with human beings and each other. However, as with all companion animals, the prospective owner USES should be educated on their husbandry requirements and Historically, humans have not domesticated animals primarily behavior. For instance, ferrets (as with most pets) are not suit- for the purpose of companionship. Animals needed to serve an able for children younger than 6 years. Another consideration economic purpose and the same holds true for the ferret. Early is that the majority of ferrets in the United States will likely be references to ferrets record their use for rodent or rabbit con- afflicted by one or more neoplastic diseases as they age. In addi- trol.8,19 Ferrets are efficient little predators that can bring down tion, certain legal restrictions relate to the ownership of ferrets. prey quite a bit larger than themselves and can maneuver in Ferrets are still not considered domestic animals in most areas small spaces more effectively than cats. Ferrets were used on of the United States despite their long history of domestication. ships in colonial days to control the rat populations.8 In the early In some areas, owning a ferret as a pet is illegal, and in other 1900s, the U.S. Department of Agriculture encouraged the use areas permits must be obtained for ownership. of ferrets as a means of controlling rabbits, raccoons, gophers, With the advent of an approved rabies vaccine for the domes- mice, and rats around granaries and farms.8 One needed only to tic ferret, restrictions on their use as pets have been lifted in call the local “ferret master” to bring out his ferrets, which were many parts of the United States. However, in some localities, set loose to do their work and then recaptured to work another even if the ferret is appropriately vaccinated, it can be seized day. Large facilities kept their own ferrets on site. Ferrets are still and destroyed if it bites a human being. Veterinarians should used for rodent and rabbit control in some areas of Europe and therefore be familiar with legislation not only in their state, but Australia today. However, hunting with ferrets is prohibited in in their specific county or city regarding the keeping of ferrets the United States. before they engage in ferret veterinary care. CHAPTER 1 Basic Anatomy, Physiology, and Husbandry 3 have a less dramatic molt and color change than intact animals. ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY Clients should be warned that fur shaved for a procedure may The basic body plan of the domestic ferret is similar to that of not be replaced for weeks to months, and that the fur may ini- other carnivores. The following is a brief review of the clinically tially discolor the skin a bluish hue before erupting and may relevant anatomic and physiologic features of the ferret. Skeletal have a different color or texture than surrounding fur. anatomy is depicted in Figure 1-1, visceral anatomy in Figure Skin and Associated Glands 1-2, and normal radiographic anatomy in Figures 1-3 and 1-4. For radiographic views of select pathologic conditions, anatomy, The thick skin and muscle found on the neck and shoulders see Chapter 35. Selected physiologic values are detailed in Table of a ferret protect it from trauma during fighting and mating. 1-1. The reader is directed to publications containing more Ferrets have very active sebaceous glands, which account for extensive reviews of ferret anatomy and physiology.7,9,10,17,31 their strong musky odor.14 During the breeding season, intact animals have increased sebaceous secretions; this increase results in a noticeable increase in odor, yellow to orange dis- INTEGUMENT coloration of the undercoat, and oily fur.14 Ferrets lack sweat Coat glands, and in part for this reason they are very susceptible to The domestic ferret possesses a fine undercoat and coarse, long heat prostration.14,15,25 guard hairs that provide excellent insulation.7 There are no spe- Anal Glands cific breeds of ferrets, but color and pattern standards exist (Fig. 1-5). The American Ferret Association recognizes the following Ferrets possess a pair of well-developed anal glands, as do all color standards for the purposes of show and breeding—albino, mustelids. These glands produce a serous yellow liquid with black, black sable, champagne, chocolate, dark-eyed white, and a powerful odor. Ferrets that are frightened or threatened can sable. Recognized pattern standards for these colors include express their anal glands but, unlike skunks, are unable to solid, standard, color point (Siamese), blaze, panda, roan, and project the fluid over long distances.14,15 The anal gland ducts dark-eyed white. Mask configuration can change from season to are located at about 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock and open into season and from year to year, making photography an unreli- the anal canal. The glands are typically about 10 mm × 5 mm able method of individual identification. Ferrets living outdoors in size.20 Striated external anal sphincter muscle encloses the tend to be darker in color.20 duct of each anal sac.7,15,20 Ferrets raised at large commercial Ferrets undergo a heavy shed in the spring and the fall as sea- breeding facilities in the United States are routinely descented sonal weight changes occur. The coat may be shorter in summer between 5 and 6 weeks of age. This is despite the fact that the months and longer in the fall, and lighter in color in the winter majority of the odor from a ferret arises from the sebaceous and darker in the fall. Sexually altered ferrets of either gender glands.14 Fig. 1-1 Skeletal anatomy of a ferret. 1, Calvaria; 2, hyoid apparatus; 3, larynx; 4, seven cervical vertebrae; 5, clavicle; 6, scapula; 7, 15 thoracic vertebrae; 8, five lumbar vertebrae; 9, three sacral ver- tebrae; 10, 18 caudal vertebrae; 11, first rib; 12, manubrium; 13, sternum; 14, xiphoid process; 15, humerus; 16, radius; 17, ulna; 18, carpal bones; 19, accessory carpal bone; 20, metacarpal bones; 21, ilium; 22, ischium; 23, pubis; 24, femur; 25, patella; 26, fabella; 27, tibia; 28, fibula; 29, tarsal bones; 30, calcaneus; 31, metatarsal bones; 32, talus; 33, os penis. (Adapted from An NQ, Evans HE. Anatomy of the ferret. In: Fox JG, ed. Biology and diseases of the ferret. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger; 1988:14.)
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