Ferret Medicine

Introduction
Universiteit Utrecht
ESAVS 2008
Ferret medicine
Nico Schoemaker
Division of Zoological Medicine,
Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Utrecht University
Books, journals & organisations
Biology and Diseases of
the Ferret
– Book, journals and organisations
– History & why (do people) keep ferrets as pets?
– Husbandry, odour & feeding
– Handling & physical examination
– Blood collection & medication
– Anaesthesia
– Preventive medicine
– Some important diseases
Books, journals & organisations
BSAVA Manual of Exotic Pets
2e edition (1998)
4th edition
James Fox (ed).
Meredith and Redrobe (eds)
Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins;
BSAVA; ISBN: 0905214471
ISBN: 0683300342
Books, journals & organisations
BSAVA Manual
Rodents and Ferrets
Books, journals & organisations
Ferrets, Rabbits and Rodents:
Clinical Medicine and Surgery
Keeble and Meredith (eds)
BSAVA
2e edition (December 2003)
Quesenberry & Carpenter (eds)
Coming out this Autumn!
ISBN: 0-7216-9377-6
1
Books, journals & organisations
Books, journals & organisations
Exotic Animal Formulary
The 5-minute veterinary
consult: Ferret and Rabbit
3rd edition
Carpenter (ed).
WB Saunders
ISBN: 0721601804
Books, journals & organisations
The veterinary clinics of
North America
Exotic Animal Practice
B.L. Oglesbee
Blackwell Publishing
ISBN: 978-0781793995
Books, journals & organisations
– AEMV
– Association of Exotic Mammal
Veterinarians
– www.aemv.org
Agnes E. Rupley (ed.)
Appears 3 times/year
Elsevier;
ISSN: 10949194
– Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine
is free with membership
– $100,-- per year
– Journal subscription is:
$211,-- per year!!!!!
Books, journals & organisations
– Exotic DVM
– Magazine (free as PDF)
– www.exoticdmv.org
– Discussion forum
– www.exoticdmv.org
History
– Ferrets have been kept for more
than 2000 years in captivity
– No counterparts in the wild
– Ferrets originate from polecat?
– Belong to the family Mustelidae
– Are kept for:
– Hunting
– Pet
– Name
– Mouse
Mustelaeating putorius
furo
smelly thief
Leonardo Da Vinci
2
Representatives out of the groupMustelidae
History
Polecat
– Solitary lifestyle
Badger
Ferret
Stoat
Tree m
arten
Pol
Marten
Mink
eca
– Loves company of others individuals (irrespective of species)
– Dogs and cats go well
Groups over 5 ferrets may lead to
– Prey animals will be killed
severe stress among some ferrets!
t
– Ferret owners (in the Netherlands) have an average of 3 ferrets
We
ase
l
– Keeping male ferrets together is only possible after castration
Why (do people) keep ferrets?
They:
– are small (compared to dogs and cats)
– can be left at home during work
– love interaction
– with people and animals
Husbandry
– They sleep 20 hours per day, but WHEN they are
active, they really are ACTIVE
– Housing
– Never large enough
– Al lot of variation is essential
– have a long lifespan compared to pet rodents
– 6 to 8 years
– They love company
– They are very resourceful
– are very playful, friendly animals
Husbandry
Husbandry
– They sleep 20 hours per day, but WHEN they are
active, they really are ACTIVE
– Cat(ferret) litter box
– Housing
– Water bottle (bowl?)
– Never large enough
– Sturdy food bowl
– Al lot of variation is essential
– They love company
– Sleeping corner / bag
– They are very resourceful
– No straw / hay / saw dust
– They are real escape artists
With thanks to Natascha Schellekens
3