Gastric Hypochlorhydria in Ferret Distemper

In the present investigation 42 female ferrets were studied in regard to the influence of canine distemper in this species on gastric acid secretion. A total of fifteen naturally-infected and 27 non-infected ferrets were fasted and pylorus-ligated, and were either injected with corticosterone (10 or 50 mg/kg, s.c. one injection/day for 4 days) suspended in corn oil, injected with corn oil, on non-injected. Prior to autopsy blood samples were acquired for corticosterone analysis, and at autopsy the volume, pH, free and combined acidity of the gastric contents were evaluated.     

一株水貂犬瘟热病毒的分离与鉴定

为寻找免疫失败的原因,有效防治犬瘟热的流行,对临床一水貂犬瘟热疑似病例,取其肝、脾、脑等组织研磨后接种Vero和BHK细胞分离病毒,并对分离毒株进行一系列鉴定。通过电镜观察,发现了大小约150 nm的副黏病毒样粒子。结果表明,分离株对鹅、鸡、小鼠、家兔、山羊、猪红细胞均无凝集性,该分离株的毒价TCID50为10-4.87;分离株病毒对乙醚、氯仿敏感,病毒的核酸型为RNA。经间接免疫荧光试验,接种病毒的BHK细胞出现特异性的亮绿色荧光。对分离株和对照毒株分别提取RNA进行RT-PCR扩增,最后得到与预期扩增片段(294 bp)相符的核酸电泳带,充分证明分离病毒为犬瘟热病毒。     

Ferret orthopedics.

Orthopedic conditions requiring surgical intervention and correction frequently occur in the ferret patient. Elbow luxations and long bone fractures are among the most common syndromes affecting the ferret patient, which often presents in an emergency setting. Orthopedic conditions in the ferret, as in other mammalian species, are often the result of trauma. Surgical treatment including reduction and stabilization of the affected bony structure, combined with supervision and the recommended postoperative care, can provide a good prognosis to return to normal function for the ferret.     

Emerging Ferret Diseases

There are a number of newly described and emerging disease syndromes affecting the domestic ferret, and the purpose of this article is to make veterinarians aware of these diseases. A recently described systemic coronavirus infection appears to be a variant of the ferret enteric coronavirus and is currently termed “ferret infectious peritonitis.” Disseminated immunopathologic myositis, aplastic anemia/bone marrow aplasia, acute hemorrhagic syndrome, and oral ulcerations are also described, although the exact etiologies for these diseases have yet to be determined. There appears to be at least 2 important amino acid metabolism deficiencies in ferrets: hindlimb weakness in older ferrets (L-carnitine) and cysteine urolithiasis. Ferrets have recently been found to be susceptible to H1N1 influenza, so knowledge regarding this zoonotic disease is essential for veterinarians working with these animals. A novel Mycoplasma spp. has also recently been identified in ferrets with chronic respiratory problems that originated from one breeding colony. Because these diseases are still being investigated, practitioners who treat a ferret patient exhibiting clinical signs consistent with any of the conditions mentioned are encouraged to contact people who are knowledgeable of that particular illness.     

Ferret nutrition.

The unusually short intestinal tract of ferrets and closely related mustelids lacks a cecum and ileocolic valve. As a result, the transit time of ingesta in these carnivores is very rapid compared with other animals, and their food is inefficiently digested. Although the precise nutritional requirements of ferrets have not been determined by feeding defined diets, information has been compiled from experience feeding commercial and analyzed homemade diets to breeding ferrets, fitch, and mink at all stages of their lives. The requirements of spayed or neutered pet ferrets are met by allowing them constant access to drinking water and a palatable, pelleted, or extruded, 90% dry matter, premium cat or ferret food that, as fed, contains at least 15% fat and 30% high quality, meat source protein, less than 30% carbohydrates, and approximately 4 Kcal of metabolizable energy per gram. Lower density diets with more carbohydrate and less protein are associated with poor reproductive performance and growth and greater susceptibility to infectious and metabolic diseases.     

Ferret urogenital diseases.

Improved nutrition and client education have decreased the incidence of certain urinary tract diseases in ferrets. Early neutering programs at commercial breeding farms in the United States have also led to a marked decrease in the incidence of reproductive tract disease, especially estrogen-induced bone marrow suppression. However, the increased incidence of adrenal disease and its secondary effects on reproductive and associated urinary tract tissue presents an ongoing challenge for the clinician working with pet ferrets. Acute and chronic renal failure remain important, though less common, disease entities. It is imperative that the veterinarian working with pet ferrets be aware of the clinical presentation and clinicopathologic abnormalities associated with these syndromes.     

Ferret respiratory diseases.

Ferret behavior often brings them into close contact with potential respiratory pathogens and traumatic insults. Although respiratory disease accounts for a small percentage of cases, they are usually dramatic. Acute and chronic conditions occur, and many lesions are confined to the upper or lower respiratory tree but may not involve both. Pathogens such as influenza A account for a large percentage of upper respiratory infections and often mirror the "flu" season of humans. Traumatic insults to the head and chest are relatively common and account for many veterinary visits. Numerous diseases affecting the upper and lower respiratory systems are discussed, with suggestions for diagnostics and therapies.