Atrial Septal Defect in a Ferret (Mustela putorius furo)

A 2-year-old, male castrated ferret (Mustela putorius furo) was presented with progressive abdominal distention and loss of muscle mass despite normal appetite. Physical examination findings included pale mucous membranes, a prolonged capillary refill time, a pulse rate greater than 300 beats/min, and severe abdominal distention. Abdominal ultrasound showed free abdominal fluid and an enlarged liver with distended hepatic veins and caudal vena cava. During the echocardiographic examination, abnormalities observed included a 2-mm-diameter left-to-right shunting atrial septal defect (ASD) with concurrent severe dilatation of the right atrium and eccentric hypertrophy of the right ventricle with mild pulmonary hypertension. All other echocardiographic measurements were within normal limits. The owner declined treatment, and the ferret was euthanized. Postmortem examination confirmed the ultrasonographic findings. The free abdominal fluid (200 mL) was a non-septic fibropurulent exudate. Decompensated right-sided heart failure due to ASD and exudative peritonitis of undetermined origin were the final diagnoses. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an ASD in a ferret.     

Pyloric adenocarcinoma in a ferret.

Pyloric adenocarcinoma was diagnosed in a ferret with clinical signs of gastric distention. The development of this tumor may be related to Helicobacter mustelae infection in the gastric mucosa of ferrets. Pyloric adenocarcinoma has only recently been reported in ferrets and should be considered as a differential diagnosis for gastric distention in this species.     

Bypass Surgery for the Treatment of Small Intestinal Ileus in the Horse A Report of Three Cases

The medical management of three horses with simple and strangulating small intestinal obstructions was unsuccessful and was therefore supported by surgical bypasses. Jejunocecostomies were used to treat horses with postoperative paralytic ileus that was unresponsive to medical management. These horses had abdominal pain, gastric distention, heart rate elevations greater than 60/minute, and small intestinal distention on rectal palpation. Two horses experienced weight loss which responded to bypass removal. The bypass effectively decreased the need for intravenous fluid administration and repeated nasogastric intubation.     

An unusual presentation of canine distemper virus infection in a domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo)

A 4.5-year-old, male castrated ferret was examined with a 27-day history of severe pruritus, generalized erythema and scaling. Skin scrapings and a trichogram were negative for mites and dermatophyte organisms. A fungal culture of hair samples was negative. The ferret was treated presumptively for scabies and secondary bacterial and yeast infection with selamectin, enrofloxacin, fluconazole, diphenhydramine and a miconazole–chlorhexidine shampoo. The ferret showed mild improvement in clinical signs over the subsequent 3 weeks, but was inappetent and required supportive feeding and subcutaneous fluids by the owner. The ferret was then examined on an emergency basis at the end of 3 weeks (53 days following initial signs of illness) for severe blood loss from a haematoma over the interscapular region, hypotension and shock. The owners elected euthanasia due to a poor prognosis and deteriorating condition. On post-mortem examination intraepithelial canine distemper viral inclusions were identified systemically, and abundant canine distemper virus antigen was identified with immunohistochemical staining. It is important to note the prolonged course of disease along with the absence of respiratory and neurological signs because this differs from the classic presentation of canine distemper virus infection in ferrets. Canine distemper virus should remain a clinical suspicion for ferrets with skin lesions that do not respond to appropriate therapy, even in animals that were previously vaccinated.     

Tube gastrostomy in dogs

Tube gastrostomy was performed in 19 dogs over a period of 36 months. Indications for tube gastrostomy included non-oral feeding for the management of oesophageal injuries (nine cases) and dysphagia resulting from oral or pharyngeal trauma (two cases) and decompression and, or, gastropexy for gastric diseases including gastric dilatation volvulus (four cases), gastric outflow diseases (three cases) and gastric neoplasia (one case). All the tubes were placed surgically and left in situ for periods of up to 14 days. Feeding was by frequent bolus administration of a proprietary enteral food initially followed by homogenised commercial dog food. The tubes were readily managed and patency maintained in all cases. Gastric stomata granulated within three days of tube removal. Fourteen dogs recovered and returned to normal oral feeding while three died as the result of their presenting condition. A fourth was euthanased four months after surgery because of recurrence of a gastric malignancy. This review indicates that surgically placed tube gastrostomy is readily performed and is an effective means of providing non-oral alimentation and, or, gastric decompression.     

Systemic Infection Due to Candida parapsilosis in a Domestic Ferret (Mustela putorius furo)

An 18-month-old castrated male ferret (Mustela putorius furo) was presented to the veterinary hospital for acute collapse but died despite initiation of emergency treatment. The body was submitted for a complete postmortem examination. The pathologist determined the ferret was suffering from severe necrotizing encephalitis, necrogranulomatous mediastinal lymphadenitis, and ulcerative dermatitis attributable to systemic Candida parapsilosis. This is the first report of systemic Candida parapsilosis in a ferret.     

Clinical Experience With Jejunostomy Feeding Tubes In 47 Small Animal Patients

The medical records of 39 dogs and 8 cats which had jejunostomy feeding tubes placed using modifications of a previously described surgical technique were retrospectively reviewed. Modifications included the addition of a suture to anchor the feeding tube to the jejunum, the use of a continuous circumferential suture to pexy the jejunum to the abdominal wall, and the placement of a skin suture that penetrated deep into the abdominal wall fascia. All tubes were placed during surgical treatment of a primary intraabdominal disease. Tubes were used for feeding from 1 to 41 days (average 9.7 days). Sixteen patients (34%) developed mild to moderate complications such as chewing at the tube, inadvertent tube removal, tube obstruction, and cellulitis around the ostomy site. Three patients (6%) developed severe complications associated with breakdown of the surgical site. The modified jejunostomy technique was effective for placement of jejunostomy tubes as a complementary procedure to exploratory celiotomy.     

IMAGING DIAGNOSIS–PULMONARY‐TRACHEOBRONCHIAL PROLAPSE IN A NEW CALEDONIAN GIANT GECKO (RHACODACTYLUS LEACHIANUS)

A 3‐year‐old male New Caledonian giant gecko, or Leach's gecko (Rhacodactylus leachianus) presented with acute lethargy and coelomic distention. Findings from survey radiographs and an upper gastrointestinal tract contrast study were consistent with severe aerophagia, a collapsed left lung, and hyperinflation of the right lung due to suspected bronchial obstruction. The gecko was treated with conservative medical management, but was found dead 5 days after presentation. Necropsy findings showed intussusception of the proximal left lung into the left mainstem bronchus and trachea.     

A comparison of owner management and complications in 67 cats with esophagostomy and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding tubes

Esophagostomy feeding tubes were placed in 46 cats. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) feeding tubes were placed in 21 cats. Owner management and complications and facility of use were evaluated retrospectively by review of medical records and owner survey. Both tube types were equally effective for maintenance of body weight, ease of owner management, and complication rates. All of 12 owners surveyed were comfortable with PEG tube management. Ninety-six percent of 24 owners surveyed were comfortable with esophagostomy tube management. The esophagostomy tube can be placed less invasively, without specialized equipment, making it an excellent alternative to the PEG tube.     

Medical and surgical management of esophageal foreign body in a ferret

A ferret was examined because of anorexia, repeated episodes of regurgitation, and subsequent dehydration. Radiography had revealed a radiodense midesophageal foreign body. Results of endoscopy of the esophagus, however, could not confirm the diagnosis. Contrast radiography revealed esophageal perforation, with subsequent penetration of the foreign body into the right pleural space, causing pleural effusion. Surgical repair of the esophagus was performed, and a gastrostomy feeding tube was inserted to provide adequate nutrition during esophageal healing. Nine days after surgery, radiography revealed a severe stricture at the esophageal surgical site. Surgery was repeated; the esophagus was transected, the stricture was removed, and esophageal tissues were closed in 2 layers. Systemically administered antibiotics and gastrostomy tube feedings were continued throughout the post-operative healing period. The esophagus healed with a mild stricture that diminished over time in response to corticosteroid administration.     

BILATERAL PERINEPHRIC PSEUDOCYSTS AND POLYCYSTIC KIDNEYS IN A FERRET

A 3-year-old castrated male domestic ferret was evaluated for abdominal distention. Survey lateral and dorsoventral abdominal radiographs were made. There were two soft tissue radiopacities consistent with grossly enlarged kidneys displacing small bowel and colon cranially, ventrally and caudally. Abdominal ultrasound was performed and revealed bilateral perinephric pseudocysts and polycystic kidneys. The perinephric pseudocysts were found to be dilated renal capsules on exploratory surgery and were drained. On follow up examinations, the pseudocysts were drained by ultrasound-guided paracentesis. The perinephric cyst fluid was distinguished from urine by measuring creatinine concentration and plans were made to resect the renal capsules due to rapid re-accumulation of pseudocyst fluid. The ferret's condition deteriorated and euthanasia was performed. Post-mortem examination was declined by the owner. Perinephric pseudocysts are rare and this is the first published report in a ferret. Ultrasound examination is the most rapid, accurate and non-invasive method for diagnosis of perinephric pseudocysts.     

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma with metastasis in two ferrets.

Exocrine pancreatic adenocarcinoma with carcinomatosis was diagnosed in 2 ferrets. Clinical signs included abdominal distention and hind limb weakness. Ultrasonography revealed moderate ascites in both ferrets, an irregular abdominal mass in 1 ferret, and multiple abdominal masses in the other ferret. The ferrets were euthanatized, and necropsy of 1 ferret revealed carcinomatosis without visceral metastasis.     

IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—RADIOGRAPHY AND ULTRASONOGRAPHY OF BILATERAL CONGENITAL URETEROVESICAL JUNCTION STENOSIS CAUSING HYDRONEPHROSIS AND HYDROURETER IN A FERRET (MUSTELA PUTORIUS FURO)

An 8‐month‐old neutered male ferret was presented for vaccination and preventive treatment for adrenal gland disease. Abdominal ultrasound revealed severe bilateral hydronephrosis and hydroureter. Excretory urography and negative contrast cystography showed bilateral ureterovesical junction stenosis. Positive retrograde cystography demonstrated right ureteral reflux. A subcutaneous ureteral bypass was placed in the left kidney; however, it had to be removed 3 months later due to an obstruction and persistent urinary tract infection. Bilateral ureteroneocystotomy was performed. Although congenital strictures are uncommon in veterinary patients, they should be included in the differential diagnosis in ferrets presenting with hydronephrosis and hydroureter of undetermined cause.     

Circumcaval ureter in two ferrets

BackgroundCircumcaval ureter is an anomaly in the development of the caudal vena cava, rarely reported in ferrets.Materials and methodsInclusion criteria for ferrets were circumcaval ureter confirmed on surgery or post-mortem examination. Data collection of ferrets with circumcaval ureters presented between January 2014 and January 2021 included signalment, medical history, clinical signs, laboratory diagnostics, diagnostic imaging results, treatments, and clinical outcomes.ResultsTwo ferrets met the inclusion criteria. One presented following diarrhea, and one was found on routine examination that revealed a right nephromegaly. Abdominal ultrasound revealed severe unilateral hydronephrosis associated with hydroureter in both ferrets. No obvious cause of obstruction was identified. Biochemical results were unremarkable in both patients. Hydronephrosis was investigated through CT scans, revealing Type 1 circumcaval ureter in both ferrets. Section and relocation of the right ureter by uretero-vesical anastomosis was performed in one ferret. This ferret died 48 hours later following a nephrectomy performed due to persistent hydronephrosis. The second cas underwent right nephrectomy andd ureter resection due to severe hydronephrosis and stenosis of the circuncaval segment. This ferret has remained healthy on followup with no abnormalities found in biochemistries or ultrasound examination.Conclusion and case relevanceFindings suggest that circumcaval ureter should be suspected in ferrets with unilateral hydronephrosis and associated hydroureter without any identified cause of obstruction on abdominal ultrasonography. It should be confirmed with CT scan and/or urography and treated surgically.     

A rectovaginal fistula in a ferret (Mustela putorius furo) with a normal anus: a case report

Background: Rectovaginal fistula is a rare congenital disorder of dogs and cats that may occur with or without imperforate anus. The condition is characterized by a communication between the dorsal wall of the vagina and the ventral portion of the rectum, so that the vulva functions as a common opening for the urogenital and gastrointestinal tracts. Case presentation: A 3-year-old, 0.53 kg, surgically sterilized female ferret (Mustela putorius furo) was referred for passage of feces through the vulva, repeated vaginal discharge and vaginitis. Through physical examination, ultrasound, contrast radiographs, and CT scan exploration, the ferret was diagnosed with rectovaginal fistula which was surgically corrected. A vertical median perineal incision was made starting dorsally to the anal region and extended to surround the fistula. The rectum and vagina were closed separately. Conclusion and case relevance: Early postoperative complications included constipation, fecal incontinence, and perineal soiling in dogs and cats. No complications were observed with our ferret 7 and 15 days after the surgical correction. The purpose of this report is to describe a ferret with rectovaginal fistula as a sole anorectal abnormality that was treated by surgical correction for the first time.     

Endoscopically guided nasojejunal tube placement in dogs for short‐term postduodenal feeding

Objective – To evaluate a method for endoscopically guided nasojejunal tube placement allowing short‐term postduodenal feeding and chyme withdrawal in dogs. Design – Pilot study. Setting – University teaching hospital. Animals – Three healthy Beagle dogs with jejunal nipple valve fistulas. Interventions – After the dogs were anesthetized, an 8 Fr, 250‐cm polyvinyl chloride catheter was advanced through a gastroscope into the jejunum. Correct jejunal placement was established using endoscopic visualization and confirmed by fluoroscopy and radiography. The proximal end of the tube was pulled out through 1 nostril and sutured to the skin of the forehead. Thereafter, jejunal feeding was administered for 4 days. Follow‐up examinations included daily confirmation of the tube's position using radiography, physical examination, and blood analyses. Withdrawal of jejunal chyme was performed after jejunal and oral feeding. Measurements and Main Results – Fluoroscopic examination confirmed that endoscopic visualization alone allowed correct jejunal placement. During a 4‐day postduodenal feeding period, repeated radiographic examination revealed stable positioning of the tubes within the jejunum with minor cranial displacement. The tubes were functional throughout the study without causing identifiable problems. Repeated physical examinations and blood analysis showed no abnormalities. We were able to administer the daily caloric requirements as a liquid diet. Jejunal chyme was successfully withdrawn via the tube. Conclusions – Endoscopically guided nasojejunal tube placement was shown to be a minimally invasive, well‐tolerated method for short‐term jejunal feeding in healthy dogs. This technique is a viable option for dogs requiring jejunal feeding but not laparotomy. The feasibility of chyme sampling is another unique application of the procedure.     

Laparoscopic esophagopexy,fundopexy, and hiatal herniorrhaphy for refractory regurgitation in a racing Alaskan husky sled dog

A 2-year-old intact female Alaskan husky sled dog was presented with a history of chronic exercise-induced regurgitation refractory to medical management. Previous diagnostics were unremarkable except for an endoscopic examination and histopathologic evaluation of the upper gastrointestinal tract that revealed the presence of Helicobacter spp. and mild non-specific inflammation of the proximal duodenum. A laparoscopic hiatal herniorrhaphy, esophagopexy, fundopexy, and ovariectomy were performed without complications in anesthesia or surgery and clinical improvement was observed with continued follow-up for 8 months after surgery.Key clinical message:Surgical treatment for hiatal hernia may be considered in racing Alaskan sled dogs with regurgitation refractory to gastric protectant therapy.     

Assessment of Gastric Ulceration and Gastrin Response in Horses with History of Crib-Biting

It was hypothesized that horses exhibiting crib-biting (CB) have a greater degree of gastric mucosal damage and higher serum gastrin response to concentrate feeding than non-crib-biting (NCB) horses. Eighteen mature horses, 9 CB and 9 NCB, were used to determine prevalence and severity of gastric mucosal damage and effect of concentrate feeding on circulating gastrin. Horses were maintained on pasture with free access to hay and fed a pelleted concentrate diet twice daily. Number of crib-bites and duration of cribbing bouts were recorded in a 24-hour period. Endoscopic examinations (EE) of the squamous mucosa were performed and gastric fluid sampled after 24 to 28 hour feed removal. Following EE, horses were returned to pasture for 72 hours. Blood was collected following 12-hour feed removal (0 minutes), and at 60 and 120 minutes after consuming 1 kg of concentrate. Mean number of crib bites in 24 hours was 1,558 ± 303 with CB peaking prior to and during the afternoon feeding (3:30 PM, P < .05). There were no differences in the number or severity of ulcers, prevalence of hyperkeratosis, or baseline gastric pH between CB and NCB. Serum gastrin concentration at 60 and 120 minutes was greater (P < .05) and tended to be greater (P < .06), respectively, in CB than in NCB horses following feeding of concentrate. Crib-biting behavior in horses maintained on pasture was not associated with gastric mucosal damage; however, consumption of concentrate feed resulted in greater serum gastrin concentration in CB horses.     

The scavenging behaviour of ferrets (Mustela furo), feral cats (Felis domesticus), possums (Trichosurus vulpecula), hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) and harrier hawks (Circus approximans) on pastoral farmland in New Zealand: implications for bovine tuberculosis transmission

AIMS: To identify species that scavenge carcasses in pastoral habitats in New Zealand; to determine whether there were interspecific or intraspecific differences in scavenging behaviour and; to document any interspecific or intraspecific interactions occurring at carcasses. METHODS: Scavenging by ferrets (Mustela furo), feral cats (Felis domesticus), possums (Trichosurus vulpecula), hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) and harrier hawks (Circus approximans) was studied from autumn to midwinter on pastoral farmland near Palmerston (45S, 170E), Otago, New Zealand. Time-lapse video recorders and camera lens mounted with infra-red light illumination were used to monitor carcasses of 10 ferrets, 12 possums, 2 hedgehogs and 7 rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) until they were totally scavenged. RESULTS: Ferrets scavenged 5/8 ferret carcasses, 8/9 possum carcasses and 6/7 rabbit carcasses encountered. Feral cats scavenged 3/8 ferret carcasses, 5/7 rabbit carcasses, and 3/8 possum carcasses encountered. Possums scavenged 1/2 ferret carcasses and 3/4 rabbit carcasses encountered. The proportion of encounters resulting in feeding on ferret carcasses differed between ferrets (45.7%) and possums (6.3%), and between possums and cats (29.7%). Similarly, for possum carcasses, differences were found between ferrets (76.6%) and possums (0%), ferrets and cats (60.6%) and possums and cats. No interspecific differences were found in the proportion of encounters that resulted in feeding on rabbit carcasses between ferrets (85.2%), possums (75%) and cats (73.1%). In 8/12 instances of ferrets coming into contact with other ferrets whilst feeding, ferrets fed together at the carcass. On 1 occasion, 4 ferrets were recorded feeding together. In 7/8 instances where cats and ferrets came into contact over carrion, ferrets maintained possession or displaced the cat from the carcass. CONCLUSIONS: Communal carrion feeding by ferrets may facilitate intraspecific and interspecific transmission of bovine tuberculosis (caused by Mycobacterium bovis) by the consumption of contaminated carrion, fighting, or close-contact activities. Cannibalism may be one mechanism by which tuberculosis is transmitted within ferret populations. Our results also suggest that possums may acquire infection from carrion, despite being mainly herbivorous.