Ferrets

What family do ferrets belong to?

Mustelid family

What is the origin of domesticated ferrets?

Domesticated European polecat

How many vertebrae do ferrets have?

C7, T15, L5, S3, C18

What is the dental formula for adult ferrets?

3131/3132

What is the total number of teeth in adult ferrets?

34

What is the average heart rate of a ferret?

180-250 bpm

What is the normal respiratory rate for ferrets?

33-36 breaths per minute

How many mammary teats do ferrets typically have?

8

What is the gestation period for ferrets?

42 days

What is the average litter size for ferrets?

6-8 kits

At what age do ferrets typically reach sexual maturity?

9 months

What type of placenta do ferrets have?

Zonary (endothelialchorial)

What is the primary hormone produced by the pineal gland in ferrets?

Melatonin

What is the shape of a ferret's pupil?

Horizontal elliptical

What is the rod to cone ratio in ferret retinas?

50-60:1

How many lobes does a ferret's right lung have?

4 (cranial, middle, caudal, and accessory)

How many lobes does a ferret's left lung have?

2 (cranial and caudal)

What is the primary energy source in a ferret's diet?

Fat (>20%)

What is the recommended protein content in a ferret's diet?

35-40%

What is the average daily urine output for a ferret in mls?

26-28

What is the average urine pH for ferrets?

6

What type of stomach do ferrets have?

Simple monogastric

Do ferrets have a caecum?

No

How many lobes does a ferret's liver have?

5 (right & left lateral & medial, quadrate)

What is the shape of a male ferret's penis?

J-shaped

What type of ovulators are ferrets?

Induced ovulators

What is the primary cause of adrenal gland disease in ferrets?

Loss of negative feedback due to neutering

What is the average age of presentation for adrenal gland disease in ferrets?

3.4 years post neutering

What is the proper way to handle a ferret for examination?

Grasp around shoulders, hold upright, support weight

Where is the best location to auscultate a ferret's heart?

Between the 6th and 10th ribs

What is a common finding in older ferrets that may be mistaken for a mass?

Benign splenic hypertrophy

What type of hair follicle arrangement do ferrets have?

Compound hair follicle

How often do ferrets typically molt?

Biannually

What type of sweat glands are found on ferret footpads?

Atrichial (eccrine) sweat glands

What type of sweat glands are found on ferret bodies?

Epitrichial (apocrine) sweat glands

What is the structure of a ferret's eye that aids in night vision?

Tapetum lucidum

What is the shape of a ferret's trachea compared to other carnivores?

Wide and very long

What is a common cardiac condition in ferrets?

Dilated cardiomyopathy

What is the structure of a ferret's uterus?

Bicornuate

What is the primary hormone responsible for vulval swelling in female ferrets?

Estrogen

What is the main accessory reproductive gland in male ferrets?

Prostate gland

What is the name of the bone in a male ferret's penis?

Os penis

What hormone is produced by alpha cells in the ferret pancreas?

Glucagon

What hormone is produced by beta cells in the ferret pancreas?

Insulin

What is a common endocrine tumor in ferrets?

Insulinoma