Exotic ferrets and more

What is the domestic ferrets scientific name?

Mustela putorius furo

what is the only ferret native to north America?

The black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes)

Name 2 common domestic ferret color variations?

Cinnamon, albino

Why are ferrets becoming more popular as pets?

They are friendly, inquisitive, easy to house, and easy to handle.

What procedure removes a ferrets scent glands

Descenting

Can neutering completely eliminate a ferret’s scent?

No, it only reduces the scent especially in males

What human disease are ferrets commonly used to model in research?

Influenza

What temperature puts ferrets at risk for heat stroke?

Temperature over 80 F

What type of flooring is recommended in ferret cages?

Solid-bottom floors

What cage accessories help meet a ferrets behavioral needs?

Nest boxes, hammocks, and soft towels for burrowing and hiding

What should a ferrets diet primarily consist of?

Commercial ferret chow or cat food with at least 30% protein

How should a ferret be restrained for basic handling?

Cradled in the crook of the arm

What area is used for SQ injections in ferrets

the loose skin over the shoulders

Which muscles are commonly used for IM injections

Quadriceps or semimembranosus muscles

Which veins are commonly used for IV administrations

Cephalic, saphenous, or jugular veins

Why must feeding tubes be placed carefully in ferrets?

they have no cough reflex, so placement must be confirmed by aspiration

Which inhalant anesthetics are commonly used in ferrets

Isoflurane and sevoflurane

How is anesthetic depth monitored in ferrets

using palpebral reflex, heart rate, respiration rate, and muscle tension.

Name two blood collection sites in ferrets

Anterior vena cava, jugular cephalic

What bacterial disease agent causes proliferative bowel disease?

A campylobacter like organism

How fatal is canine distemper in unvaccinated ferrets?

Nearly 100% fatal

Which types of influenza can infect ferrets?

Both influenza A and B

What virus causes Aleutian disease?

Parvovirus

Is there a definitive treatment for Aleutian disease

No

What is the most common intestinal parasite concern in ferrets

coccidia

What parasite causes canine heartworm disease?

Dirofilaria immitis

Name three common ectoparasites of ferrets

Sarcoptes scabiei, fleas, and ear mites

What noninfectious tumor is commonly seen in ferrets?

Insulinoma

What reproductive disorder can cause aplastic anemia in female ferrets?

Persistent estrus leading to hyperestrogenism

Name 2 other noninfectious diseases of ferrets

Dermatophytosis, megaesophagus, GI foreign bodies, urolithiasis, or dental disease

What order are guinea pigs classified in?

Rodentia

What is the scientific name for guinea pig

Cavy

What is the average lifespan of a pet guinea pig?

5-6 years

Adult male guinea pig weight?

900-1200 g

Adult female guinea pig weight?

700-900 g

At what age do male guinea pigs reach sexual maturity

About 3 months

At what age do female guinea pigs reach sexual maturity

About 2 months

How long is guinea pig gestation?

69-72 days

Typical litter size

2-4 pups

Normal guinea pig heart rate

240-310 beats per minute

How many digits are on the forelimbs and hindlimbs

4 on forelimbs and 3 on hindlimbs

What are male guinea pigs called

Boars

What are female guinea pigs called

Sows

What is parturition called in guinea pigs?

Farrowing

What cells are unique to guinea pigs?

Karloff cells

Why is intubation difficult in guinea pigs?

large tongue, palatal ostium, and narrow oral cavity

What vitamin must be supplied in the diet?

Vitamin C

Name 2 foods high in vitamin C for guinea pigs

Kale and Cabbage

What temp range is recommended for housing?

65-79

What temp do guinea pigs poorly tolerate?

Above 90

What is coprophagy

Eating feces to obtain nutrients

What inhalant anesthetic is commonly used?

Isoflurane

What bacterial respiratory disease is commonly seen?

Pneumonia

What disease result from vitamin C deficiency

Scurvy

Clinical signs of scruvy

Painful joints, reluctance to move, poor bone development, bleeding gums

What is pododermatitis also called

Bumblefoot

What dental problem causes slobbers and drooling

Malocclusion

What fungus commonly causes ringworm in guinea pigs?

Trichophyton mentagrophytes

What parasite causes sarcoptic mange in guinea pigs?

Trixacarus caviae

What is the scientific name of the Mongolian gerbil?

Meriones unguiculatus.

Where do Mongolian gerbils originate?

Mongolia, southern Siberia, and northern China.

What type of environment are gerbils naturally adapted to

Harsh desert environments

How do gerbils differ physically from hamsters?

They are longer, slimmer, and have longer hind legs

Why do gerbils consume very little water?

In their natural habitat, they obtain most water from food.

What gland is found on a gerbil's abdomen?

A prominent sebaceous gland used for territorial marking

What is the normal gestation period for gerbils?

About 25 days

Are gerbils monogamous?

Yes, they can be left together for life.

Do male gerbils help care for the you

Yes

Are gerbils nocturnal?

No

What behavior do gerbils show when startled or excited?

Thump their hind legs

why should you never pick up a gerbil by its tail?

thin skin on tail may slip off

Why are water-additive medications not ideal for gerbils?

they drink very little water

What family do hamsters belong to?

Cricetidae

What is the scientific name of the Syrian (golden) hamster?

Mesocricetus auratus

What is the scientific name of the Chinese hamster?

Cricetus griseus.

What is unique about hamster teeth?

hey are born with a full set of teeth and have no deciduous teeth

Which hamster teeth continuously grow?

The incisors

What are hamster cheek pouches used for?

carrying and storing large amounts of food

What does the word "Hamstern" mean?

Hoarder

What is special about hamster cheek pouches immunologically?

They lack lymph tissue and are an immunologically privileged site.

How long is the estrous cycle in female hamsters?

about 4 weeks

At what age do hamsters reach puberty?

6 to 8 weeks

What is the gestation period of hamsters?

15 to 18 days

How many pups are usually in a hamster litter?

4 to 12 pups

What may happen if a mother hamster is disturbed after giving birth?

She may cannibalize her pups

Are hamsters nocturnal or diurnal?

Nocturnal

What conditions can trigger hibernation in hamsters?

Cold temperatures, reduced food supply, and shortened light cycles.

What temperature range is recommended for hamsters?

65 to 70

What relative humidity is recommended for hamsters?

50% to 60%

Why should you make sure a hamster is awake before handling it?

They may bite if startled

Why should hamsters not be fasted before anesthesia?

Their high metabolism makes them prone to hypoglycemia and hypothermia.