L20 Small Exotic Mammal Nutrition | Nutrition Exam 3

ferrets, sugargliders, hedgehogs

Why are male ferrets have a higher risk for obesity compared to females

males are typically larger w more adipose tissue

What diet fed by ferret owners can lead to increased risk of obesity in ferrets

• ad-libitum

• mixed commercial pelleted diet w canned cat food

• excessive administration of high fat supplements/treats

What are diet and activity methods to manage obesity in ferrets (and why)

• “meal feeding” is preferred allowing for intake restriction and adjustment

• eliminating/reducing high fat treats

• encouraging exercise

What is the most diagnosed neoplasm in ferrets w incidence percentage

ferret pancreatic beta-islet cell neoplasia

22-25% incidence reported

What are the three main signs of hypoglycemia due to insulinomas in ferrets

• lethargy

• ptylism (hypersalivation)

• weakness

  • (seizures uncommon)

With ferret insulinoma, in an emergency, what could you do to stabilize blood sugar

glucose or corn syrup on the gums (not a good option long term due to stimulation of additional insulin secretion)

What is the long-term tx for ferret insulinoma

• high protein, high fat diet

• food should be available 24/7

• Ferrets should be encouraged to eat every 2-4 hrs

• surgical tx/glucocorticoids

True or false: ferrets experience rare signs of inflammatory bowel disease that is caused by diet change

False: IBD is common and idiopathic

In ferret urolithiasis, what amino acid is the predominant cause of urolithiasis in ferrets

cystine

In the cause of urolithiasis, cystine is what type of AA and is transported at what part of the kidney

Cystine is a disulfide AA

renal PCT

True or False: Cystine is more soluble in alkaline urine

true: Cystine is more soluble in alkaline urine

What are recommended for cystine urolithiasis management

• urine dilution

• reduced methionine and cysteine intake

What is the most common disease in sugar gliders

nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism

What is the cause of nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism in sugar gliders

fed a high sugar/fruit diet

What is the best tx for nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism in sugar gliders

calcitonin may be provided, if blood calcium is normal

True or false: hedgehogs can eat mealworms, crickets and other insects

true (as long as they are not wild insects)

True or false: hedgehogs can eat wild insects and slugs

false

True or false: hedgehogs can eat eggs and cooked meat

true

True or false: hedgehogs can eat uncooked meat and eggs

false

True or false: hedgehogs can eat hard nuts/seeds

false

True or false: hedgehogs can eat raisins

false

True or false: hedgehogs can eat dairy

false

True or false: hedgehogs cannot eat avocado

true

True or false: hedgehogs can eat garlic/onions

false

True or false: hedgehogs cannot eat fruits and vegs

false (in small amounts)

True or false: hedgehogs can eat crickets and wild slugs

false no wild slugs or wild insects

Why can’t hedgehogs have milk

hedgehogs are lactose intolerant