Questions and Answers
The scientific name of the domestic ferret is ___ ___ ___
Mustela putorius furo
What order is the ferret classified in?
Mustelidae
Anatomically, ferrets are similar to ___, ___, and ___
Humans, cats, and dogs
The active ____ gland gives ferrets the musky smell
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Females are larger than males.
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What is the average life span of a ferret?
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The estrus cycle length for a ferret is?
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What is the average litter size of a ferret?
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What might reduce the smell of a ferret?
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Are ferrets legal in all states?
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Females are known as ___?
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Male ferrets are known as ___?
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Ferrets are born ____?
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Ferrets diet type _____
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Ferrets rarely bite unless ___ or ___
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A spayed female ferret is called a ___
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A young ferret is known as a ___?
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Ferrets are ___ ovulators?
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The active ____ gland gives ferrets the musky smell
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What will happen if an intact female ferret is not bred?
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What is a common restraint method on ferrets that has a calming effect?
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What shape is the ferret heart?
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Ferrets were used in the early research of what disease?
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If a female ferret is not induced to ovulate, what condition can occur?
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Ferrets are prone to ___ ___ if exposed to temperatures over 80°?
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What is the makeup of a ferret diet?
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Ferrets can be fed kitten chow as long as it is over __ % protein?
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The ___ ____ ____ or ____ _____ are the best sites for blood collection in ferrets.
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Ferrets can be given injections by what routes?
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A subcutaneous injection is given in the loose-skin in the ____ but might need a ____ needle due to the thick layer of fat in the winter months.
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How many people does an IM injection require in a ferret?
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What are the common sites of an IM injection in a ferret?
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The IP injection is given in the ___ ___
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At what angle should an IM injection be entered while grasping the muscle of the thigh and entering the muscle of a ferret?
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Premedication in the ferret is most often administered intramuscularly into which site?
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The max volume that may be administered IM at one site in a ferret is ___ ml
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You have been asked to place an intraosseous catheter in a very critical ferret. Which bone is most commonly used?
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For collection of a small sample of blood, the ____ and ____ ___ veins are commonly used in ferrets.
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Where are common venipuncture sites in the ferret?
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Study Notes
Ferret Basics
- The scientific name for domestic ferrets is Mustela putorius furo.
- Ferrets belong to the order Mustelidae, which also includes minks, weasels, and skunks.
- Anatomically, ferrets share similarities with humans, cats, and dogs.
Characteristics and Behavior
- Ferrets possess an active sebaceous gland, producing a musky smell.
- Female ferrets, known as jills, are generally larger than males (hobs).
- Ferrets are altricial at birth, meaning they are born undeveloped and require care.
- Their diet is primarily carnivorous, necessitating a high-protein intake of at least 30%.
Reproductive Health
- Ferrets are induced ovulators with a continuous estrus cycle.
- Average litter size for ferrets is typically 8.
- If a female ferret does not breed, she risks experiencing estrogen toxicity or hyperestrogenism, potentially requiring medical intervention.
Lifespan and Health
- The average lifespan of a ferret is between 5 to 8 years.
- Ferrets can be prone to heat stroke if exposed to temperatures above 80°F.
Handling and Restraint
- A common method for calming ferrets is scruffing by gently holding the skin at the back of the neck.
- When administering an IM injection, two handlers are required; one holding the scruff and the other positioning the ferret.
Medical Procedures
- Blood collection in ferrets is often done via the anterior vena cava or jugular vein.
- Common IM injection sites include the quadriceps or semimembranous muscles, with a maximum volume of 0.5 ml per site.
- The optimal angle for IM injections is 45°, while an IP injection is given in the lower abdomen.
Diet and Nutrition
- Suitable diets include commercial ferret chow or high-quality kitten food, provided they meet the protein content requirement.
- Ferrets can be fed kitten chow as long as it contains over 30% protein.
Legal and Care Considerations
- Ferrets are not legal to own in all states, so potential owners should check local regulations.
- Spayed female ferrets are referred to as sprites, while young ferrets are called kits.
Additional Facts
- Ferrets were historically used in influenza research due to their susceptibility to the virus.
- A ferret's heart is cone-shaped.
- The most common site for intraosseous catheter placement in critical cases is the femur.
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Test your knowledge on domestic ferrets with these flashcards. This quiz covers their scientific classification, anatomy, and unique characteristics. Perfect for biology students studying Chapter 9 topics.
