Exotics Flashcards on Ferret Injections

Injections Common in Ferrets

• Common injection methods include SQ (subcutaneous), IM (intramuscular), IP (intraperitoneal), and IV (intravenous).

Injection Sites

• SQ Location: Administer in the scruff; thicker skin may complicate injection.
• IM Location: Preferred sites are the quadriceps or the semimembranosus/semitendinosus muscles.
• IP Location: Lower abdomen, avoiding the cecum; side of injection does not affect outcome.
• IV Location: Sites include cephalic, saphenous, and jugular veins; sedation is needed prior to IV catheter placement.

Blood Collection

• Collection sites for blood in ferrets include:
  • Anterior vena cava
  • Jugular vein
  • Lateral saphenous vein (using the scruff and stretch method)
  • Cephalic vein (small volume)
  • Retro orbital sinus (used for research, not practice)
  • Tail artery (painful procedure)

Bone Marrow Collection

• Bone marrow may need to be evaluated in anemic ferrets; typical collection site is the proximal femur.
• Use a 20 g needle attached to a 1½ inch syringe for collection.
• Prior to collection, hair should be shaved, the site disinfected with procidene and alcohol, and anesthesia administered.

Fluid Administration

• Fluids can be administered via IV (intravenous) and IO (intraosseous) catheters.
• Placement of IV catheters typically uses the cephalic or lateral saphenous veins, occasionally the jugular vein, requiring anesthesia.
• IO catheter placement is done in the proximal femur or tibia, suitable for young, small, or debilitated ferrets.

Oral Medication Techniques

• Pills can be placed in suspension to create a liquid form for administration via syringe or feeding tube.
• Ferrets lack a cough reflex; to ensure proper placement of a tube, aspirate stomach fluid.

Anesthesia

• Injectable anesthetics used include isoflurane and sevoflurane.
• Assess depth of anesthesia by observing palpebral reflex, heart and respiratory rate, muscle tension, and oral positioning.
• Fasting is required for 4 hours prior to anesthesia.

Post-Operative Care

• Signs of post-operative pain include tachypnea, stiff gait, teeth gritting, shivering, half-closed eyes, aggression, malaise, and bristling tail fur.

Diagnostic Imaging

• Quality images during diagnostic procedures can be improved with the use of stockinette.
• Typically, three views are taken for radiographic diagnostics: DV (dorsoventral), VD (ventrodorsal), and lateral.
• Increased frequency of radiographs is necessary due to rapid transit time in ferrets during contrast studies.

Blood Transfusion Protocol

• Cross-matching is not performed even in blood transfusions for ferrets.

Vaccination Protocols

• Required vaccinations include the canine distemper (puppy version) and rabies vaccine.
• The rabies vaccine should be administered after 3 months of age (at 8, 11, and 12 weeks).
• Bordetella and Pseudomonas spp. infections are primarily seen in research contexts.

Infectious Diseases

• Helicobacter mustelae is a gram-negative bacterium.
• Common bacterial diseases include:
  • Helicobacter mustelae
  • Clostridium botulinum
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Staphylococcus zooepidemicus
  • Escherichia coli
  • Desulfovibrio spp. (most common, particularly in young ferrets, with symptoms of bloody stool and rectal prolapse).
• Environmental exposure to carriers of these organisms can lead to clinical disease.

Viral Diseases

• Rabies is a viral disease rarely seen in ferrets; the rabies vaccine is not recognized or required by law in certain states (e.g., Pennsylvania).

Test your knowledge on common injection sites and techniques used in ferrets with these flashcards. Each card covers different types of injections, including subcutaneous (SQ), intramuscular (IM), intraperitoneal (IP), and intravenous (IV). Perfect for veterinary students and professionals interested in exotic animal care.