Questions and Answers
What is the scientific name for the domestic ferret?
Which order do ferrets belong to?
Mustelidae
Neutering ferrets can increase their musky odor.
False
What hormone causes female ferrets to become seasonally polyestrous?
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Ferrets can be held by the _______ of the neck for most technical procedures.
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Match the following terms with their definitions:
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What is the gestation period of the hamster?
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The gerbils' posture is affected by their ________, which allows them to stand nearly upright.
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Study Notes
Taxonomy
- Ferrets are classified under the order Mustelidae, which includes weasels, badgers, and minks.
- The scientific name for the domestic ferret is Mustela putorius furo.
Unique Anatomic and Physiologic Features
- Ferrets have a distinctive musky odor due to secretions from apocrine skin glands, often reduced by neutering.
- Female ferrets are seasonally polyestrous and induced ovulators; early spaying is recommended to prevent anemia from prolonged estrus.
- Ferrets' anatomy and physiology are beneficial for biomedical research, notably in studies of diseases and reproductive physiology.
Behavior
- Generally friendly with a pleasant disposition, ferrets may bite when frightened.
- They can be kept individually or in groups.
Restraint and Handling
- Technical procedures typically involve holding ferrets by the scruff of the neck.
- Other restraint methods resemble those for domestic cats; suspending a ferret by its loose neck skin can help calm it.
Administration of Medication
- Medication administration in ferrets mirrors the techniques used for domestic cats.
Blood Collection Techniques
- Blood collection in ferrets is more complex and usually requires anesthesia.
- Possible collection sites include the retroorbital sinus, anterior vena cava, jugular vein, and less commonly, the lateral saphenous or cephalic veins.
Common Disease
- Ferrets are vulnerable to diseases similar to those affecting domestic dogs and cats.
- Vaccination against canine distemper is critical, as it is often fatal in unvaccinated ferrets; rabies vaccination is recommended as a precaution.
- Common infections include Desulfovibrio, which leads to proliferative colitis; flea infestations and dermatophytosis are also noted but are less common.
Guinea Pig Scientific Name
- The scientific name for the guinea pig is Cavia porcellus.
Hamster Health
- In hamsters, proliferative ileitis is commonly referred to as "wet tail."
Hamster Gestation
- Hamster gestation lasts approximately 15-18 days.
Gerbil Posture
- The posture of gerbils is influenced by their hind limbs, which allow them to stand nearly upright.
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Description
Explore the fascinating world of ferrets through these flashcards. Learn about their taxonomy, unique anatomical features, and physiological traits. Perfect for anyone interested in understanding these charming creatures better!
