Ferret respiratory diseases

Mycoplasma spp. pneumonia and subsequent pulmonary hypertension in a domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo)

Treatment of Mycoplasma spp. pneumonia has rarely been described in domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo). A 10-month-old, 0.53 kg, female spayed domestic ferret was presented for oxygen-dependent, chronic dyspnea of one-month's duration. Physical examination findings included dyspnea, tachypnea, increased bronchovesicular sounds bilaterally, and an intermittent non-productive cough. Bloodwork abnormalities included a mild leukocytosis (8.6×103/µL), mild neutrophilia (4.0×103/µL), mild hypoalbuminemia (2.7 g/dL), mild hyperglobulinemia (3.3 g/dL), mild hyponatremia (147 mEq/L), and mild hypochloremia (111.4 mEq/L). Radiographs revealed a marked diffuse bronchial pattern with peribronchial cuffing, a mild main pulmonary artery bulge, distended caudal lobar pulmonary arteries, and decreased serosal detail within the abdomen. An echocardiogram revealed indications of moderate pulmonary hypertension and systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve. Polymerase chain reaction testing for Mycoplasma spp. was positive, and treatment was initiated with doxycycline (10 mg/kg PO q 12 h for 16 weeks), prednisolone (0.4 mg/kg PO q 12 h for 13 weeks, tapered to 0.2 mg/kg PO q 12 h for two weeks, then eventually increased to 0.7 mg/kg PO q 12 h until further notice), sildenafil (0.3 mg/kg PO q 24 h for 13 weeks), and oxygen supplementation via an oxygen cage for six weeks. On repeat echocardiogram eleven weeks after initiation of doxycycline therapy, the pulmonary hypertension had resolved. At follow up six months later, the ferret was stable on previously prescribed medications and did not require oxygen supplementation. Mycoplasma spp. and pulmonary hypertension should be considered in cases of respiratory distress in ferrets.

Biology and Diseases of Ferrets

Ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) belong to the ancient family Mustelidae, which is believed to date back to the Eocene period, some 40 million years ago. The taxonomic groups in the family Mustelidae, as recognized by Nowak (1999), include 67 species in 25 genera from North, Central, and South America; Eurasia; and Africa. No other carnivore shows such diversity of adaptation, being found in a wide variety of ecosystems ranging from arctic tundra to tropical rainforests. Mustelids have retained many primitive characteristics, which include relatively small size, short stocky legs, five toes per foot, elongated braincase, and short rostrum (Anderson, 1989). The Mustelinae is the central subfamily of the Mustelidae. The best-known members of the Mustelinae are the weasels, mink, ferrets (genus Mustela), and the martens (genus Martes) (Anderson, 1989). The genus Mustela is divided into five subgenera: Mustela (weasels), Lutreola (European mink), Vison (American mink), Putorius (ferrets), and Grammogale (South American weasels). The smallest member of the Mustelidae family is the least weasel (Mustela nivalis), which weighs as little as 25 g, and the largest member is the sea otter (Enhydra lutris), which can weigh as much as 45 kg (Nowak, 1999).

Mycoplasmosis in ferrets

A newly recognized respiratory disease of domestic ferrets is associated with a novel Mycoplasma species.

We report an outbreak of severe respiratory disease associated with a novel Mycoplasma species in ferrets. During 2009–2012, a respiratory disease characterized by nonproductive coughing affected ≈8,000 ferrets, 6–8 weeks of age, which had been imported from a breeding facility in Canada. Almost 95% became ill, but almost none died. Treatments temporarily decreased all clinical signs except cough. Postmortem examinations of euthanized ferrets revealed bronchointerstitial pneumonia with prominent hyperplasia of bronchiole-associated lymphoid tissue. Immunohistochemical analysis with polyclonal antibody against Mycoplasma bovis demonstrated intense staining along the bronchiolar brush border. Bronchoalveolar lavage samples from 12 affected ferrets yielded fast-growing, glucose-fermenting mycoplasmas. Nucleic acid sequence analysis of PCR-derived amplicons from portions of the 16S rDNA and RNA polymerase B genes failed to identify the mycoplasmas but showed that they were most similar to M. molare and M. lagogenitalium. These findings indicate a causal association between the novel Mycoplasma species and the newly recognized pulmonary disease.

Naturally occurring influenza infection in a ferret (Mustela putorius furo) colony

Tissue samples from 2 juvenile ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) from a colony that was undergoing an outbreak of respiratory disease were submitted to the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Microscopic examination of lung samples revealed bronchointerstitial pneumonia with necrotizing bronchiolitis. Influenza A virus was detected in sections of formalin-fixed lung by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay. A field investigation of the premises and analysis of additional samples led to the confirmation and characterization of an influenza virus with high homology to contemporary reassortant H1N1 swine influenza viruses. Although ferrets have been used extensively to research the virulence and transmissibility of avian, human, and swine influenza virus strains, no published information exists on naturally occurring outbreaks of swine influenza in ferrets.

Ferret care and husbandry

Convivial and playful, the ferret has cohabited with humans for hundreds of years. Maintenance of this mustelid's health and quality of life is paramount for the endurance of the human-animal bond. This review article for veterinary care givers, veterinarians, and staff, encompasses discussions on: husbandry, clinical techniques, prevalent diseases, history taking, physical examination, vaccination, and pain recognition. This article also enables the veterinary community to contribute to the care and welfare of ferret patients by offering facts to distinguish these animals from dogs and cats.

Diagnostic testing for fungal diseases

Fungal infections can be challenging to diagnose, and accurate interpretation of laboratory data is important to ensure the most appropriate treatment for the patient. An overview of the nonspecific diagnostic aids and specific fungal diagnostics is presented. Additionally, a brief summary of the role of free-living saprophytes and pathogenic dimorphic fungi is discussed in relation to exotic animals seen in veterinary practice. The important fungal diseases are reviewed with reported prevalence, hosts and with specific diagnostic testing recommendations.

Gross pathology of small mammals

A review is presented on how to perform a meaningful necropsy of the rabbit, ferret, and guinea pig. Brief descriptions of gross findings of significant diseases are provided in sufficient detail for identification in practice. Diseases are organized by organ systems affected and included based on their clinical significance, incidence, and importance in the United States.